How blood pressure is measured
Blood pressure is measured by a simple test.
It's measured at 2 points:
- when the pressure is at its highest. This is systolic pressure, when your heart beats and pushes blood out through your arteries
- when the pressure is at its lowest. This is diastolic pressure, when your heart relaxes between beats and fills with blood
Your blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury and is shown as 2 numbers – the systolic blood pressure number over the diastolic blood pressure number. For example; 110/70 mmHg.
As a general guide:
- high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher
- ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg
- low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower
If your blood pressure reading is between 120/80mmHG and 140/90 mmHg it could mean you're at risk of getting high blood pressure and you should try to keep your blood pressure under control.
To help you understand what your blood pressure reading means, use the NHS check your blood pressure tool.
To help reduce your chances of getting high blood pressure visit our home page to find out what lifestyle changes you can make.
If you're diagnosed with high blood pressure you'll also be advised to make these changes. If you make changes early on you may be able to avoid needing any medicines.