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Systolic blood pressure: The pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (contracts).
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Diastolic blood pressure: The pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.
Normal Blood Pressure Values
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), normal blood pressure for adults is typically:
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Systolic: Less than 120 mm Hg
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Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg
So, a normal reading would be written as 120/80 mm Hg or “120 over 80.”
Blood Pressure Categories
Here’s a general guide to blood pressure ranges:
| Category | Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | Less than 80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140 or higher | 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 |
What These Categories Mean
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Normal: This is the ideal range for most adults. No action needed if consistently in this range.
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Elevated: Blood pressure is higher than normal but not yet in the hypertension range. Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress management) can often help bring it back to normal.
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Hypertension Stage 1: Indicates that you have high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes are recommended, and depending on your risk factors, medication may be prescribed.
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Hypertension Stage 2: Blood pressure is quite high, and medication is usually needed along with lifestyle changes.
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Hypertensive Crisis: Extremely high blood pressure that could cause serious health problems. Seek immediate medical help if your reading is in this range.
Why Blood Pressure Matters
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High blood pressure (hypertension) is a silent condition that can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and more.
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Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, fainting, and in severe cases, shock or organ failure, though it’s generally less of a concern unless it’s symptomatic.
When to Monitor Blood Pressure
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It’s a good idea to check your blood pressure regularly, especially if you’re at risk for high blood pressure (due to age, family history, obesity, or lack of physical activity).
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If you have hypertension, monitoring your blood pressure at home or with a healthcare provider is important to track changes and effectiveness of treatment.
If you want, I can give you tips on managing or lowering blood pressure naturally or recommend ways to track your blood pressure at home. Would you like to dive into that?
