If you’ve had your blood pressure measured recently, it helps to know what is normal blood pressure. When your heart beats, it contracts and relaxes. When it contracts the blood in your arteries pushes hard against the walls of the blood vessels.
When your heart is between beats, there’s still pressure, but that pressure isn’t as high. Blood pressure is measured using a special cuff called a sphygmomanometer. This simple machine measures the pressure in your blood vessels in millimeters of mercury.
Textbook blood pressure is normally 120/80. The top number is your systolic pressure when the heart contracts. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure when the heart is between beats. While this is considered “normal” any pressure above 90/60 but below 120/80 is considered normal also.
When you’re exerting yourself physically or you’re under extreme stress, even people with normal blood pressure may get a high reading. In this case the bottom number usually stays pretty near 80, but the top number may go up.
This is normal and not anything to worry about. The real problem comes with having abnormal blood pressure readings over and over again when you’re at rest. If you’re concerned about your blood pressure, you should talk with your doctor.
When your blood pressure is normal, it’s a good sign that your heart is pretty healthy. The most common type of heart disease is hypertension, the scientific word for high blood pressure. If you’re in the normal range your heart is probably not under too much stress.
Even if your blood pressure is normal, it’s important to participate in activities that help you to keep it normal. For example, you can participate in 30-60 minutes of daily physical activity. This can help you to keep your heart healthy and strong throughout your life.
It’s also a good idea to keep your weight as close to ideal as possible for you. Excess weight can put more pressure on the heart to do its job. Regulating your weight can help you to control blood pressure.
Stress can play a role in blood pressure as well. Do what you can with time management to keep stress low. When stress does come knocking on your door, consider meditation and relaxation exercises to help you stay calm, cool, and collected.
Many people who have good blood pressure think they’re off the hook when it comes to taking care of their heart. But you should also pay attention to your heart rate, cholesterol, and other lifestyle factors. Understanding what is normal blood pressure can help you to keep it that way.