Normal Adult Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is generally measured each time you visit your doctor's office. Blood pressure is always read in terms of the systolic blood pressure compared to the diastolic blood pressure. Your blood pressure reading will be written as a systolic number over a diastolic number. When your heart is pumping blood, the systolic reading is calculated. Your heart rests between each beat, which is when the diastolic blood pressure can be calculated.

Description

• Most people think of normal blood pressure as a reading of 120/80, however, the standards for normal blood pressure have changed. For your blood pressure to be considered in a normal range, it must be lower than 120/80.

Variations

• Your doctor's office generally takes your blood pressure one time during your visit, however, blood pressure can fluctuate several points throughout the day. You should take your blood pressure a few times during a single day for a more accurate average of your blood pressure.

Pre-Hypertension

• A blood pressure of 120/80 is no longer considered normal, but rather falls into the category of pre-hypertension. Pre-hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 120 to 139 for the systolic pressure, and 80 to 89 for the diastolic blood pressure reading.

Significance

• Maintaining a normal adult blood pressure is an important part of maintaining good health. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease, circulatory disorders and even strokes.

Considerations

• Your blood pressure might be elevated for a brief time even if you otherwise have a normal blood pressure reading. A stressful situation, a case of nerves, too much caffeine or even physical exertion can temporarily raise your blood pressure.

Prevention

• You can take steps to help prevent your blood pressure from being higher than normal. As with most health problems, exercise and a healthy diet can help to keep your blood pressure from rising.

Treatment

• Treatment for blood pressure that is not normal varies depending on the severity of your high blood pressure. If you are pre-hypertensive, lifestyle changes might be all that the doctor orders. More severe elevated blood pressure, might require medications and close monitoring of your blood pressure readings.