Normal Blood Pressure
What Does "Normal" Blood Pressure Mean

Normal Blood Pressure 

So what is a normal blood pressure?  The blood pressure measurement has two numbers. A typical normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg. The higher number is the systolic pressure, the pressure exerted when your heart muscle is at its pumping phase. When the heart is at rest between beats, the diastolic pressure is read, which is 80 mm Hg, the lower number in this example. This represents the period when the blood is flowing back into the heart.

As a rule, the heart generally relaxes for longer periods than it contracts. For this reason, the diastolic blood pressure is closer to the average blood pressure than the systolic blood pressure is. High blood pressure is usually defined on the basis of the diastolic pressure.

In general, for most adults, a normal blood pressure is a diastolic reading of less than 85 and a systolic reading of less than 140. A diastolic reading of 85 to 89 is considered high normal blood pressure.  A diastolic reading above 90 is clearly considered high blood pressure. A systolic reading of 140 to 159 is considered a borderline blood pressure, and above 160 is high blood pressure. There are variables involved, so blood pressures should be periodically recorded during different times of day, and at home, if possible. Maybe you have heard of "the white coat syndrome" in which a person's blood pressure rises quite a bit merely because of the presence of the doctor. So, you can understand why it is important for you to know  what your normal blood pressure is to avoid any medical mistakes.

Normal blood pressure for one person might not be normal blood pressure for another. Age is a factor to consider when you discuss normal blood pressure. Blood pressure tends to rise with age. State of mind when the blood pressure is taken also makes a difference.

What To Do If You Don't Have A Normal Blood Pressure

If you don’t have a normal blood pressure, there are things you can do to lower it.  In addition to relaxing and reducing caffeine, exercise and cutting down on salt intake will help quite a bit.  Exercise more than anything is a great way to strengthen your heart, which will allow it to do its job without having to work so hard.  Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly work wonders for many people trying to obtain a normal blood pressure. 

For more related blood pressure information, see:

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