Blood pressure report · US guideline
My Blood Pressure is 183/37 - good or bad?
Each scale rates one number on its own; the higher category counts. Blue = low (systolic under 90 or diastolic under 60) — a common label, not an AHA/ACC category.
Call 911 (US) or your local emergency number if you also have
chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, vision or speech problems, confusion or a severe headache.
Without these symptoms: sit quietly for 5 minutes and measure again. If it is still above 180 systolic or 120 diastolic, contact your doctor the same day — don't wait for the next appointment.
Measure again now
If the reading is real and you feel faint, confused, short of breath, or cold and clammy, call 911 (US) or your local emergency number. Otherwise contact a doctor today.
What this reading tells you
Readings this high need a second measurement after five quiet minutes. If the systolic number stays above 180 or the diastolic above 120, it is a medical situation — and with warning signs it is an emergency (see the red box).
Your diastolic number (37) is below 60 — on its own that would count as low — while the other number sets the category, and the gap between the two is wide (146 mmHg). Mention this combination to your doctor. Because the diastolic number is very low, follow the box above.
Know your numbers
The average pressure that keeps your organs supplied — diastolic plus one third of the gap. Typical — within the usual range of 70–100.
Wide. A gap above 60 usually means the large arteries have lost some elasticity — common after 60 and a reason to keep the systolic number in check.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Why did my blood pressure go this high — is there an underlying cause?
- What should I do if it happens again?
- Do I need tests for organ damage?
Your 7-day home check
One reading can mislead. Measure twice each morning (before medication and coffee) and evening for a week, skip day 1, and average the rest. Print this log or copy it. How to measure: How to Check Your Blood Pressure at Home.
| Day | AM 1 | AM 2 | PM 1 | PM 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1* | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| 5 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 7 |
AM = morning, PM = evening, two readings one minute apart. *Day 1 is practice — leave it out of the average.
Print this page · Bring the log to your doctor if your readings stay low or you have symptoms.
Look up another reading
Readings close to 183/37
Sources: 2025 AHA/ACC high blood pressure guideline (Hypertension 2025;82:e212–e316) · American Heart Association: When to call 911 about high blood pressure
MyBodyResearch explains readings in general terms; it does not diagnose. High blood pressure is confirmed with repeated measurements, and treatment decisions belong with your doctor.