What Is the Normal Blood Pressure Range?
Blood pressure is the force applied by the blood over the inner walls of the arteries. Although the average blood pressure for a person remains constant, it shows minor fluctuations throughout the day—declining while relaxing and momentarily increasing while being excited or under stress.
An increase in resting blood pressure can scar, stiffen, or harden the arteries.
- Blood pressure is written as systolic and diastolic values.
- Hence, BP 120/80 mm Hg means 120 is the systolic number, and 80 is the diastolic number.
High blood pressure is more likely to cause:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Vision loss
- Kidney failure
- Dementia
- Erectile dysfunction
Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure may not have any symptoms and so hypertension has been labeled “the silent killer.” Longstanding high blood pressure can lead to multiple complications including heart attack, kidney disease, or stroke.
Some people experience symptoms with their high blood pressure. These symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Blurred vision
- The Feeling of pulsations in the neck or head
- Nausea
What are the different blood pressure categories?
Blood pressure can be categorized into five different types, namely:
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 120 or less | 80 or less | N/A |
| Elevated | 120-129 | 80 or less | People with elevated blood pressure are at risk of high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control it. |
| Hypertension stage I | 130-139 | 80-89 | Doctors may prescribe blood pressure medications and some lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart diseases and stroke. |
| Hypertension stage II | 140-159 | 90-99 | Doctors may prescribe a combination of both medications and lifestyle changes. |
| Hypertensive crisis | 180 or higher | 120 or higher | This is the most critical condition and requires emergency medical attention. |
Contact the physician immediately if the following symptoms are experienced:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Back pain
- Numbness/weakness
- Change in vision
- Difficulty speaking
