What is a Normal Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure levels considered normal for an individual depend on a variety of factors.
Blood pressure levels considered normal for an individual depend on a variety of factors. However, as a general rule, the range of 90/60mm to 120/80mm is within acceptable limits for a healthy individual.
The American Heart Association has categorized the blood pressure ranges into five groups. These include;
Normal
Levels less than or equal to 120/80mmHg are considered within this range.
Elevated
Consistent readings of more than 120 to 129mmHg with diastolic pressure less than 80mmHg are considered elevated. This is a red herring, indicating that you should start taking precautions to avoid developing hypertension.
Hypertension Stage 1
When your blood pressure readings are consistently within the range of systolic pressure of130 to 139 and a diastolic pressure of 80 to 89mmHg, you belong to this category. Lifestyle changes and, occasionally, medications might be a requirement at this stage.
Hypertension Stage 2
If the blood pressure is consistently higher than 140/90mmHg, you are diagnosed with hypertension and will likely be prescribed a combination of anti-hypertensive medications and lifestyle changes.
Hypertensive Crisis
Immediate medical attention is crucial at this stage wherein blood pressure readings exceed 180/1200mmHg suddenly.
|
Systolic (mm Hg) |
Diastolic (mm Hg) |
|
|
Normal |
Below 120 |
Below 80 |
|
Elevated |
120–129 |
Below 80 |
|
Hypertension Stage 1 |
130–139 |
80–90 |
|
Hypertension Stage 2 |
140 or above |
90 or above |
|
Hypertensive crisis |
Over 180 |
Over 120 |
