UK vs US blood pressure ranges

In the UK, high blood pressure usually starts at 140/90. In the US, it starts at 130/80. Same body, same reading, different label. Here's why, and what it means for you.

The ranges side by side

Readings taken at a clinic, in mmHg. The higher category of your two numbers counts.

Why are they different?

• The US acts earlier. In 2017 the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology lowered the line to 130/80, mainly because large studies showed heart and stroke risk already rises at these levels. Their 2025 guideline kept it.
• The UK weighs the trade-offs. NICE, which sets NHS guidance, keeps 140/90. Labelling millions more people as having a condition, and possibly treating them with medicine, has costs and side effects, so the UK focuses lifestyle advice on the in-between zone.
• Europe sits in the middle. The European Society of Cardiology (2024) still diagnoses hypertension at 140/90, but calls 120–139/70–89 "elevated" and suggests action for higher-risk people.

Both sides agree on the important parts: lower is better for most adults, and 140/90 or more needs attention everywhere.

Home readings are judged lower in the UK

Readings at a GP surgery tend to run higher than at home (the "white coat" effect). So NICE uses 135/85 as the line for an average of home or 24-hour readings, equivalent to 140/90 at the clinic.

So which should I use?

• Live in the UK or Europe? Use the UK/EU ranges; that's what your GP will use.
• Live in the US? Use the US ranges.
• Between 130/80 and 140/90? You're "slightly raised" in the UK and "stage 1" in the US. Either way, it's a good time for lifestyle changes and regular checks.

Sources: NICE NG136, British Heart Foundation, American Heart Association, ESC 2024. Informational only, not medical advice.