Blood Pressure Category Checker: US and European Guidelines

The same blood pressure reading can be “stage 1 hypertension” in the United States and “elevated” in Europe.^1,4 This checker shows where a reading falls under both systems, flags very high readings, and explains why home measurements over several days usually give a fairer picture than one reading at the doctor’s office.

Systolic (upper)

Diastolic (lower)

Type of reading

The categories

American (ACC/AHA 2017): normal below 120/80; elevated 120–129 and below 80; stage 1 hypertension 130–139 or 80–89; stage 2 hypertension 140 or higher or 90 or higher.⁴ European (ESC 2024), office readings: non-elevated below 120/70; elevated 120–139/70–89; hypertension 140/90 or higher. Home averages: hypertension at 135/85 or higher.¹

Measuring well

Sit quietly for about five minutes, keep the arm supported at heart level, and take two or three readings.^1,4 Averages from mornings and evenings over several days describe your usual blood pressure better than a single reading.^1,3

References

Every figure and statement in this tool is linked to a source: the original study where my article cites one, otherwise my own article on the topic. The small numbers in the text refer to this list.

Sources

This tool is based on the articles below and the studies cited in them:

This tool is for general education. It does not diagnose, interpret your own results, give personal recommendations or replace an assessment by your doctor.