High blood pressure is the UK’s biggest known risk factor for heart attacks and strokes — and most people have no symptoms at all. Enter your reading to understand what it means.
Enter your most recent blood pressure reading. You can find this on a recent test result or GP letter, or measure it at a pharmacy.
The top number (systolic) is the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom is the pressure between beats.
This tool provides general guidance only. A single reading is not a diagnosis. Please speak to your GP for clinical advice.
Understanding your reading helps you take the right action at the right time.
Low BP can cause dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. Often not dangerous but worth monitoring if symptomatic.
Monitor & stay hydratedThis is the target range. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your BP here.
Keep it up — healthy habitsSlightly elevated. Lifestyle changes now can prevent it from rising further.
Lifestyle review recommendedHigh blood pressure requiring GP assessment. Lifestyle changes and possibly medication recommended.
See your GP within 1–2 weeksSignificantly elevated. Medication is usually required. Prompt GP review needed.
See your GP urgentlyA medical emergency. This level of BP can cause immediate organ damage.
Call 999 or go to A&E nowCutting daily salt to under 6g can lower systolic BP by up to 6 mmHg. Avoid processed foods.
A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and low-fat dairy — the DASH diet — has been shown to lower BP significantly.
150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can lower BP by 5–8 mmHg on its own.
Losing even 5kg if you are overweight can have a meaningful impact on blood pressure readings.
Each cigarette raises BP temporarily. Long-term, smoking damages blood vessels and raises cardiovascular risk.
Drinking above 14 units per week raises BP. Cutting back can reduce systolic pressure by 2–4 mmHg.
Poor sleep is linked to higher BP. Aim for 7–9 hours. Address sleep apnoea if suspected.
Chronic stress contributes to sustained high BP. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and social connection all help.
If your BP is elevated but below 180/120 and you have no symptoms, call NHS 111 for advice or book a GP appointment.
Call 999 immediately if BP is above 180/120 mmHg or you have severe headache, chest pain, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.