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Health & Wellbeing2 min check
Blood Pressure Checker
Step 1 of 10%
How it works
We compare your reading to NICE NG136 categories. Home/ambulatory thresholds are 5 mmHg lower than clinic readings because being in a medical setting can raise BP ('white-coat effect').
Worked example
Reading 152/96 at home → Stage 1 high BP (home threshold 135/85). GP appointment recommended.
Who should use this
- •Adults monitoring BP at home
- •People with a recent reading wanting plain-English context
- •Anyone with a family history of hypertension
Common mistakes
- ×Measuring just after caffeine, smoking or exercise
- ×Crossing legs or talking during reading
- ×Using one reading instead of an average over a week
- ×Using a wrist monitor without keeping arm at heart level
Frequently asked questions
What is normal blood pressure?▾
Around 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg for most adults. NHS calls this 'ideal'.
When should I worry?▾
180/120+ with symptoms — call 999. Persistent 140/90+ — see your GP within a week or two.
Can lifestyle alone fix high BP?▾
Mild Stage 1 often improves with weight loss, less salt, less alcohol, and exercise. Stage 2 usually needs medication.
What's white-coat hypertension?▾
Higher BP in clinic than at home. Your GP can confirm with home or 24-hr ambulatory monitoring.