Health · Free tool
BP Category Checker
ESH 2023 guidelines: optimal < 120/80, normal 120-129/80-84, high-normal 130-139/85-89, Stage 1 hypertension 140-159/90-99, Stage 2 ≥ 160/100. White-coat readings can spike — always retest at home.
Lifestyle measures: salt < 5g/day, exercise 30 min × 5/wk.
How it works
We apply the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) 2023 thresholds, which the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) and Association of Physicians of India broadly follow. Categories: Optimal <120/80, Normal 120-129/80-84, High-Normal 130-139/85-89, Stage 1 HTN 140-159/90-99, Stage 2 HTN 160-179/100-109, Stage 3 ≥180/110. Diagnosis needs the average of multiple readings on separate days — a single high reading is almost never enough. Either systolic OR diastolic in a higher band classifies you into that band.
Worked example
A 42-year-old Delhi accountant gets 152/88 mmHg at a clinic — Stage 1 systolic-dominant. Home BP monitoring over 7 days (twice daily, after 5 min rest) shows average 138/86 — High-Normal, suggesting white-coat hypertension at the clinic. The 2024 ICMR-INDIAB survey put 35.5% of urban Indian adults in hypertensive ranges, with under-30% awareness of their status. Recommended: salt <5 g/day, 30 min brisk walk, weight reduction; medication if home BP remains ≥140/90 after 3-6 months of lifestyle change.
When to use this
- After buying an Omron, Microlife or Dr Trust digital BP monitor for home use
- During pregnancy (gestational HTN screening from week 20)
- Quarterly check-ups for adults >40 with family history of stroke or CAD
Pair with our IDRS diabetes screening for combined cardio-metabolic risk.
FAQ
Should I use one reading or average?
Average of 2-3 readings, taken 1-2 mins apart, after sitting calmly for 5 minutes. Single readings can be 10-20% off.
My systolic is fine but diastolic is high — which matters?
Both. The higher band determines category. Isolated high diastolic (under 50 yrs) typically indicates increased peripheral resistance. Either warrants doctor consultation.
White-coat hypertension — is my reading wrong?
Possibly. About 15-20% of people show 20+ mmHg higher in clinic vs home. Get a 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor for accurate diagnosis.