Healthy blood pressure (BP) is critical to overall good health. What is normal blood pressure is not an easy question to answer. There is no one unambiguous reading that can be applied to all persons at all times and in all places.

Health advisers typically identify a recommended target BP range rather than a normal BP single point reading. BP is affected by many factors including gender, age, weight, altitude above sea level and general fitness. For example, the BP of an athlete is lower than that of an average adult, about as low as that of a child.

BP can also vary widely during the day depending on the level of physical exertion, stress, ambient temperature and a host of other factors. Any one single BP reading is unlikely to be reliable. Several readings should be taken at different times of day, to determine an average level over time. The average or mean arterial pressure (MAP) is likely to be more accurate.

BP was originally measured using mercury, in much the same way as mercury is used in a thermometer of barometer. As a broad indication, a BP reading of 120/80 units is generally considered a healthy range for an adult. A MAP of 93 units is often used as a healthy or standard benchmark an adult. These figures are important and it is useful to spend a little time to understand what they mean.

The pressure of 1 mm of Hg (at sea level) is equal to 0.019337 pounds per square inch (psi). So a BP reading of 120/80 is equivalent to 2.3/1.5 psi. A MAP of 93 mm Hg is equivalent to 1.8 psi. High BP or hypertension is usually defined as a BP above 140/90. Low BP or hypotension is usually defined as BP below 90/60.

Health professionals define various categories of high and low BP depending on their severity. Commonly identified grades include very severe, severe, moderate and mild. BP above 160-100 (considered moderate hypertension) usually requires sustained medical treatment. BP above 180-110 (considered severe hypertension) significantly increases the risk of a patient suffering stroke, heart attack, cardiovascular disease or kidney disease. By contrast, low BP may result in dizziness, fainting, chronic lethargy or, in severe cases, coma.

In conclusion, what is normal blood pressure is perhaps best thought of as a range rather than a specific point. Persons diagnosed as suffering from high BP are commonly advised to stop smoking, not to eat salty foods, decrease caffeine consumption, exercise more, and to get adequate sleep without oversleeping.

Learn more about what is normal blood pressure. Stop by Chase Baxter’s site where you can find out all about blood pressure and what it can do for you.

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