What Is The Normal Range For Blood Pressure

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed

Since high blood pressure doesnt have symptoms, your healthcare provider will need to check your blood pressure with a blood pressure cuff. Providers usually check your blood pressure at every annual checkup or appointment. If you have high blood pressure readings at two appointments or more, your provider may tell you that you have high blood pressure.

What If Lifestyle Changes Dont Help Lower My Blood Pressure

If diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes dont work to lower your blood pressure, your healthcare provider will prescribe medications to help lower your blood pressure. Your provider will take into account other conditions you may have, such as heart or kidney disease and other drugs youre taking when prescribing medications to treat your high blood pressure. Be sure to follow your providers dosing directions exactly.

Choosing A Blood Pressure Monitor

If you’re planning to take your blood pressure at home, it’s important to have a reliable blood pressure monitor. The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep monitor, but there are other options.

When selecting a blood pressure monitor, consider the following:

• Fit: To ensure a proper fit, measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct size cuff.
• Number of people: If more than one person will be using the monitor, make sure to choose one that fits everyone.
• Features: Some blood pressure monitors offer extra tech features, like Bluetooth and app connectivity. If you don’t think you’ll benefit from these extras, go ahead and choose one that is efficient, easy to use, and more affordable.
• Budget: High-quality blood pressure monitors vary dramatically in price, from around $25 to well over $100. Keep in mind that a good monitor is a great investment and that you will be using it daily for several years.
• Other considerations: The AHA notes that when selecting a blood pressure monitor for a senior, pregnant person, or child, you should make sure it is validated for these conditions.

If you need help selecting an at-home device, check out these blood pressure monitors, which were vetted by the Verywell team based on the above criteria.

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Tips For Taking Blood Pressure Medication

Untreated high blood pressure can increase your risk of serious health problems. If your doctor prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure, remember:

• If you take blood pressure medication and your blood pressure goes down, it means medication and lifestyle changes are working. If another doctor asks if you have high blood pressure, the answer is, “Yes, but it is being treated.”
• Healthy lifestyle changes may help lower the dosage you need.
• Get up slowly from a seated or lying position and stand for a bit before walking. This lets your blood pressure adjust before walking to prevent lightheadedness and falls.
• Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take. Don’t forget to mention over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and supplements. They may affect your blood pressure. They also can change how well your blood pressure medication works.
• Blood pressure medication should be taken at the same time each day as part of your daily routine. For example, take it in the morning with breakfast or in the evening before brushing your teeth. If you miss a dose, do not double the dose the next day.
• Remember to refill your medication before you run out and bring it with you when traveling. Its important to keep taking your medication unless your doctor tells you to stop.
• Before having surgery, ask your doctor if you should take your blood pressure medication on the day of your operation.

Blood Pressure By Age

1 to 5 years 95/65mmHg 6 to 13 years 105/70mmHg 14 to 19 years 117/77mmHg

20 to 24 years 120/79mmHg 25 to 29 years 121/80mmHg 30 to 34 years 122/81mmHg 35 to 39 years 123/82mmHg 40 to 44 years 125/83mmHg 45 to 49 years 127/84mmHg 50 to 54 years 129/85mmHg 55 to 59 years 131/86mmHg 60 to 64 years 134/87mmHg

You can only know for certain if your blood pressure is too high by getting it checked, the tests are quick and easy so if you think you could be at risk its worth booking a check-up with your GP.

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How Can I Bring My Blood Pressure Down Immediately

Here are some simple recommendations:Exercise most days of the week. Exercise is the most effective way to lower your blood pressure. … Consume a low-sodium diet. Too much sodium causes blood pressure to rise. … Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day. … Make stress reduction a priority.Jun 22, 2019

Side Effects Of High Blood Pressure

Dangers of untreated high blood pressure include stroke, heart attack, heart failure, vision loss, kidney failure, vascular dementia and sexual dysfunction, says Dr. Desai. Its one of the top risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation, which is the most common heart rhythm disorder worldwide and can lead to stroke, heart failure and reduced quality of life.

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Ideal Blood Pressure By Age Chart: Whats Your Normal Range

Healthy blood pressure should sit between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. If your readings sit above 120/80mmHg you could be at risk of high blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure readings range from 120 to 129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. Brits with elevated blood pressure are at risk of developing high blood pressure without …

Normal Blood Pressure Range By Age And Sex

Normal blood pressure is also affected by sex, as men have a slightly higher healthy range than women. The normal BP ranges for men and women of different ages are listed below.

21-25 years old: Systolic BP: of 120.5, Diastolic BP of 78.5

26-30 years old: Systolic BP: of 119.5, Diastolic BP of 76.5

31-35 years old: Systolic BP: of 114.5, Diastolic BP of 75.5

36-40 years old: Systolic BP: of 120.5, Diastolic BP of 75.5

41-45 years old: Systolic BP: of 115.5, Diastolic BP of 78.5

46-50 years old: Systolic BP: of 119.5, Diastolic BP of 80.5

51-55 years old: Systolic BP: of 125.5, Diastolic BP of 80.5

56-60 years old: Systolic BP: of 129.5, Diastolic BP of 79.5

61-65 years old: Systolic BP: of 143.5, Diastolic BP of 76.5

Women

21-25 years old: Systolic BP: of 115.5, Diastolic BP of 70.5

26-30 years old: Systolic BP: of 113.5, Diastolic BP of 71.5

31-35 years old: Systolic BP: of 110.5, Diastolic BP of 72.5

36-40 years old: Systolic BP: of 112.5, Diastolic BP of 74.6

41-45 years old: Systolic BP: of 116.5, Diastolic BP of 73.5

46-50 years old: Systolic BP: of 124, Diastolic BP of 78.5

51-55 years old: Systolic BP: of 122.5, Diastolic BP of 74.5

56-60 years old: Systolic BP: of 132.5, Diastolic BP of 78.5

61-65 years old: Systolic BP: of 130.5, Diastolic BP of 77.5

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Heart Rate Vs Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measures the force that moves blood through your blood vessels while your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. They are both important health indicators, but they are measured independently and dont necessarily increase or decrease synchronously.

A temporary increase in heart rate, such as during exercise, is not considered problematic. In fact, your heart is expected to rise during a bout of activity and return to its resting rate afterward. And the more intense you work, the more you should expect your heart rate to rise during exercise. Your heart rate can safely double during activity so long as it returns to its resting rate relatively soon after you finish your workout.

Significant increases in blood pressure, on the other hand, are not normal and should be monitored and shared with your health care provider.

How Is High Blood Pressure Treated

Treatment for hypertension depends on how high your blood pressure is, as well as your lifestyle and risk factors.

For elevated blood pressure, the goal is to keep your blood pressure from developing into clinical hypertension. No medications are necessary at this stage. Your doctor may recommend:

• losing weight if you have overweight or obesity

For stage 1 hypertension, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes as mentioned above, as well as:

• reducing your sodium intake
• finding healthy ways to manage your stress
• medication, if your blood pressure doesnt improve after 1 month of lifestyle changes

For stage 2 hypertension, the typical treatment, in addition to a healthier lifestyle, is medication. Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following medications to help lower your blood pressure:

• ACE inhibitors to block substances that tighten blood vessels
• alpha blockers to help relax the arteries
• beta-blockers to decrease your heart rate and block substances that tighten blood vessels
• calcium channel blockers to relax blood vessels and decrease the work of your heart
• diuretics to decrease the amount of fluid in your body, including your blood vessels

A hypertensive crisis requires immediate treatment. Medications may be given orally or intravenously .

The most for a hypertensive crisis include:

• vasodilators, such as hydralazine, nitroglycerin, and nitroprusside
• beta-blockers, such as labetalol and esmolol

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High Blood Pressure Risk Factors For Blacks

Being Black is a risk factor for developing high blood pressure. Others include:

• Increased age
• High dietary salt and fat
• Low intake of potassium
• Smoking

The more risk factors you have, the more likely it is that you have high blood pressure or will develop it in the future. Take steps now to find out more. Even if you don’t have high blood pressure, you can lower your risk by following the treatment guidelines for high blood pressure in Blacks.

What Should I Do If I Have High Blood Pressure

If your healthcare provider has diagnosed you with high blood pressure, they will talk with you about your recommended blood pressure target or goal. They may suggest that you:

• Check your blood pressure regularly with a home blood pressure monitor. These are automated electronic monitors and are available at most pharmacies or online.
• Quit smoking and/or using tobacco products.
• Work on controlling anger and managing stress.

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What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean

Blood pressure readings are composed of two numbersfor example, 120/80 mm Hg.

The top number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number measures the pressure in your arteries between each heart beat.

The standard unit of measure, mm Hg, stands for “millimeters of mercury.” Mercury pressure gauges have been replaced with electronic pressure gauges, but the abbreviation is still used.

Here Is Information About One Of The Most Dangerous And Sneakiest Health Conditions: Blood Pressure

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is a measure of how hard your blood pushes against your arteries as it moves through your body. High blood pressure occurs when your blood pressure, the force of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels, is consistently too high. High blood pressure is harmful because it makes the heart work harder and less efficiently.

Why blood pressure matters

High blood pressure can cause significant damage to your eyes, kidneys, brain and blood vessels. Left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure or vision loss. High blood pressure also can affect your ability to think, remember and learn. There’s even a type of dementia vascular dementia caused by high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is one of the most dangerous health conditions because of how sneaky it can be. You can have high blood pressure for years without experiencing any symptoms. Even without symptoms, damage to your heart can still occur. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected. And once you know you have high blood pressure, you can work with your health care provider to control it.

How is blood pressure measured?

Blood pressure is traditionally measured using an inflatable cuff around your arm. The cuff is inflated, and the cuff gently tightens on your arm. The air in the cuff is slowly released and a small gauge measures your blood pressure.

Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:

What is considered normal?

What you can do

Know your numbers

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Your Blood Pressure Numbers And What They Mean

Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:

• Systolic blood pressure indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats.
• Diastolic blood pressure indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.

Is It Normal For Blood Pressure To Fluctuate

• High Blood Pressure

It’s normal for blood pressure to vary somewhat throughout the day. Stress, exercise, and sleep can all make a difference. But if your blood pressure often changes significantly from one healthcare visit to another, there may a problem.

Studies have found that visit-to-visit changes in blood pressure are sometimes linked to a higher risk of heart disease and early death.

This article explains why your blood pressure numbers may be high sometimes and normal other times. It also offers advice about when to see a healthcare provider.

Verywell / Cindy Chung

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Taking Your Pulse Versus Checking Your Blood Pressure

While both are indications of health, blood pressure and heart rate are two separate measurements. Learn more about the difference between blood pressure and heart rate.

Systolic is less than 120 and my diastolic is less than 80

Great job! Your blood pressure is normal. To keep your readings in this range, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

Systolic is 120 129 and my diastolic is less than 80

The good news is that you dont have high blood pressure. However, your numbers fall within the Elevated category, making you more likely to develop high blood pressure unless you take action to control it. Ready to make some small changes that have big impacts? Healthy lifestyle choices are a great place to start.

Systolic is 130 139 or my diastolic is 80 89

You are in the first stage of hypertension, but there are actions you can take to get your blood pressure under control. Your doctor will speak to you about small changes that can make a big difference and other BP Raisers. In addition, monitoring blood pressure outside of the doctors office is important for BP control.

Systolic is 140 or higher or my diastolic is 90 or higher

Systolic is higher than 180 and/or my diastolic is higher than 120

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.

Checking Blood Pressure At Home

Keeping track of blood pressure at home is important for many people, especially if you have high blood pressure. This helps you and your doctor find out if your treatment is working.

Your doctor may also suggest that you check your pressure at home if they think you may have “white coat hypertension.” It’s a real condition. The stress of being in a doctor’s office raises your blood pressure, but when you’re home, it’s normal.

Ask your doctor to recommend an easy-to-use home blood pressure monitor. Make sure the cuff fits properly. If your arm is too big for the cuff, the reading may be higher than your blood pressure really is. Ask your doctor for a larger cuff or make sure you buy a home monitor with a cuff that fits you.

You also can use a wrist blood pressure monitor, but they often aren’t as accurate. Follow the directions that come with the device to make sure you are using it correctly.

No matter which type of blood pressure monitor you have, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s office. You can compare its reading to the numbers your doctor gets. Avoid caffeine, cigarettes, and exercise for at least 30 minutes before the test.

When you take your blood pressure at home, sit up straight in a chair and put both feet on the floor. Ask your doctor or nurse to show you the right way to position your arm so you get accurate readings.

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Understanding Blood Pressure What Is It

Your blood pressure reading is a measurement of the pressure your blood applies across your artery walls. Your blood pressure changes a little throughout the day when you relax, your blood pressure lowers, and when you move around or feel stress, your blood pressure increases. But high blood pressure over a long term is associated with serious health risks, including heart, brain, and eye damage. Likewise, chronic low blood pressure sometimes comes with health risks. Fortunately, there are helpful ways to manage both high and low blood pressure.

Normal Blood Pressure Range By Age: Adults Children Men

The normal systolic blood pressure is considered to be 120 by most doctors, and the normal diastolic blood pressure is considered to be 80. Blood pressure normally increases throughout life, right from infancy to older adulthood. For most adults, regardless of their age, the normal BP range is considered to be 120/80 or less.

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Normal Bp Range For Adults By Age

Age Group
134	87

Understanding the normal BP range with age can help the doctor and you to estimate your cardiovascular health. Blood pressure levels can fluctuate significantly from one reading to the next and it is important to remember that just one abnormally high reading does not signify that you have high blood pressure. Doctors usually use an average of multiple blood pressure readings taken over a period of several days to arrive at a diagnosis of high blood pressure.