The blood pressure chart is important even if you have normal blood pressure. You should know the significance of blood pressure reading.
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries (blood vessels). In other words, it is the force that our heart produces in our arteries as it pumps blood around our body.
When we talk about blood pressure, we mean blood pressure in the large arteries, such as the brachial artery in the arm. Blood pressure varies from one heartbeat to another throughout the day. It is not static.
When the arteries become obstructed with plaque and cholesterol, they constrict making the circulation of blood difficult. As a result, blood pressure becomes elevated.
Blood Pressure Monitors
The blood pressure is measured by a sphygmomanometer. At home, you can measure your blood pressure by an electronic (digital) blood pressure monitor. Two readings of the blood pressure in the arteries during the cardiac cycle are taken. The higher value is the systolic pressure and the lowest pressure at the resting phase of the cardiac cycle is the diastolic pressure.
The systolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. The diastolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle is resting between beats.
Blood pressure monitors measure the blood pressure readings (values) in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Normal blood pressure reading of a resting healthy adult are less than 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic pressure. Blood pressure measurement lower than this is considered as Hypotension or low blood pressure
Systolic Blood Pressure Range
mm Hg | Diastolic Blood Pressure Range
mm Hg | Condition |
| 90-120 | 60-80 | Blood pressure normal range |
| 140-160 | 90-100 | Mild Hypertension |
| 160-180 | 100-110 | Moderate Hypertension |
| 180-210 | 110-125 | Severe Hypertension |
| Above 210 | Above 125 | Very Severe Hypertension |
Average blood pressure for young people: 120/80 mmHg
Average blood pressure for old people: 140/90 mmHg
Higher readings of blood pressure in the older people are linked to increasing stiffness of large arteries and build-up of plaque.
In children the normal blood pressure readings are lower. Blood pressure readings in the lower end of the above values are considered good for cardiovascular (heart) health.
If your blood pressure readings in the range of normal blood pressure, then you should be happy.
Which BP Number is Important?
The systolic blood pressure is considered as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50 years old. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age.
High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to hardening of the arteries.
How to measure Blood pressure?
Blood pressure should be measured only if the person's pulse rate is normal. If the pulse rate is high, he should be asked to take rest or relax for 15 minutes.
Anxiety plays an important role in blood pressure readings. It can raise the blood pressure by as much as 25mmHg. So it is important for the patient to relax and get accustomed to the surrounding.
Person should be asked to lie down or sit on a chair in a relaxed position in a quiet room with comfortable temperature.
White coat syndrome: It has been noted that in most cases, the blood pressure is higher when taken by a doctor than by other people or taken at home. This is known as white coat syndrome
Always 3-4 readings at different times should be taken before a person should be declared of having high B.P.