Healthy Blood Pressure Levels

Healthy blood pressure levels are important for overall good health. Healthy blood pressure readings change with age and differ for children and adults. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure level and preventing high blood pressure may reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and improve the quality of life.

Significance

• According to the Centers for Disease Control, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is the best way to prevent heart disease and stroke, which are the first and third leading killers of Americans.

Function

• Blood pressure can be measured by using an arm cuff called a sphygmomanometer. The reading is used to determine overall health, especially the condition of the heart.

Types

• Healthy blood pressure levels are lower for children than for adults. The first number is systolic pressure and should be less than 120 in adults over age 20; diastolic pressure is the second number and should be less than 80.

Features

• According to the CDC, healthy blood pressure levels can reduce complications from other medical conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Considerations

• According to the CDC, a person with a high reading in either the first or the second number in a blood pressure reading is considered to have high blood pressure.

Benefits

• According to the Mayo Clinic, healthy blood pressure levels can help maintain memory, protect the health of the eyes, and may add years to a person's lifespan.

Prevention/Solution

• Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels can be accomplished by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation and reducing stress.