What Level Normal Blood Pressure Should Be

Blood pressure is the measure of your blood's force as it pushes against the walls of the arteries. As your heart beats, the force is highest. The measurement of this is the top number in a blood pressure reading, or the systolic pressure. When your heart rests between beats, the force is lower. This is the bottom number in the measurement, called diastolic pressure.

What Blood Pressure Tells Your Physician

• A blood pressure reading that is high might lead to stroke, heart attack or heart disease. A low blood pressure is not diagnosed by the reading but by symptoms of not enough blood getting to the organs. A healthy person with no symptoms might have a lower blood pressure reading than someone who is actually suffering from low blood pressure.

Measuring the Blood Pressure

• The blood pressure is taken by using an instrument called a blood pressure cuff. It is usually wrapped around the upper arm, and consistent force is applied through tightening the cuff. The tightness of the cuff allows the blood pressure to be registered and measured. A stethoscope is attached so the individual taking the pressure can hear when the pressure starts and stops. Your pressure will be taken at any physician's appointment as it is one of the important signs that indicate health issues.

Blood Pressure Levels

• Blood pressure levels are considered normal if they are below 120/80. If the numbers on the top are between 120 and 139 and the numbers on the bottom are between 80 and 89, it is considered pre-hypertension. Anything above 139/89 is considered hypertension (high blood pressure). It is important to remember that readings can vary depending on situation and time of day. If there is an abnormal reading, take your blood pressure at various times and in various situations to confirm the result.

Treating High Blood Pressure

• Blood pressure levels can significantly and positively be affected by lifestyle changes. Eating a diet low in fat, high in whole grains and vegetables and fruits, and low in salt can cause a decrease in pressure readings. Exercise also can be a beneficial addition to a treatment plan to lower blood pressure. Try to perform pulse-raising exercise one hour a day most days. If your physician believes it is necessary, he can prescribe medication to assist in treating this condition.

Treating Low Blood Pressure

• Low blood pressure can be caused by medications or dehydration. In those situations, your physician will decrease or change your medications. If it is dehydration, you might need intravenous fluids, though increasing your fluid intake on your own might be all that is needed. There are other medical emergencies that might decrease pressure, including shock, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. These are all issues that can be life-threatening and need to be treated in a medical setting.

Encouragement

• Remember that blood pressure is just one measurement. If you have an abnormal reading, there are many ways to treat this. Changing your lifestyle, working with your physician and educating yourself on this condition are all positive steps you can take to address this problem.