Blood pressure report · US guideline
My Blood Pressure is 243/101 - 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.
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 systolic number is the one that sets the category here — the other one alone would rate as stage 2 hypertension.
Know your numbers
The average pressure that keeps your organs supplied — diastolic plus one third of the gap. Raised — above the typical range of 70–100, in line with a high reading.
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 · Home average of 130/80 or higher counts as hypertension.
Look up another reading
Readings close to 243/101
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.