Enter your upper and lower reading — the tool shows your ESC/ESH category, from optimal to hypertension. With a category chart and how to measure correctly.
Updated: August 26, 2026 · 🔒 Your data never leaves your browser
Optimal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg, normal up to 129/84, high-normal 130–139/85–89. Hypertension starts at 140/90 under the European and Russian classification (ESC/ESH). The category is always set by whichever number falls into the higher group. One reading is not a diagnosis: pressure fluctuates, and assessment needs several readings on different days.
Your category
Within normal limits. A good reason to keep your weight, activity and salt in check.
Categories by ESC/ESH
🔁 One reading is not a diagnosis
One reading is not enough: pressure fluctuates. Assessment needs several readings on different days, at rest, on both arms. Only a doctor makes a diagnosis.
The US uses a different grid (ACC/AHA, 2017): hypertension there starts at 130/80. Russian and European guidance (ESC/ESH) use higher thresholds — the ones this tool shows.
This tool shows which category a given pair of numbers falls into and does not replace a check-up. Measure seated, after 5 minutes of rest, not right after coffee, smoking or exercise.
Blood pressure is written as two numbers: the upper (systolic) — as the heart contracts — and the lower (diastolic) — between beats. Both decide the category, and the rule is: take whichever number falls into the higher group. Upper 128 (normal) with lower 96 (grade 1) means grade 1 hypertension.
The tool above highlights your category in the chart and warns about dangerous values. It is a reference classification, not a diagnosis.
It matters which grid you use. Russian and European guidance (ESC/ESH) calls it hypertension from 140/90. American guidance (ACC/AHA, 2017) — already from 130/80. So the same "135/85" is "high-normal" in the European system and "stage 1 hypertension" in the American one. This tool shows the European/Russian classification.
Pressure changes through the day and reacts to coffee, stress, talking, even a full bladder. That is why a diagnosis is never made from a single reading.
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Repeated high values are a reason to see a doctor, not to self-treat. Depending on the grade and your risk, a doctor may suggest lifestyle changes (salt, weight, activity, alcohol, sleep), monitoring or medication. Blood pressure is closely tied to cholesterol and overall cardiovascular risk, so they are assessed together.
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Under the ESC/ESH classification (Europe, Russia), optimal is below 120/80 mmHg, normal is 120–129 and/or 80–84, high-normal is 130–139 and/or 85–89. Hypertension starts at 140/90. The category is set by whichever value is higher: if the upper number is normal but the lower is 92, that is already grade 1 hypertension.
There are two grids. The European and Russian one (ESC/ESH) calls it hypertension from 140/90. The American one (ACC/AHA, 2017) is lower — hypertension there starts at 130/80. This tool shows the European/Russian classification used in our guidance.
Do not panic or self-diagnose from one reading. Review your technique and repeat on different days at rest. If high values persist — see a doctor, who confirms the diagnosis and decides whether lifestyle, monitoring or medication is needed. With very high pressure and symptoms (chest pain, breathlessness, vision/speech problems) — call emergency services.
Seated, after 5 minutes of rest, back supported, legs uncrossed, cuff at heart level. Not right after coffee, smoking, food or exercise. Take 2–3 readings a minute apart and average them. It helps to measure both arms: many people have a difference, and you then use the arm with higher values.
When the upper (systolic) number is high — 140 or above — while the lower is normal (below 90). Arteries stiffen with age, so this pattern is common. It still needs a doctor's attention, not just reassurance from a 'normal lower number.'
Low pressure (hypotension) on its own, without symptoms, is usually not dangerous and needs no treatment. What deserves attention is sharp drops with dizziness, weakness or fainting — especially on standing. This tool assesses the upper boundary of the categories; for persistently low pressure with symptoms, see a doctor.
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