What Are Normal Blood Pressure Readings

First, note the fact that many factors influence blood pressure values such as sex, age, habits, diet... There are other temporary variables such as stress, digestion issues, emotions, tiredness, stimulants etc.

All these circumstances (along with many others) means that the figures have a limited reliability and must be accompanied by a consideration of other factors. However, some normal values have been established where blood pressure is considered correct though this includes a wide margin of variables.

The first value is seen in the mercury column of the sphygmomanometer indicating the maximum pressure of blood in the arterial network, corresponding to the ventricular contraction (systole) of the heart. The second number indicates the minimum blood pressure in arteries: the diastolic pressure which indicates maximum ventricular relaxation.

In most countries the pressure is expressed in millimetres of mercury, although in the Hispanic world it is usually indicated in centimetres. Turning a pressure of 120 and 80, for example, into 12 and 8. What this indicates is that our pressure is capable of raising to 12 cm the column of mercury.

In digital pressure monitoring machines, it is the top number that indicates maximum pressure and the bottom number that indicates minimum blood pressure.

The values considered normal are as follow:

• Systolic pressure 100 to 140 mm Hg (10 to 14 cm)
• Diastolic pressure 60 to 90 mm Hg (6 to 9 cm)

It would be best to have a systolic pressure not exceeding 120 mm (maximum 130) and diastolic below 90 mm of Hg. Note that with age the pressure tends to rise, since the blood vessels lose elasticity. Normal blood pressure values are thus somewhat higher during adulthood.

A person suffers hypertension when pressure is above these maximum values (From 140 and 90), also known as high blood pressure, while those that are underneath these values suffer hypotension or low blood pressure.

Currently, the most widely used apparatus to measure blood pressure is called sphygmomanometer. It consists of a bag and a rubber pump connected by a tube to the mercury column which will record our pressure in millimetres. This is a very simple measurement which does not involve any pain and is done very quickly.

Artery pressure is the force with which the blood travels through our body, that's why it's important to keep the right levels to guarantee maximum heart health. High blood pressure can commonly cause your heart's health to be in jeopardy, making us more prone to suffer heart conditions. It's important to lower your blood pressure and know what kind of diet you should follow.

On the other hand, low blood pressure is less common, it can create circulation problems and loss of conscience. Knowing the symptoms of low blood pressure is important to know how to react under this circumstance, as well as knowing how to raise low blood pressure.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to What Are Normal Blood Pressure Readings, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.

Tips

• Remember that when you measure blood pressure and values are not normal, it's important to visit a specialist for a check-up.
• Caring for your blood pressure means caring for the health of your heart, this is why it's important to pay attention to it.