You are here: Infothek - Information on Blood Pressure: Basics - Blood Pressure Normal Values (Table)

Blood Pressure Normal Values -
Is my blood pressure normal?

Der Arzt misst den Blutdruck

The classification of blood pressure values has changed repeatedly over the years. Not only has the threshold considered normal or uncritical often been lowered, it is also categorized differently across countries and by different professional societies. To give our users a reliable and clear guide, we developed a scientifically based table with globally harmonized blood pressure reference values. For this we systematically evaluated the current, sometimes divergent guidelines from leading international societies and created a consistent classification. We now use this table in our app to give you a precise interpretation of your readings. You can find the detailed background on our methodology and the table itself in the following article "Harmonized global blood pressure normal values"


In this article you will find the blood pressure normal values table from the DHL (German Hypertension League). Further down you will find the latest developments on which blood pressure values are considered to require treatment. Depending on age and underlying conditions, the target values may differ from the normal values. That means the goal is not always to reach the normal value. Read the treatment guidelines below for details.

Contents

Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force with which the heart pumps blood through the body's blood vessels.
It is also called arterial blood pressure, because the pressure measured is the pressure in the arteries. The value is typically given as two numbers.
The first value is the systolic pressure and the second is the diastolic pressure.
When the heart pumps blood into the circulation, the pressure is higher. This is the systolic pressure.
The pressure while the heart is relaxed is the diastolic pressure.

Blood pressure normal value table

Definitions and classification of blood pressure values according to the German Hypertension League:


 Systolic (mmHg)
 Diastolic (mmHg)
Optimal
 < 120
 < 80
Normal
 120-129
 80-84
High normal
 130-139
 85-89
Stage 1 hypertension
 140-159
 90-99
Stage 2 hypertension
 160-179
 100-109
Stage 3 hypertension
 >= 180
 >= 110
Isolated systolic hypertension
 >= 140
 < 90

Blood pressure calculator

Blutdruck-Rechner:
Systolisch: mmHg
Diastolisch: mmHg
Der Rechner gibt eine Einschätzung des Blutdruckwerte nach der von uns entwickelten Tabelle für global harmonisierte Blutdruck-Normwerte. Der Blutdruck wird bestimmt nach optimal, normal, hochnormal oder Bluthochdruck (Hypertonie).
Eine solche automatische Bewertung kann niemals einen Arztbesuch ersetzen, da für die individuelle Blutdruckeinstellung auch weitere Erkrankungen und Risikofaktoren mit in das Behandlungskonzept eingebunden werden. Besprechen Sie fraglich erhöhte Blutdruckwerte also immer mit Ihrem Arzt.
Bitte beachten Sie auch, dass laut einigen Leitlinien bei häuslichen Messungen ein Blutdruck von >=135 und/oder >=85 mmHg als Bluthochdruck gilt.

Measurements distributed across normal categories:

Screenshot aus der App BloodPressureDB
Use BloodPressureDB to record your blood pressure readings. In addition to many other analyses, it provides a chart that shows all measurements distributed across the normal value categories. This lets you and your doctor track progress in treatment.


Guidelines for treating high blood pressure 2018 and 2023

The 2023 guidelines from the ESC/ESH (European Society of Cardiology / European Society of Hypertension) slightly changed the target blood pressure values under treatment. The diastolic value should now reach below 80 mmHg under therapy. For most patients with high blood pressure, a reduction to under 140/80 mmHg is recommended. Since cardiovascular risk is further reduced by lowering blood pressure into the normal range of 120129/7079 mmHg, this should still be the goal if patients tolerate the medication and the lower blood pressure well.
In 2024 the ESC/ESH classification changed again. It now only gives a limit of 120/70 mmHg up to which blood pressure is not considered elevated. Values of 120139/7089 mmHg are considered elevated and from 140/90 mmHg as high blood pressure. Because this classification no longer provides normal blood pressure values and is not very nuanced, we do not use it to classify blood pressure here.

Already in 2018 the guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) stated that values below 140/90 mmHg should no longer automatically be considered the target blood pressure for the majority of patients, regardless of their history and comorbidities such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Age is also taken into account when setting the target blood pressure.

The 2018 guidelines also recommend that, when drug therapy for high blood pressure is needed, treatment should be started directly with a two-drug combination. Exceptions to this recommendation are elderly and frail patients, as well as patients with low risk and/or grade 1 hypertension.

Patients should also be encouraged and supported to take responsibility for lifestyle, diet, exercise and relaxation.

Measuring blood pressure


We have put together some tips on what to pay attention to when measuring blood pressure. You can find these in our lexicon under Measure blood pressure correctly.

Please note that a single measurement for example during a doctor's appointment is not enough to diagnose high blood pressure. Except when it is clearly high, e.g. grade 3 hypertension, and there are clear signs of hypertension-related target organ damage such as to the eyes or kidneys. So if a single blood pressure reading falls outside the normal range, there is no immediate need to worry. The diagnosis of high blood pressure should only be made after several elevated office measurements on different days, home measurements over several days, or with an ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure measurement. Your doctor may therefore perform long-term blood pressure monitoring to understand the daily fluctuations. In any case, careful measurement with a validated device is important. If you happen to notice that your blood pressure is outside the normal values, please see your doctor to have it checked.

Even with normal blood pressure values, regular checks should take place. With optimal blood pressure (<120/80 mmHg) it should be measured at least every 5 years, and more often if convenient. With normal blood pressure (120129/8084 mmHg) a repeat measurement after 3 years is recommended. With high-normal blood pressure (130139/8589 mmHg) blood pressure should be checked at least annually, since this often progresses to hypertension. To get an evaluation of values that need monitoring over a longer period, it is advisable to keep a blood pressure log. The blood pressure is measured regularly and recorded. According to the guidelines, measurements should be taken three times at intervals of one to two minutes. Additional measurements should only be taken if the first two measurements differ by > 10 mmHg. Such an evaluation gives the doctor a good diagnostic aid or supports therapy control. BloodPressureDB was developed exactly for this purpose. Measured values can be quickly and conveniently stored almost everywhere (PC, smartphone, tablet) and are displayed in an informative chart. This makes it easier for the doctor to diagnose and monitor therapy and helps with the individual treatment of your high blood pressure.

Sources:



This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands monitor their blood pressure every day. Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 04/2025).



Related articles:
Search for more information on

Translation Disclaimer:
This content has been automatically translated. We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Please contact us if you find any inconsistencies or have questions.

BloodPressureDB.de

info@bloodpressuredb.com

Imprint | Privacy Policy

Press | BloodPressureDB App