Maintaining healthy blood pressure is vital for overall well-being. Understanding what’s normal blood pressure and what your readings mean is the first step in taking proactive control of your cardiovascular health. Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it’s called hypertension, a condition that can lead to serious health problems.
Decoding Your Blood Pressure Numbers
Blood pressure is measured with two numbers, typically written like a fraction, for example, 120/80 mmHg.
- Systolic Blood Pressure: This is the top number and represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (contracts).
- Diastolic Blood Pressure: This is the bottom number and measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart muscle rests between beats.
Both systolic and diastolic readings are important, but for people over 50, systolic blood pressure is often considered a more significant risk factor for heart disease. This is because systolic pressure tends to increase with age due to factors like stiffening of large arteries, plaque buildup, and a higher prevalence of heart and blood vessel diseases.
Normal Blood Pressure and What the Readings Mean
So, what’s normal blood pressure? Blood pressure categories are defined by ranges, and understanding these ranges is crucial for managing your health.
-
Normal Blood Pressure: A reading of less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic. If your blood pressure falls into this category, continue to maintain heart-healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
-
Elevated Blood Pressure: Systolic pressure between 120-129 mmHg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mmHg. Elevated blood pressure indicates you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes are recommended to help manage it.
-
Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic pressure between 130-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure between 80-89 mmHg. Healthcare professionals will typically recommend lifestyle modifications. Medication might be considered depending on your risk of heart disease or stroke, especially if you have conditions like diabetes, heart failure, or kidney disease.
-
Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic pressure 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic pressure 90 mmHg or higher. This stage usually requires both lifestyle changes and blood pressure medication.
-
Hypertensive Crisis: A reading higher than 180/120 mmHg. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
In case of a hypertensive crisis, seek immediate medical help. Call emergency services if your blood pressure is above 180/120 mmHg and you experience symptoms such as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Back pain
- Numbness or weakness
- Vision changes
- Difficulty speaking
If you get an unusually high reading but don’t have these severe symptoms, wait five minutes and take your blood pressure again. If the second reading remains high, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Understanding what’s normal blood pressure and regularly monitoring your own levels are key steps in preventing and managing hypertension. Consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice and management strategies based on your individual health profile.
