Elderly Blood Pressure Chart UK: NHS Ranges Explained
An elderly blood pressure chart for the UK follows NHS and NICE guidance. It differs slightly from the US chart on this site, so it helps to know both. This page sets out the NHS ranges in plain language.
NHS blood pressure ranges
The NHS describes blood pressure in four broad groups for adults:
| Group | Reading (mmHg) |
|---|---|
| Low | 90/60 or lower |
| Ideal | Between 90/60 and below 120/80 |
| Raised | Above 120/80 and below 140/90 |
| High | 140/90 or higher in clinic (135/85 or higher at home) |
Home readings are set a little lower than clinic readings because most people are more relaxed at home. Read how to take good home readings in our how to measure guide.
Targets for older adults in the UK
NICE guidance for people already diagnosed with high blood pressure gives different treatment targets by age:
- Under 80: below 140/90 in clinic, or below 135/85 at home.
- Aged 80 or over: below 150/90 in clinic, or below 145/85 at home.
These are targets for treatment. They are not the same as “normal”. A doctor may choose a different target if you are frail, have had falls, or take several medicines. Never change a medicine because of a reading on a website.
How the UK chart compares with the US chart
The US 2025 guideline calls 130/80 and above “stage 1 high blood pressure”, and aims for below 130/80 for most adults. UK guidance starts treatment considerations at 140/90 in clinic. Both agree that below 120/80 is a healthy reading. See blood pressure by age for the US and European tables side by side.
Using this site in the UK
Our chart tool shows where a reading sits against the US and European guidelines. If your GP or practice nurse has given you a personal target, write it on a printable chart and keep it near your monitor. Record readings in the log and bring a printed report to appointments.
When to get help
- Contact your GP if your readings are repeatedly high or repeatedly low.
- Call 111 if you feel unwell and are unsure what to do.
- Call 999 for chest pain, sudden weakness, a drooping face, trouble speaking or severe breathlessness.
You can read the NHS’s own pages on high blood pressure and low blood pressure. Also see our guides to the elderly blood pressure range and how to read a blood pressure reading.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice.
Check your own reading
Type your two numbers into the chart and see where they sit, in plain words.