{"id":1007,"date":"2026-10-18T13:26:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-18T13:26:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/?page_id=1007"},"modified":"2026-11-13T05:07:59","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T05:07:59","slug":"blood-pressure-calculator-nhs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/blood-pressure-calculator-nhs\/","title":{"rendered":"Blood Pressure Calculator NHS | Normal Blood Pressure Chart"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><main id=\"main-content\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"content-wrap\">\n<p>    <!-- LEFT COLUMN --><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>      <!-- CALCULATOR --><\/p>\n<div class=\"calc-card\" id=\"calculator\">\n<h2>\u2764\ufe0f NHS Blood Pressure Checker<\/h2>\n<p class=\"calc-sub\">Enter your systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) readings from your most recent blood pressure measurement.<\/p>\n<p>        <!-- Big number inputs --><\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin-bottom:20px;\">\n<div class=\"bp-input-group\" style=\"flex:1;\">\n<div class=\"big-label\">Systolic (Top Number)<\/div>\n<p>            <input type=\"number\" id=\"systolic\" placeholder=\"120\" min=\"50\" max=\"300\" aria-label=\"Systolic blood pressure\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"unit\">mmHg<\/div>\n<div class=\"sub\">Pressure when heart beats<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"bp-slash\">\/<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp-input-group\" style=\"flex:1;\">\n<div class=\"big-label\">Diastolic (Bottom Number)<\/div>\n<p>            <input type=\"number\" id=\"diastolic\" placeholder=\"80\" min=\"30\" max=\"200\" aria-label=\"Diastolic blood pressure\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"unit\">mmHg<\/div>\n<div class=\"sub\">Pressure between beats<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <!-- Additional inputs --><\/p>\n<div class=\"form-row-3\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n            <label for=\"ageGroup\">Age Group<\/label><br \/>\n            <select id=\"ageGroup\"><option value=\"18-39\">18\u201339 years<\/option><option value=\"40-59\" selected>40\u201359 years<\/option><option value=\"60plus\">60+ years<\/option><\/select>\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n            <label for=\"gender\">Sex<\/label><br \/>\n            <select id=\"gender\"><option value=\"any\" selected>Any \/ Prefer not to say<\/option><option value=\"male\">Male<\/option><option value=\"female\">Female<\/option><\/select>\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n            <label for=\"measurement\">Measured At<\/label><br \/>\n            <select id=\"measurement\"><option value=\"clinic\" selected>GP \/ Clinic<\/option><option value=\"home\">Home monitor<\/option><option value=\"pharmacy\">Pharmacy<\/option><\/select>\n          <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <button class=\"calc-btn\" onclick=\"checkBP()\"><br \/>\n          \u2764\ufe0f Check My Blood Pressure<br \/>\n        <\/button><\/p>\n<p>        <!-- RESULTS --><\/p>\n<div class=\"results-box\" id=\"resultsBox\">\n<p>          <!-- Category hero --><\/p>\n<div class=\"bp-result-hero\" id=\"bpResultHero\">\n<div class=\"brh-label\">Your Blood Pressure Reading<\/div>\n<div class=\"brh-reading\" id=\"brhReading\">\u2014\/\u2014<\/div>\n<div class=\"brh-category\" id=\"brhCategory\">\u2014<\/div>\n<div class=\"brh-action\" id=\"brhAction\">\u2014<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <!-- Gauge --><\/p>\n<div class=\"bp-gauge-wrap\">\n<div class=\"bg-title\">\ud83d\udcca NHS Blood Pressure Scale<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp-gauge\" id=\"bpGauge\">\n<div class=\"gauge-seg low\">Low<\/div>\n<div class=\"gauge-seg normal\">Normal<\/div>\n<div class=\"gauge-seg elevated\">Elevated<\/div>\n<div class=\"gauge-seg high1\">High 1<\/div>\n<div class=\"gauge-seg high2\">High 2<\/div>\n<div class=\"gauge-seg crisis\">Crisis<\/div>\n<div class=\"gauge-marker\" id=\"gaugeMarker\" style=\"left:35%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"gauge-labels\">\n              <span>Below 90<\/span><br \/>\n              <span>120\/80<\/span><br \/>\n              <span>130\/85<\/span><br \/>\n              <span>140\/90<\/span><br \/>\n              <span>160\/100<\/span><br \/>\n              <span>180\/120+<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <!-- Stats --><\/p>\n<div class=\"stats-row\">\n<div class=\"stat-card\">\n<div class=\"sc-lbl\">Systolic<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-val\" id=\"statSys\">\u2014<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-sub\">mmHg (top)<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"stat-card\">\n<div class=\"sc-lbl\">Diastolic<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-val\" id=\"statDia\">\u2014<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-sub\">mmHg (bottom)<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"stat-card\">\n<div class=\"sc-lbl\">Pulse Pressure<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-val\" id=\"statPulse\">\u2014<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-sub\">mmHg difference<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <!-- Advice --><\/p>\n<div class=\"advice-box\" id=\"adviceBox\">\n<h4 id=\"adviceTitle\">\u2014<\/h4>\n<ul id=\"adviceList\"><\/ul>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"result-disclaimer\">\n<p>\u26a0\ufe0f <strong>A single reading is not a diagnosis.<\/strong> Blood pressure varies throughout the day. The NHS diagnoses hypertension based on multiple readings taken over time. Always see your GP for a proper assessment. If above 180\/120 mmHg, seek urgent care.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- \/calc-card --><\/p>\n<p>      <!-- ARTICLE --><\/p>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<h2>What Is the NHS Blood Pressure Calculator?<\/h2>\n<p>\n          Our free <strong>blood pressure calculator NHS<\/strong> allows you to enter your systolic<br \/>\n          and diastolic blood pressure readings and instantly see your NHS blood pressure category \u2014<br \/>\n          along with what your reading means and what steps the NHS recommends you take next.\n        <\/p>\n<p>\n          Understanding your blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do for your<br \/>\n          long-term health. High blood pressure (hypertension) affects approximately <strong>1 in 3<br \/>\n          adults in the UK<\/strong>, according to NHS data for 2026 \u2014 yet it causes no symptoms in<br \/>\n          most people. This is why it is sometimes called &#8220;the silent killer.&#8221; Regular monitoring with<br \/>\n          tools like our <strong>NHS blood pressure calculator<\/strong> is a critical first step in<br \/>\n          protecting your cardiovascular health.\n        <\/p>\n<div class=\"box-red\">\n<p>\ud83d\udea8 <strong>Emergency:<\/strong> If your blood pressure reading is 180\/120 mmHg or higher, call 999 or go to A&amp;E immediately. This is a hypertensive crisis requiring urgent medical attention.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>What Is Blood Pressure? Reading the Numbers<\/h2>\n<p>\n          Blood pressure is the force exerted by your blood against the walls of your arteries as<br \/>\n          your heart pumps it around your body. Every blood pressure reading consists of two numbers,<br \/>\n          written as one over the other \u2014 for example, <strong>120\/80 mmHg<\/strong>:\n        <\/p>\n<div class=\"box-blue\">\n<p>\n            \u2764\ufe0f <strong>Systolic pressure (top number):<\/strong> The pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood out. This is always the higher number.<\/p>\n<p>            \ud83d\udc99 <strong>Diastolic pressure (bottom number):<\/strong> The pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes and refills between beats. This is always the lower number.<\/p>\n<p>            Both are measured in <strong>millimetres of mercury (mmHg)<\/strong>.\n          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>NHS Blood Pressure Chart \u2014 Categories Explained 2026<\/h2>\n<p>\n          The NHS uses the following blood pressure categories in 2026. These thresholds are consistent<br \/>\n          with NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) clinical guidelines:\n        <\/p>\n<table class=\"bp-chart-table\" aria-label=\"NHS blood pressure chart categories 2026\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Category<\/th>\n<th>Systolic (mmHg)<\/th>\n<th>Diastolic (mmHg)<\/th>\n<th>NHS Advice<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cat-pill cat-low\">\u2b07\ufe0f Low (Hypotension)<\/span><\/td>\n<td>Below 90<\/td>\n<td>Below 60<\/td>\n<td>See your GP if symptomatic (dizziness, fainting, fatigue)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cat-pill cat-normal\">\u2705 Ideal \/ Normal<\/span><\/td>\n<td>90\u2013120<\/td>\n<td>60\u201380<\/td>\n<td>Excellent. Maintain healthy lifestyle. Check every 5 years.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cat-pill cat-elevated\">\u26a0\ufe0f Pre-High \/ Elevated<\/span><\/td>\n<td>120\u2013139<\/td>\n<td>80\u201389<\/td>\n<td>Lifestyle changes recommended. Monitor every 6\u201312 months.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cat-pill cat-high1\">\ud83d\udd36 High Stage 1<\/span><\/td>\n<td>140\u2013159<\/td>\n<td>90\u201399<\/td>\n<td>See your GP. Lifestyle changes essential. May need medication.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cat-pill cat-high2\">\ud83d\udd34 High Stage 2<\/span><\/td>\n<td>160\u2013179<\/td>\n<td>100\u2013119<\/td>\n<td>See your GP soon. Medication likely required alongside lifestyle changes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cat-pill cat-crisis\">\ud83d\udea8 Hypertensive Crisis<\/span><\/td>\n<td>180 or above<\/td>\n<td>120 or above<\/td>\n<td><strong>Call 999 or go to A&amp;E immediately.<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>\n          Note: The NHS diagnoses hypertension when your blood pressure is consistently at or above<br \/>\n          <strong>140\/90 mmHg<\/strong> in a clinic setting, or <strong>135\/85 mmHg<\/strong> when<br \/>\n          measured at home (ABPM or home monitoring). A single high reading does not mean you have<br \/>\n          hypertension \u2014 multiple readings are taken over time before a diagnosis is made.\n        <\/p>\n<h2>Normal Blood Pressure by Age \u2014 NHS Guide UK 2026<\/h2>\n<p>\n          While the NHS diagnostic threshold for hypertension is the same across adult age groups<br \/>\n          (140\/90 mmHg), average blood pressure does tend to increase with age due to changes in<br \/>\n          arterial stiffness. Here is a reference guide to normal blood pressure ranges by age for<br \/>\n          UK adults, based on NHS and NICE data for 2026:\n        <\/p>\n<table class=\"data-table\" aria-label=\"Normal blood pressure by age UK NHS 2026\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Age Group<\/th>\n<th>Normal Range (Systolic)<\/th>\n<th>Normal Range (Diastolic)<\/th>\n<th>Note<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>18\u201329<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"ok\">108\u2013120 mmHg<\/td>\n<td class=\"ok\">68\u201380 mmHg<\/td>\n<td>Healthy young adults<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>30\u201339<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"ok\">110\u2013122 mmHg<\/td>\n<td class=\"ok\">70\u201382 mmHg<\/td>\n<td>Slight age-related rise begins<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>40\u201349<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"ok\">112\u2013125 mmHg<\/td>\n<td class=\"ok\">70\u201383 mmHg<\/td>\n<td>Regular monitoring recommended<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>50\u201359<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"mid\">116\u2013130 mmHg<\/td>\n<td class=\"mid\">72\u201385 mmHg<\/td>\n<td>Annual BP checks advised by NHS<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>60\u201369<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"mid\">121\u2013135 mmHg<\/td>\n<td class=\"mid\">75\u201385 mmHg<\/td>\n<td>NHS treatment target: below 150\/90<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>70\u201379<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"mid\">122\u2013140 mmHg<\/td>\n<td class=\"mid\">76\u201386 mmHg<\/td>\n<td>GP review if approaching 140\/90<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>80+<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"mid\">Up to 150 mmHg<\/td>\n<td class=\"mid\">Up to 90 mmHg<\/td>\n<td>NHS treatment target: below 150\/90<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>\n          These are population-level averages. What matters clinically is whether your reading<br \/>\n          consistently exceeds the NHS diagnostic threshold \u2014 not whether it exactly matches an<br \/>\n          age-based average. Your GP will assess your blood pressure in the context of your overall<br \/>\n          cardiovascular risk, including weight, cholesterol, smoking status, and family history.\n        <\/p>\n<p>\n          Weight plays a significant role in blood pressure. Being overweight increases cardiac<br \/>\n          workload and is one of the most modifiable risk factors for hypertension. Use our<br \/>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/visual-bmi-calculator.html\">Visual BMI Calculator<\/a><br \/>\n          and <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/ideal-weight-calculator-uk.html\">Ideal Weight Calculator UK<\/a><br \/>\n          to check your BMI and set a healthy weight target.\n        <\/p>\n<h2>What Causes High Blood Pressure?<\/h2>\n<p>\n          High blood pressure (hypertension) has many contributing causes. The NHS identifies the<br \/>\n          following as the primary modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors:\n        <\/p>\n<h3>Modifiable Risk Factors (Within Your Control)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Excess weight:<\/strong> Being overweight forces the heart to work harder, increasing pressure in the arteries. Losing even 5\u201310% of body weight can lower blood pressure meaningfully.<\/li>\n<li><strong>High salt intake:<\/strong> Excess dietary sodium causes the body to retain water, increasing blood volume and pressure. The NHS recommends limiting salt to 6g per day (approximately 1 teaspoon).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lack of physical activity:<\/strong> Sedentary behaviour raises resting heart rate and contributes to arterial stiffness. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Alcohol:<\/strong> Regular heavy drinking raises blood pressure. The NHS recommends no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over at least 3 days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Smoking:<\/strong> Each cigarette temporarily raises blood pressure and damages arterial walls, accelerating atherosclerosis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chronic stress:<\/strong> Prolonged stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, keeping blood pressure elevated for extended periods.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Poor diet:<\/strong> Low fruit and vegetable intake, high processed food consumption, and insufficient potassium all contribute to hypertension.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Non-Modifiable Risk Factors<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> Arteries naturally stiffen with age, increasing systolic blood pressure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Family history:<\/strong> Hypertension has a strong genetic component.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ethnicity:<\/strong> People of Black African or Caribbean heritage have a higher risk of hypertension in the UK, per NHS data.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chronic conditions:<\/strong> Kidney disease, diabetes, sleep apnoea, and certain hormonal conditions can raise blood pressure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Lower Blood Pressure \u2014 NHS Recommended Steps 2026<\/h2>\n<p>\n          For readings in the elevated or Stage 1 hypertension range, the NHS prioritises lifestyle<br \/>\n          changes before medication in most cases. Here are the evidence-based steps recommended<br \/>\n          by NHS England in 2026:\n        <\/p>\n<div class=\"tip-card\">\n<div class=\"tip-icon\">\ud83e\uddc2<\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-body\">\n<h4>Reduce Salt to Under 6g Per Day<\/h4>\n<p>Cutting salt is the single most effective dietary change for lowering blood pressure. The average UK adult consumes around 8\u20139g per day. Avoid adding salt at the table, reduce processed foods, and check food labels \u2014 sodium above 0.6g per 100g is considered high. A reduction of 3g per day can lower systolic BP by approximately 3\u20135 mmHg.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-card\">\n<div class=\"tip-icon\">\ud83e\udd66<\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-body\">\n<h4>Follow the DASH or NHS Eatwell Diet<\/h4>\n<p>The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet \u2014 rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy, with limited red meat and sweets \u2014 is clinically shown to reduce blood pressure by 8\u201314 mmHg. The NHS Eatwell Guide is broadly aligned with DASH principles.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-card\">\n<div class=\"tip-icon\">\ud83c\udfc3<\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-body\">\n<h4>Exercise 150+ Minutes Per Week<\/h4>\n<p>Regular aerobic exercise strengthens the heart, reduces arterial stiffness, and lowers resting blood pressure. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly (brisk walking, cycling, swimming). Even a 10 mmHg reduction in systolic BP is achievable through regular exercise alone.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-card\">\n<div class=\"tip-icon\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-body\">\n<h4>Lose Weight If BMI Is Above 25<\/h4>\n<p>Losing 5 kg can reduce systolic blood pressure by approximately 4\u20135 mmHg. For personalised targets, check our <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/visual-bmi-calculator.html\">Visual BMI Calculator<\/a>. For safe weight loss guidance, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/calorie-deficit-calculator-nhs.html\">Calorie Deficit Calculator NHS<\/a> and our guide on the <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/safe-rate-of-weight-loss-per-week.html\">safe rate of weight loss per week<\/a>. Even modest weight loss significantly reduces cardiovascular risk.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-card\">\n<div class=\"tip-icon\">\ud83d\udead<\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-body\">\n<h4>Stop Smoking Completely<\/h4>\n<p>Smoking temporarily raises blood pressure with each cigarette and permanently damages arterial walls. Stopping smoking is the single most important lifestyle change a smoker can make for their cardiovascular health. The NHS Smokefree helpline (0300 123 1044) provides free support.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-card\">\n<div class=\"tip-icon\">\ud83c\udf77<\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-body\">\n<h4>Limit Alcohol to Under 14 Units Per Week<\/h4>\n<p>Alcohol raises blood pressure and contributes to weight gain, irregular heartbeat, and stroke risk. The NHS recommends a maximum of 14 units per week for both men and women, spread across at least 3 days with several alcohol-free days. Reducing alcohol intake by 3 units per day can lower systolic BP by approximately 3\u20134 mmHg.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-card\">\n<div class=\"tip-icon\">\ud83e\ude7a<\/div>\n<div class=\"tip-body\">\n<h4>See Your GP for Stage 1+ Hypertension<\/h4>\n<p>If your blood pressure consistently reads above 140\/90 mmHg, you should speak to your GP. They may prescribe antihypertensive medication (such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, or thiazide diuretics) alongside lifestyle advice. Regular monitoring and medication review are part of ongoing NHS hypertension care. UK adults can also check blood pressure for free at many pharmacies and GP surgeries.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"box-green\">\n<p>\n            \ud83d\udca1 <strong>Related health tools:<\/strong> High blood pressure is closely linked to excess weight and poor diet. Track your BMI with our <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/visual-bmi-calculator.html\">Visual BMI Calculator<\/a> and find your healthy weight target with the <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/ideal-weight-calculator-uk.html\">Ideal Weight Calculator UK<\/a>. For weight loss guidance, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/nhs-vs-cdc-weight-loss-guidelines-explained.html\">NHS vs CDC weight loss guidelines explained<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/0-5-1kg-weight-loss-rule-explained.html\">0.5\u20131 kg weight loss rule explained<\/a>.\n          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>How to Measure Blood Pressure Accurately<\/h2>\n<p>\n          An accurate blood pressure reading requires the right technique. The NHS recommends the<br \/>\n          following steps for home monitoring:\n        <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sit quietly for at least <strong>5 minutes<\/strong> before measuring<\/li>\n<li>Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported and feet flat on the floor<\/li>\n<li>Rest your arm on a flat surface at heart level, palm upward<\/li>\n<li>Do not smoke, drink caffeine, or exercise within <strong>30 minutes<\/strong> before measuring<\/li>\n<li>Use a validated upper arm cuff monitor (wrist monitors are less accurate)<\/li>\n<li>Take <strong>two readings<\/strong> 1\u20132 minutes apart and record both<\/li>\n<li>Measure at the same time each day, ideally morning and evening<\/li>\n<li>Do not talk during the measurement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>        <!-- FAQ --><\/p>\n<section class=\"faq-section\" aria-label=\"Frequently asked questions\">\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n            <button class=\"faq-q\" aria-expanded=\"false\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\"><br \/>\n              What is normal blood pressure according to the NHS?<br \/>\n              <span class=\"faq-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-a\">\n<p>According to NHS guidelines, ideal blood pressure is between <strong>90\/60 mmHg and 120\/80 mmHg<\/strong>. Readings consistently above <strong>140\/90 mmHg<\/strong> in a clinical setting (or 135\/85 mmHg at home) indicate high blood pressure (hypertension) and should be discussed with a GP. Readings below 90\/60 mmHg may indicate low blood pressure (hypotension).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n            <button class=\"faq-q\" aria-expanded=\"false\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\"><br \/>\n              What is a dangerous blood pressure reading?<br \/>\n              <span class=\"faq-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-a\">\n<p>A reading of <strong>180\/120 mmHg or higher<\/strong> is a hypertensive crisis \u2014 a medical emergency. Call 999 or go to A&amp;E immediately. Do not wait for it to come down on its own. Consistently high readings above 140\/90 mmHg also require urgent GP review, as untreated hypertension significantly raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n            <button class=\"faq-q\" aria-expanded=\"false\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\"><br \/>\n              What does a blood pressure reading mean?<br \/>\n              <span class=\"faq-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-a\">\n<p>A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers \u2014 for example, <strong>120\/80 mmHg<\/strong>. The top number (120) is the <strong>systolic pressure<\/strong> \u2014 the force in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number (80) is the <strong>diastolic pressure<\/strong> \u2014 the force when your heart rests between beats. Both are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). A reading of 120\/80 mmHg is considered ideal by the NHS.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n            <button class=\"faq-q\" aria-expanded=\"false\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\"><br \/>\n              What is normal blood pressure by age in the UK?<br \/>\n              <span class=\"faq-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-a\">\n<p>Blood pressure naturally rises with age. For adults aged 18\u201339, normal is below 120\/80. For 40\u201359 year olds, up to 130\/85 is generally acceptable. For those aged 60+, the NHS treatment target is below 150\/90 mmHg. However, the NHS diagnostic threshold for hypertension \u2014 <strong>140\/90 mmHg<\/strong> in clinic \u2014 applies across most adult age groups. Use our <strong>NHS blood pressure by age calculator<\/strong> above for age-specific context.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n            <button class=\"faq-q\" aria-expanded=\"false\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\"><br \/>\n              How can I lower my blood pressure?<br \/>\n              <span class=\"faq-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-a\">\n<p>NHS-recommended ways to lower blood pressure: reduce salt intake to under 6g\/day; follow a balanced diet (DASH or NHS Eatwell); exercise 150+ minutes\/week; lose excess weight (even 5 kg can reduce BP by 4\u20135 mmHg); limit alcohol to under 14 units\/week; stop smoking; manage stress. If lifestyle changes are insufficient, your GP may prescribe antihypertensive medication. For weight loss support, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/calorie-deficit-calculator-nhs.html\">Calorie Deficit Calculator NHS<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n            <button class=\"faq-q\" aria-expanded=\"false\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\"><br \/>\n              How often should I check my blood pressure?<br \/>\n              <span class=\"faq-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-a\">\n<p>The NHS recommends all adults have their blood pressure checked at least every <strong>5 years<\/strong> from age 40. If your reading is in the higher normal range (120\u2013139\/80\u201389), annual checks are advised. For diagnosed hypertension, your GP will advise frequency \u2014 often home monitoring twice daily for several days before appointments, plus clinic checks every 1\u20136 months depending on control.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"article-disclaimer\" role=\"note\">\n          <strong>\u26a0\ufe0f Medical Disclaimer<\/strong><br \/>\n          This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. Blood pressure readings should be interpreted in the context of your full medical history by a qualified healthcare professional. If you are concerned about your blood pressure, see your GP. In an emergency, call 999. BMI Calculator NHS is not affiliated with NHS England. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/disclaimer.html\">Disclaimer<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/privacy-policy.html\">Privacy Policy<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/terms-of-service.html\">Terms of Service<\/a>.\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- \/article-body -->\n    <\/div>\n<p><!-- \/left --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- SIDEBAR --><\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Free NHS blood pressure calculator \u2014 enter your BP reading and get an instant NHS category, what it means, and what to do next. Includes NHS blood pressure chart by age and normal BP ranges UK 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1007","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_hostinger_reach_plugin_has_subscription_block":false,"_hostinger_reach_plugin_is_elementor":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1007","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1007"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1007\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2010,"href":"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1007\/revisions\/2010"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmicalculatornhs.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1007"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}