U.S. adult guidance

When a reading is very high

This guidance is for nonpregnant adults. It does not diagnose an emergency, replace emergency services, or replace instructions from a health care professional.

If you are having a medical emergency or a severe new symptom now, call 911 or the emergency number where you are. Do not wait for the app or another measurement.

Repeat the measurement

If the systolic value is higher than 180 or the diastolic value is higher than 120 millimeters of mercury, remain seated and quiet. Wait at least one minute, then take another measurement with the cuff in place.

If the repeat is still very high

Check for a new concerning symptom such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, a change in vision, difficulty speaking, or another new concerning symptom.

With a concerning symptom: call 911 now, or the emergency number where you are. Do not wait to see whether the blood pressure comes down on its own.
Without a concerning symptom: contact a health care professional as soon as possible.

Follow an existing emergency or clinician-directed plan when it tells you to act sooner. Do not change medication based on this app.

Pregnancy and postpartum

This adult flow is not intended for pregnancy or the first six weeks after pregnancy. Blood-pressure thresholds and symptoms in pregnancy and postpartum require obstetric guidance. Follow the plan from the maternity care team, contact that team promptly about a high reading or concerning symptom, and use emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Sources and limits

This page follows the American Heart Association’s U.S. adult repeat-and-contact sequence. Source language and recommendations may change; follow current instructions from a healthcare professional when they differ.

Sources accessed July 24, 2026.