Blood Pressure Calculator
Classify systolic and diastolic blood pressure using ACC/AHA and ESC/ESH guidelines with instant interpretation. Use our free Blood Pressure Calculator on
What Is Blood Pressure Classification?
Blood pressure is classified using systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) readings in mmHg. Major guidelines differ slightly: the ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines are widely used in the United States, while ESC/ESH 2018 guidelines are common in Europe. Related tools: Arterial Age Calculator and ABI Calculator.
ACC/AHA Categories
Normal: systolic < 120 and diastolic < 80 mmHg. Elevated: systolic 120–129 and diastolic < 80. Stage 1 hypertension: systolic 130–139 or diastolic 80–89. Stage 2: systolic ≥ 140 or diastolic ≥ 90. Hypertensive crisis: systolic ≥ 180 or diastolic ≥ 120 — seek emergency care.
ESC/ESH Categories
Optimal: < 120 / < 80. Normal: 120–129 / 80–84. High normal: 130–139 / 85–89. Grade 1: 140–159 or 90–99. Grade 2: 160–179 or 100–109. Grade 3: ≥ 180 or ≥ 110. Isolated systolic hypertension occurs when systolic is elevated but diastolic remains below 90 mmHg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a normal blood pressure reading?
Under ACC/AHA guidelines, normal is systolic below 120 mmHg and diastolic below 80 mmHg. ESC/ESH labels this range as optimal.
What is isolated systolic hypertension?
Isolated systolic hypertension (ESC/ESH) means elevated systolic pressure (≥ 140 mmHg) with normal diastolic pressure (< 90 mmHg). It is common in older adults.
When is blood pressure a medical emergency?
Under ACC/AHA guidelines, systolic ≥ 180 mmHg or diastolic ≥ 120 mmHg is hypertensive crisis. Seek immediate medical attention, especially with symptoms like chest pain or severe headache.
Which guideline should I use?
Use the guideline recommended by your healthcare provider. ACC/AHA is standard in the US; ESC/ESH is standard in Europe. Both classify risk similarly at higher levels.
Should I diagnose hypertension from one reading?
No. Hypertension diagnosis requires multiple readings on separate occasions. Home monitoring and clinical follow-up are essential.