Official Blood Pressure Chart UK: What the NHS Numbers Mean for You
Looking for a blood pressure chart for the UK? We explain the official NHS and NICE guidelines for healthy blood pressure, including the specific targets for home readings.
If you search for a blood pressure chart online, you will likely find millions of results. The problem? Most of them use American definitions. While the units are the same (mmHg), the threshold for what counts as "high blood pressure" can differ between the US and the UK.
At Blood Pressure Chart, we believe it is vital to use the standards your own GP uses. Here is the definitive guide to the UK Blood Pressure Chart, based on the latest NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines.
The UK Standard: 140/90
In the UK, the "magic number" for a clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg.
✓ Below 120/80: Optimal
This is the gold standard for heart health. Your cardiovascular risk is at its lowest.
⚠ 120/80 – 139/89: Normal to High-Normal
You don't need medication, but you should keep an eye on it. Consider reducing salt intake and increasing physical activity.
🔴 140/90 and above: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
If your readings are consistently at this level, you meet the UK criteria for hypertension. Consult your GP for advice on management and potential treatment.
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See What's Inside →The "Home" vs. "Clinic" Difference
This is the most common point of confusion. Did you know the target for home readings is different?
Because people are often more relaxed at home (avoiding the "White Coat Effect"), the NHS lowers the threshold for diagnosis.
🏥 Clinic Target
Under 140/90
Measured by your GP or nurse
🏠 Home Target
Under 135/85
Measured with your own monitor
Important: If your home monitor consistently reads 135/85 or higher, you meet the UK criteria for high blood pressure.
💡 Get the Right Equipment
For accurate home readings, you need a clinically validated blood pressure monitor. We've reviewed the best options to help you choose the right one for your needs.
How to Use a UK Blood Pressure Chart
Using our Blood Pressure Chart is simple:
- Find your top number (Systolic) on the left side of the chart.
- Find your bottom number (Diastolic) on the bottom of the chart.
- See where they meet to determine your zone.
🟢 Green Zone
Healthy
🟡 Amber Zone
Elevated – watch your salt!
🔴 Red Zone
High – consult your GP
Why UK Guidelines Matter
Using American blood pressure guidelines in the UK can lead to confusion. For example, in 2017, the American Heart Association lowered its definition of hypertension to 130/80 – a threshold that the UK does not use.
If you use US-based charts, you might think you have high blood pressure when, by UK standards, you're actually in the "normal" range. This is why we built our Blood Pressure Chart specifically for UK users.
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Get The Handbook →Ready to Check Your Numbers?
Don't guess – know exactly where you stand according to official UK guidelines.
Use our free Blood Pressure Chart now to see whether your reading falls into the healthy, elevated, or high zone based on NHS and NICE standards.
Ready to put a structured weekly routine in place?
The Definitive Blood Pressure Handbook turns the everyday habits in articles like this into a week-by-week plan — DASH-style meal templates, a walking schedule, stress wind-downs, and a printable doctor-ready logbook for your next appointment.
Not a medical device · educational lifestyle support only. Always work with a qualified healthcare professional on your care plan.
Disclaimer: This guide follows UK standards (NHS/NICE). It is for information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your GP for personalised guidance.
