Introduction

Are you aware of the importance of maintaining a normal blood pressure level? As per the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) and the European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension (ESC/ESH) guidelines, it is vital to keep track of your blood pressure to avoid potential health risks. In this article, we'll discuss what constitutes normal blood pressure according to these guidelines, and provide a handy calculator for you to check whether your blood pressure is within the recommended range. Lastly, we'll introduce you to SmartBP, a free app that can help you keep your blood pressure in check with ease.

What is Normal Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by the blood against the walls of your arteries as it is pumped by your heart. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is represented as two numbers: systolic pressure (the higher number) over diastolic pressure (the lower number). Systolic pressure is the force exerted when the heart contracts and pumps blood, while diastolic pressure is the force exerted when the heart is at rest between beats.

2017 ACC/AHA Guidelines

According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, normal blood pressure is defined as:

• Systolic: Less than 120 mm Hg
• Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg

The guidelines further classify blood pressure into the following categories:

• Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg
• Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic between 130-139 mm Hg or diastolic between 80-89 mm Hg
• Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic at least 140 mm Hg or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg
• Hypertensive crisis: Systolic over 180 mm Hg and/or diastolic over 120 mm Hg

2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines

The 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines classify blood pressure slightly differently:

• Optimal: Systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg
• Normal: Systolic between 120-129 mm Hg and diastolic between 80-84 mm Hg
• High-normal: Systolic between 130-139 mm Hg and diastolic between 85-89 mm Hg
• Grade 1 hypertension: Systolic between 140-159 mm Hg or diastolic between 90-99 mm Hg
• Grade 2 hypertension: Systolic between 160-179 mm Hg or diastolic between 100-109 mm Hg
• Grade 3 hypertension: Systolic at least 180 mm Hg or diastolic at least 110 mm Hg
• Isolated systolic hypertension: Systolic at least 140 mm Hg and diastolic less than 90 mm Hg

Blood Pressure Calculator

To check if your blood pressure is within the normal range based on the 2017 ACC/AHA and 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines, simply input your systolic and diastolic readings into our handy calculator below:

Empowered by the SmartBP app, download now for the complete experience, available for free on iOS and Android.

Harmonizing American and European Blood Pressure Guidelines: A Work in Progress

The 2017 ACC/AHA and 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines, while similar in many aspects, do have some differences in blood pressure classifications and treatment recommendations. These differences can sometimes cause confusion for healthcare providers and patients alike. Recognizing the need for a more consistent and unified approach to blood pressure management, there has been a growing effort to harmonize the American and European guidelines.

Recent publications have highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the ACC, AHA, ESC, and ESH in an attempt to identify the common ground between their respective guidelines and address any disparities. One such publication is the "Harmonization of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension Blood Pressure/Hypertension Guidelines: Comparisons, Reflections, and Recommendations" by Whelton, P. K., Carey, R. M., Mancia, G., Kreutz, R., Bundy, J. D., & Williams, B. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2022). The most notable difference between the two guidelines is the blood pressure cut points recommended for the diagnosis of hypertension.

As the harmonization efforts continue, it is essential to stay informed of any updates or revisions to the guidelines. This ensures that you and your healthcare provider can make the most informed decisions regarding your blood pressure management. SmartBP will also stay up-to-date with any changes in the guidelines, ensuring that users have access to the most current and accurate information for monitoring their blood pressure.

Low Blood Pressure and Customization in SmartBP

While the 2017 ACC/AHA and 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines focus on normal and high blood pressure classifications, they do not specifically address low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure can also have an impact on your health, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or even shock in severe cases. It is important to discuss any concerns about low blood pressure with your healthcare provider, as they can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle adjustments.

SmartBP offers a unique feature that allows users to customize blood pressure limit classifications, including setting thresholds for low blood pressure. This customization ensures that you have a tailored approach to monitoring your heart health based on your individual needs. However, before making any changes to the classification limits within SmartBP, it is crucial to consult with your doctor. Your healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance on the most appropriate blood pressure ranges for your specific health conditions and circumstances.

By utilizing SmartBP's customization options, you can create a more personalized blood pressure monitoring experience, ensuring that you are aware of any potential concerns and can take prompt action to maintain optimal heart health. Just remember to always involve your doctor in any decisions related to your blood pressure limits and management strategies.

Track Your Blood Pressure with SmartBP

Now that you're familiar with the guidelines for normal blood pressure, it's time to take control of your heart health. SmartBP is a free, user-friendly app that allows you to monitor your blood pressure, track trends, and share your progress with your healthcare provider. By integrating the 2017 ACC/AHA and 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines, SmartBP makes it easier than ever to classify and manage your blood pressure.

Some of the key features of SmartBP include:

1. Easy blood pressure and ECG tracking: Record your readings and monitor your heart health over time.
2. Trend analysis: Visualize your progress through intuitive graphs and charts to identify patterns and make informed decisions.
3. Shareable reports: Send your blood pressure data to your healthcare provider directly from the app, facilitating better communication and care.
4. Reminders: Set up personalized reminders to ensure you never miss a blood pressure reading.
5. Multi-device access and family tracking: Access your data from multiple devices and track the blood pressure of your family members.

By using SmartBP, you'll have all the tools you need to stay on top of your blood pressure and maintain a healthier lifestyle. With over 30 thousand 5-star ratings and thousands of positive reviews, SmartBP is a trusted choice for millions of users worldwide.

Conclusion

Understanding normal blood pressure and how it relates to your overall health is crucial in preventing and managing hypertension. The 2017 ACC/AHA and 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines provide valuable insights into the classification of blood pressure and can help you make informed decisions about your heart health. Utilize the blood pressure calculator to determine if your blood pressure is within the recommended range, and consider using the SmartBP app to monitor, track, and manage your blood pressure readings.

Don't wait any longer—take control of your heart health today! Try SmartBP for free and experience the benefits of a user-friendly app designed to help you maintain a normal blood pressure level and live a healthier life.