What Is a Normal Blood Pressure Reading? UK Guide
A normal blood pressure reading is commonly described as between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. But one reading is only a snapshot. Your overall pattern, your age, your health and where the reading was taken all matter.
What do the two blood pressure numbers mean?
Blood pressure is written as two numbers, for example 120/80 mmHg.
- The top number is systolic pressure. It measures pressure in your arteries when your heart pumps blood.
- The bottom number is diastolic pressure. It measures pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.
Both numbers matter. A reading can need attention when either number is consistently higher than recommended.
What is considered normal blood pressure?
As a general UK guide, a reading between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg is often considered healthy. A clinic reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher may be considered high, while home readings are often assessed using a lower threshold because people can be more relaxed at home.
Your GP may use different targets depending on your circumstances, medicines, pregnancy status, kidney health, diabetes or age. For adults aged 80 and over, targets may also differ.
Why one reading is not the whole story
Blood pressure changes throughout the day. Stress, exercise, caffeine, pain, poor sleep and even talking during a test can temporarily raise it.
That is why it helps to take readings correctly and look at trends over days or weeks. Take two readings about a minute apart where possible, then record both.
When should you get advice?
Book a GP or pharmacy blood pressure check if you keep getting high readings, or if you are unsure what your numbers mean. If you have severe symptoms such as chest pain, severe headache, breathlessness, weakness, confusion or changes to vision, seek urgent medical help.
Track your readings over time
A log can make it easier to spot a pattern and have a more useful conversation with your healthcare professional. Create a free Pulse account to keep your blood pressure readings in one secure place.