Check whether a blood pressure reading is ideal, high or low, using UK (NHS) and US (AHA/ACC) categories, and what to do next.
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UK categories
| Reading | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 90/60 | Low blood pressure |
| 90/60 to 120/80 | Ideal |
| Above 120/80, below 140/90 | Slightly higher than ideal |
| 140/90 or higher (135/85 at home) | High blood pressure |
US categories (2025 AHA/ACC guideline)
| Systolic | Diastolic | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Below 120 | and below 80 | Normal |
| 120–129 | and below 80 | Elevated |
| 130–139 | or 80–89 | Stage 1 hypertension |
| 140 or higher | or 90 or higher | Stage 2 hypertension |
| Above 180 | and/or above 120 | Severe hypertension |
The UK and US use different thresholds, so the same reading can be “slightly higher than ideal” in the UK and “stage 1” in the US.
Examples
- 128/82 at home: slightly higher than ideal (UK), stage 1 (US).
- 138/88 at home: high by the UK home threshold of 135/85.
- 185/95: very high. Re-check after resting; if it’s still this high or you have symptoms, get urgent help.
Taking an accurate reading
- Sit with your back supported and feet flat for 5 minutes first.
- Rest your arm on a table at heart level.
- Avoid caffeine, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before.
- Take two or three readings a minute apart and use the average.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
In the UK, ideal is between 90/60 and 120/80. In the US, normal is below 120/80.
What counts as high blood pressure?
140/90 or higher when measured by a professional, or 135/85 or higher at home, in the UK.
What is the top number?
Systolic pressure: the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number, diastolic, is the pressure between beats.
Is 130/80 high?
In the UK it’s slightly higher than ideal. In the US it counts as stage 1 hypertension.
Sources
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