EARLY ACCESS
CARDIOVASCULAR_HEALTH

BLOOD PRESSURE
CHART &
EXPLAINER

Understand your blood pressure reading, what category it falls into, and factors that can affect your measurements. Based on American Heart Association guidelines.

// ENTER YOUR READING

Pressure when heart beats (measured in mmHg)

Pressure between beats (measured in mmHg)

// YOUR CLASSIFICATION

120/80

mmHg

NORMAL

Your blood pressure is in the optimal range. Continue healthy lifestyle habits to maintain these levels.

RECOMMENDED ACTION

Maintain healthy habits. Recheck in 1-2 years or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

// BLOOD_PRESSURE_CATEGORIES

AHA BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORIES

NORMAL
SYS: <120 AND DIA: <80
Optimal range. Maintain with healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management.
ELEVATED
SYS: 120-129 AND DIA: <80
Higher than optimal. Lifestyle changes recommended to prevent progression to hypertension.
STAGE 1 HTN
SYS: 130-139 OR DIA: 80-89
Hypertension Stage 1. Lifestyle changes and possibly medication based on cardiovascular risk.
STAGE 2 HTN
SYS: ≥140 OR DIA: ≥90
Hypertension Stage 2. Medical evaluation and likely medication combined with lifestyle changes.
CRISIS
SYS: >180 AND/OR DIA: >120
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. Wait 5 minutes and retest. If still high, call your doctor or 911.

// MEASUREMENT_FACTORS

WHAT AFFECTS YOUR READING

Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day. Understanding these factors helps you get more accurate readings and identify patterns.

TEMPORARY FACTORS (can raise BP temporarily)

  • Caffeine: Within 30 minutes of consumption
  • Stress/Anxiety: "White coat" effect is common
  • Full bladder: Can add 10-15 points
  • Recent exercise: Wait 30+ minutes
  • Smoking: Within 30 minutes
  • Cold temperature: Causes vasoconstriction
  • Talking: Stay quiet during measurement
  • Crossed legs: Keep feet flat on floor
  • Arm position: Support at heart level
  • Recent meal: Large meals can affect

LIFESTYLE FACTORS (long-term impact)

  • Sodium intake: High salt consumption raises BP in salt-sensitive individuals
  • Physical activity: Regular exercise typically lowers resting BP
  • Weight: Excess body weight increases cardiovascular strain
  • Alcohol: More than moderate consumption raises BP
  • Sleep: Poor sleep and sleep apnea associated with higher BP
  • Stress: Chronic stress contributes to elevated BP

HOW TO MEASURE ACCURATELY

  1. Rest quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
  2. Sit with back supported, feet flat on floor
  3. Place arm on flat surface at heart level
  4. Use appropriate cuff size (80% of arm circumference)
  5. Don't talk during measurement
  6. Take 2-3 readings, 1 minute apart, and average them
  7. Measure at the same time each day
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Important: This tool is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your blood pressure, consult a healthcare provider. If your reading exceeds 180/120 mmHg, seek immediate medical attention.