Chuck’s Home World

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, and constitutes one of the principal vital signs.

The pressure of the circulating blood decreases as blood moves through arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and veins; the term blood pressure generally refers to arterial pressure, i.e., the pressure in the larger arteries, arteries being the blood vessels which take blood away from the heart.

Blood pressure is always given as two numbers – systolic pressure (when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes). When the measurements are written down, both are written one above or before the other with the systolic being the first number.

Normal Blood Pressure – Blood pressure reading below 120/80 is considered normal.

High Blood Pressure – Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure. If one or both numbers are usually high, you have high blood pressure.

Low Blood Pressure – Blood pressure that is too low is known as hypotension. The similarity in pronunciation with hypertension can cause confusion.

High Blood Pressure Range

Systolic pressure (mm Hg)	Diastolic pressure (mm Hg)	Stages of High Blood Pressure
210	120	Stage 4
180	110	Stage 3
160	100	Stage 2
140	90	Stage 1

Normal Blood Pressure Range

Systolic pressure (mm Hg)	Diastolic pressure (mm Hg)	Pressure Range
130	85	High Normal Blood  Pressure
120	80	Normal Blood Pressure
110	75	Low Normal Blood  Pressure

Low Blood Pressure Range

Systolic pressure (mm Hg)	Diastolic pressure (mm Hg)	Pressure Range
90	60	Borderline Low blood Pressure
60	40	Too Low Blood Pressure
50	33	Dangerously Low Blood Pressure

Averages per Age:

Age 15 to 19	Min	Average	Max		Age 40 to 44	Min	Average	Max
Systolic Range	105	117	120		Systolic Range	112	125	137
Diastolic Range	73	77	81		Diastolic Range	79	83	87
Age 20 to 24	Min	Average	Max		Age 45 to 49	Min	Average	Max
Systolic Range	108	120	132		Systolic Range	115	127	139
Diastolic Range	75	79	83		Diastolic Range	80	84	88
Age 25 to 29	Min	Average	Max		Age 50 to 54	Min	Average	Max
Systolic Range	109	121	133		Systolic Range	116	129	142
Diastolic Range	76	80	84		Diastolic Range	81	85	89
Age 30 to 34	Min	Average	Max		Age 55 to 59	Min	Average	Max
Systolic Range	110	122	134		Systolic Range	118	131	144
Diastolic Range	77	81	85		Diastolic Range	82	86	90
Age 35 to 39	Min	Average	Max		Age 60 to 64	Min	Average	Max
Systolic Range	111	123	135		Systolic Range	121	134	147
Diastolic Range	78	82	86		Diastolic Range	83	87	91

Calculate your predicted maximum heart rate by using the calculation: 220 – (age) = Age Predicted Maximum Heart Rate.

This information comes directly from this site and was used without permission. It was copied here more for personal reference than any other reason. Chuck’s Home World or its affiliates cannot be held responsible for information disclosed here. Always consult your doctor for health issues.