How would blood pressure be normal?

Answer 1

Answer

Blood pressure is defined by two measurements of pressure, called systolic and diastolic, which are commonly written as s / d; for example 130/85. There is no international consensus about what constitutes the normal range for blood pressures, although most concern is about abnormally high blood pressure, as this is linked to a number of serious illnesses. In general it is more worrying if the diastolic pressure is elevated. Acceptable levels for the diagnosis of hypertension would be 170 for systolic and 95 for diastolic pressures. At the lower end, a systolic pressure above 100 and a diastolic above 50 would be acceptable, so giving the normal range 100/50 - 169/94.

[The units for these pressure measurements are mmHg, or millimetres of Mercury: traditional sphygmomanometers (the device for measuring blood pressure) had a column of mercury in a glass tube which gave the pressure readings.]

Answer

The general aim of most doctors is for a reading of 120/80: a systolic of around 120 and a diastolic of approx 80. Some are even happier with a reading of around 110/70; but much less than that can also carry its own problems: so these are considered 'optimum readings'.

As to which is the more important - systolic or diastolic, opinion has proven divided over recent decades.

The current trend is that the systolic is of more concern to 'high' blood pressure. This concern is at a reading of around 165 to 170. Diastolic becomes of concern also at around 90 or 95.

As one's blood pressure is expected to increase somewhat with age, it is of more concern that a 30 year-old has a systolic reading of 150 than for a 55 year-old to show that reading.

Likewise, a reading of 90 [diastolic] can be quite concerning in a 30 year-old.

The AMA states "normal blood pressure is less that 120 / less than 80"

Answer 2

110 over 70