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Understanding Your Blood Pressure Targets

Pillpocket Clinical Team··4 min read

What your numbers mean


Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers: **systolic** (the pressure when your heart beats) and **diastolic** (the pressure when your heart rests between beats).


General targets


According to NICE guidelines (NG136), the general population should aim for:


  • Clinic blood pressure: — Below 140/90 mmHg
  • Home blood pressure: — Below 135/85 mmHg

  • If you have diabetes or kidney disease


    People with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or cardiovascular disease have tighter targets:


  • Clinic blood pressure: — Below 130/80 mmHg
  • Home blood pressure: — Below 130/80 mmHg

  • Why targets matter


    Keeping your blood pressure within target reduces your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. Even small reductions in blood pressure can significantly lower cardiovascular risk.


    How to track


    Log your readings daily in Pillpocket at a consistent time — ideally morning and evening. The app will automatically compare your readings against your NHS target and show trends over time.