Know your numbers
What does your blood pressure reading mean?
Type in a reading from a home monitor or a pharmacy and see what range it falls in, with a small diary to spot patterns. General guidance only, not a diagnosis.
Your diary
Example readings to start with. New readings stay on this page only.
The ranges
Blood pressure ranges in plain words
Based on common guidance for adults. Your doctor may set a different target for you.
| Range | Top number | Bottom number | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usual range | Below 120 | and below 80 | Check every few months. |
| Slightly raised | 120 to 129 | and below 80 | Look at salt, movement and sleep. |
| Raised | 130 to 139 | or 80 to 89 | Measure on several days, share with a doctor. |
| High | 140 or more | or 90 or more | Book a blood pressure clinic visit. |
| Very high | 180 or more | or 120 or more | Seek care today. With chest pain or weakness, call 112. |
Measuring well
Five habits for a true reading
Rest first
Sit quietly for five minutes, back supported, feet flat.
Arm at heart level
Cuff on bare skin, arm resting on a table.
No coffee or cigarettes
For 30 minutes before you measure.
Twice, a minute apart
Write both down, morning and evening for a week.
Questions
About blood pressure
Why is my reading higher at the clinic?
Many people feel tense with a doctor. That is why home readings and 24-hour monitoring are so useful.
Which monitor should I buy?
An upper-arm monitor that has been validated. Bring it to clinic and we will check it against ours.
Can high blood pressure have no symptoms?
Yes, very often. Many people feel completely well. Measuring is the only way to know.
Ready when you are
Let us look after your heart, gently.
Book online in about three minutes, call the clinic, or let the care assistant find you a slot.