NHS Interactive Blood Pressure Chart - Blood Pressure Readings Explained

Use the NHS interactive chart below by entering your two blood pressure readings, it will then show your reading with a cross and follow up by offering health advice. Use this to answer questions, like:

Do I have high blood pressure?
Is my blood pressure reading low?
Do I need to see a doctor about my blood pressure reading?
How can I lower my blood pressure?
To use, scroll down and press the green 'Start Now' button
If you see a blank screen, please scroll up to see the tool
Example chart:

Blood Pressure Readings Explained

Blood pressure readings measure how hard your heart pushes blood through your body. It’s like when you squeeze a garden hose – the pressure helps the water (or blood) flow where it needs to go. Blood pressure is shown as two numbers, like "120 over 80."

What do the numbers mean?

Top number (Systolic): This tells how strong the pressure is when your heart squeezes to push blood out. Think of it like how hard the heart is working.
Bottom number (Diastolic): This shows the pressure when your heart rests between beats. It's like a calm moment before the next push.

Good blood pressure

A reading around 120/80 is considered normal and healthy for most people.

Why it’s important

If blood pressure is too high, it can hurt your heart and make it work too hard. If it’s too low, your body might not get enough blood.

Quick tip

Just like you need the right amount of air in a bike tire, your body needs the right blood pressure to stay healthy!

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