What is considered a normal blood pressure for adults?

Question

I've noticed that not everyone is aware that there have been some changes to what physicians consider the range for normal blood pressure readings. My husband and I are trying to change some of our habits, especially getting more excercise. His blood pressure is higher than it should be.

I found this quiz as I was answering a question in the Health section, and thought you all might like to give it a try:

Test Your High Blood Pressure IQ Quiz
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3021399

Great link, Caity, Thanks!
pa.moo50 and Susan S; Thanks for looking at the link to the quiz!

Ray T; great point about doctors not always taking side effects seriously enough. Pills are not the reason for the new standards, but we do need to watch out for ourselve.s

Silk; true, our b/p does fluctuate. The 'normal' refers to b/p taken while sitting and at rest. Best to take it at about the same time each time it is checked. One b/p reading is not enough..:)

oldtime; Awesome, B/P! Hope I can live as well as you do!

desertviking: uh, a resting b/p that is consistently around 140/90 is considered Stage 1 hypertension....see new guidelines published in 2003.

Answer 1

Anything under 120/80! 7 out of 10 correct. Thank You.

Answer 2

The current guidelines from the Heart Lung & Blood Institute are:

<120/<80 is normal
120-139/80-89 is prehypertensive
140-159/90-99 is stage 1 hypertension
>160/>100 is stage 2 hypertension

I have listed the link for the guidelines below:

Answer 3

Today the correct answer would be, 120/80. Not long ago it was 140/80. I think they lowered it so they could sell more pills. Just my opinion.

A combination of blood pressure pills and cholesterol pills were destroying my muscle structure. If I had not realized what was happening and stopped taking the pills I would be in a wheel chair today. When it comes to doctors, doubt is the best approach. I find they do not always take the sideffects of the meds seriously enough..

Answer 4

You have a normal blood pressure. 120/80 is a healthy blood pressure.

Answer 5

140 over 90 represents the upper limits for the normal range of blood pressure. If that lower figure drops below 60, you should not take any heart medications.
BTW, subtracting the lower number from the higher one gives you the actual pressure blood is exerting on your blood vessels measured in millimeters per square centimeter.

Answer 6

We have a machine to check our blood pressure at work. Mine usually reads about 118/68. It says that is in the normal range.

Answer 7

Just remember that your blood pressure fluctuates during the day many times

Answer 8

I too have a blood pressure monitor in the house, but thanks for the link. Always good to keep up with the latest health news.

Answer 9

That was a very good test. I got them all right except one. Thank you for sharing. 110/70 is the new ideal.

Answer 10

You should read "The Blood Pressure Solution" (also available in electronic format, watch the video presentation here: http://www.fixbloodpressure.com ) It's a very comprehensive step-by-step book that walks you through the natural remedies of high blood pressure. It provides you with a lot of information on what foods to eat, how you can acquire and prepare these foods, how you can change your lifestyle for the better, how to eliminate the toxins from your body, how to reduce stress, how you can check your blood pressure level the correct way etc.

The book is amazing in that it not only lowers your blood pressure without the help of medications; it also aids you in having a life that is healthy, happier, and less stressful. This book chanced my life.