Blood Pressure Charts - Normal Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by circulating blood on the walls of the veins and arteries. It is expressed as a blood pressure ratio of 120/80 mmHg, or systolic pressure/diastolic pressure. The first number '120', is the systolic pressure, which is the pressure exerted when blood is pumped into the arteries as the heart muscle contracts. The second number '80', is the diastolic pressure, the pressure exerted on the arteries while the heart muscle relaxes. In a healthy individual, normal blood pressure reading is commonly measured and called as '120 over 80'.

Blood Pressure Charts - Normal Blood Pressure Readings
The following table of blood pressure is based on the average blood pressure readings of a normal healthy adult.

Category	Systolic, mmHg	Diastolic, mmHg
Hypotension	< 90	or < 60
Normal	90 - 119	60 - 79
Prehypertension	120 - 139	80 - 89
Stage 1- Hypertension	140 - 159	90 - 99
Stage 2- Hypertension	≥ 160	≥ 100

Checking blood pressure is done in a quick and painless manner. One must check the pressure regularly, either with an aneroid or a digital monitor at home or by a health care provider. The pressure can be measured while a person is seated or lying down. The person's arm should be rested at the same level as the heart. The thick cloth cuff is wrapped snugly around the upper arm and inflated, until the mercury column reads approximately 180-210 mmHg. At this pressure point, the pressure valve is slightly opened, allowing the mercury to drop gradually while the physician listens to the heart pulse with a stethoscope. The first reading is measured before dropping the mercury level, and at the feel of first pulse. This is recorded as the systolic pressure. The last pulse is heard as the cuff is deflated, and is recorded as the diastolic pressure.

Diagnosis of most blood pressure related diseases is based on the measurement of the readings. However it is common for the readings to fluctuate, even throughout the day, as they are dependent on factors such as emotional or physical state, activity level, temperature, diet and medications. The readings are strong indicators of health or illness, and sometimes even serve as warnings of impending ill health. Children have a lower range of normal blood pressure, because there is more flexibility in their arteries.

Low blood pressure can be a sign of good health as well as an indication of illness, stress or infection. It is commonly seen in pregnant women, or in cases of dehydration, thyroid disorders or arrhythmias. High blood pressure is considered as a cause of concern, and should be treated immediately, as delays could lead to serious medical conditions like heart attack, kidney failure or stroke.

Maintaining normal blood pressure is not that difficult, one can do so by keeping the following few things in mind:

• Exercise: Exercising regularly can lower blood pressure and also helps to boost the immunity level of the body.
• Diet: A healthy diet, that includes fresh fruits and vegetables aid in maintaining normal blood pressure.
• Relaxation: Stress, depression or anxiety are major factors contributing to fluctuations in blood pressure. One can relax with the help of meditative therapies like yoga.
• Water: Water helps to flush toxins out of the body, and keep it well hydrated. Eight to ten glasses of water everyday, would help to keep blood pressure under normal control.
• Smoking: Smoking is one of the major factors that leads to high blood pressure. A change in this habit has known to help many people stabilize their blood pressure.

Although it is difficult to keep blood pressure normal at all times, it is imperative to do so. A regular check on the blood pressure will go a long way in keeping many diseases at bay.