For quite a long time the term normal blood pressure meant having blood pressure reading of 120/80 with the first number referring to systolic blood pressure and the second to diastolic blood pressure. Of late, however, the American Heart Association has made changes to the definition of normal blood pressure which now refers to less than 120/less than 80 as the new readings. The results of research on the effects of blood pressure over a longer period of time revealed that the new readings were more appropriate.
Changed Cut-Off Values
In fact, the American Heart Association has gone further than simply redefining what normal blood pressure is by also changing cut-off values for various stages of high blood pressure. All these changes have been affected because of the findings of research that revealed that there was greater risk of suffering a heart attack and other forms of illness whenever blood pressure rose.
The truth of the fact is that blood pressure refers to a measurement that shows how much pressure is created whenever the heart pumps out blood that travels through the veins as well as arteries. There is a difference between normal blood pressure readings in adults and children with the latter having a slightly lesser blood pressure reading while seniors will have slightly elevated blood pressure reading. A reading of 140/90 or higher is not good for you and so should be treated at the earliest. This could mean having to make changes to your diet and also having to take medications. It should however be every person’s endeavor to maintain normal blood pressure.
The two blood pressure values that are measured refer to systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. The first named refers to the high point which is when the heart begins to contract in order to push blood out into the body. The second named refers to the lowest point which is when the heart starts to relax and is filled with blood which will then be pumped out again. To obtain blood pressure readings the doctor must make use of a sphygmomanometer that can measure blood pressure in the arteries.
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People that consume healthy diets and who exercise regularly and who are in good physical condition and whose lives are not stressed out are the ones that are most likely to enjoy normal blood pressure.
During the day it is normal for a person’s blood pressure to vary and so it is a good idea to learn about what normal blood pressure range for different people is. Typically, for those people that are aged between twenty and forty the range is 120/80. In order to assess your blood pressure it makes sense to take a reading at the same time on successive days as this will enable you to learn just how normal or otherwise your blood pressure is.
