

Making sure your readings aren’t a one-offĪ single high reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have high blood pressure, as many things can affect your blood pressure throughout the day, such as the temperature, when you last ate, and if you’re feeling stressed. If the bottom number (diastolic pressure) is consistently higher than 90mmHg but the top number is healthy - this is known as Isolated Diastolic Hypertension. If your top number (systolic pressure) is consistently higher than 140mmHg, but the bottom number is healthy - this is known as Isolated Systolic Hypertension. Use the chart to see where your numbers sit. If your top number is under 90 or your bottom number is under 60, you may be diagnosed with low blood pressure. So if your top number is over 140 or the bottom number is over 90, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure, regardless of the other number. Only one of your numbers needs to be higher than it should be to be diagnosed with high blood pressure, and only one needs to be lower than it should be to be diagnosed with low blood pressure. The video below explains how your blood pressure numbers are linked to the risk of stroke and other disease. Low blood pressure usually isn’t a problem, but it can sometimes make you feel faint or dizzy or could be a sign of another health problem.

140/90mmHg or over – you may have high blood pressure.The chart is suitable for adults of any age, as the cut-off point for diagnosing high blood pressure doesn’t change with age. Once you know your numbers, you can use the blood pressure chart to see what they mean and if your blood pressure is in the healthy range.

This video explains more about systolic and diastolic blood pressure. If the first number is 120 and the second number is 80, this would be written as 120/80mmHg, and you’d call it ‘120 over 80’. The second number, or bottom number, is the lowest level your blood pressure reaches as your heart relaxes between beats.īlood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). This is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart beats, forcing blood around your body. When you have your blood pressure measured, you will be given two numbers, a top number and a bottom number. What does a blood pressure reading look like?
#High blood pressure chart by age how to
Find out how to understand blood pressure readings and use our blood pressure chart to see how healthy your blood pressure is.
