Blood pressure (BP) is your body’s way of giving you a health check. It’s a measurement that tells you a lot about your overall health – especially your heart and blood flow.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all measurement, though. Blood pressure changes with age, lifestyle, and other stuff. Knowing your numbers compared to the usual ranges can help you stay on top of your health and catch any issues early
In this article, we’re breaking down blood pressure using info from the NHS’s official page on blood pressure. You’ll learn how blood pressure readings work, what’s considered normal, and how to keep yours in a healthy range.
Just one thing before we get going - if you have any health concerns at all, please consult your GP. It’s always best to get professional help and advice.
Understanding blood pressure readings
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as two separate numbers:
Systolic pressure. The top number represents the pressure when your heart is pumping blood out into your arteries.
Diastolic pressure. The bottom number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats.
For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHg means your systolic pressure is 120, and your diastolic pressure is 80. Together, these numbers show how well your heart is working to move blood through your body.
What is a normal blood pressure range?
Blood pressure usually falls into the following categories:
Normal. Less than 120/80 mmHg is usually good news. This is considered healthy, as long as it doesn’t go too low (below 90/60 mmHg).
Elevated. Between 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. This could be a sign that you need to start improving your lifestyle.
Hypertension stage 1. Between 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic. High blood pressure needs monitoring and - potentially - medical help.
Hypertension stage 2. 140/90 mmHg or higher. Medical treatment is often needed here.
Hypertensive crisis. Over 180 systolic and/or 120 diastolic. This is a medical emergency, where you should get help immediately.
Consistently high or low blood pressure could be a sign of underlying health issues. Regular monitoring is a great way of identifying any problems early.
Blood pressure chart by age
Blood pressure changes as you age. As you get older, your arteries can stiffen, leading to slightly higher readings. Here's a handy chart of normal ranges based on NHS guidelines:
| Age | Optimal blood pressure |
|---|---|
| 18-39 years | 90-120 systolic / 60-80 diastolic |
| 40-59 years | 90-130 systolic / 60-85 diastolic |
| 60+ years | 90-140 systolic / 60-90 diastolic |
Please note: a one-off reading doesn’t always mean there’s a problem. Your GP will look at patterns over time.
High and low blood pressure explained
Here are the key differences between high and low blood pressure:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Hypertension occurs when your blood pressure consistently exceeds 140/90 mmHg. If you leave this untreated, it increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and other serious conditions. Symptoms of high blood pressure are often subtle (or even absent), so regular checks are key to catching it early.
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Low blood pressure, below 90/60 mmHg, might sound harmless but can lead to dizziness, fainting, or shock in severe cases. Causes include dehydration, certain medications, and medical conditions like diabetes.
Factors that affect your blood pressure
There are lots of different things that can push your blood pressure up or down:
Age. As we age our arteries stiffen, and blood pressure tends to increase.
Lifestyle. Diet, activity levels, and habits like smoking or drinking heavily all play a big role in your blood pressure.
Weight. Being overweight puts extra pressure on your heart, increasing blood pressure.
Gender and hormones. Hormonal changes can increase blood pressure in women after menopause. Blood pressure can also fluctuate during pregnancy.
Stress and emotional health. Chronic stress or anxiety can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure. Over time, this can contribute to hypertension.
Medication. Certain drugs, like decongestants or hormonal treatments, can affect blood pressure. Remember, always follow your GP’s advice.
How to maintain healthy blood pressure
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep your blood pressure in check. Here are some great tips:
Eat a balanced diet. Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Reduce salt and processed foods.
Stay active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Even walking counts!
Monitor your weight. Keeping your weight in a healthy range helps reduce strain on your heart. You can check and manage your weight at home with smart bathroom scales.
Limit alcohol and caffeine. Both of these things can elevate your blood pressure.
Stop smoking. This is one of the best things you can do for your cardiovascular health. Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good!
Manage stress. Try out relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or even regular deep breathing exercises.
Check your blood pressure regularly. Use a home blood pressure monitor or visit your GP regularly, especially if you’re over 40.
Final thoughts…
Keeping tabs on your blood pressure and understanding it is an important part of looking after your overall health. If you’d like to do this at home, our range of health monitoring devices includes Omron blood pressure monitors. Even their most basic model includes useful features like irregular heartbeat detection, which means you'll know straight away if something's a bit off.
Remember: we’ve created this guide to give you an overview of NHS blood pressure information. But everyone is different. So please head to your GP or a healthcare professional for advice that’s tailored to you.
Looking for more in-depth information? Visit the official NHS page on blood pressure.
