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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The High Blood Pressure Solution: A Scientifically Proven Program for Preventing Strokes and Heart Disease

• Proves that the majority of cases of stroke, heart attack, and hypertension can easily be prevented by maintaining the proper ratio of potassium to sodium in the diet.

• Updated with scientific evidence from a recent Finnish study showing a 60 percent decline in deaths attributed to strokes and heart attacks.

• Provides a comprehensive program for balancing body chemistry at the cellular level.

High blood pressure is entirely preventable, without reliance on synthetic drugs. Dr. Moore's approach is simple: by maintaining the proper ratio of potassium to sodium in the diet, blood pressure can be regulated at the cellular level, preventing the development of hypertension and the high incidence of strokes and heart attacks associated with it. Dr. Moore updates this edition with a new preface reporting on the latest scientific research in support of his program. The most striking results come from Finland, where for several decades sodium chloride has been replaced nationwide with a commercial sodium/potassium mixture, resulting in a 60 percent decline nationwide in deaths attributed to strokes and heart attacks. Extrapolated to America, the Finnish statistics would mean 360,000 strokes prevented and 96,000 lives saved every year.

Dr. Moore makes it clear that high blood pressure is only one symptom of an entire systemic imbalance. He outlines a safe, effective program that focuses on nutrition, weight loss, and exercise to bring the entire body chemistry into balance. For those currently taking blood pressure medications, he includes a chapter on working with your physician to ensure that any reduction in hypertension drugs can be effected gradually and safely.