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This blood pressure chart can help you figure out if your blood pressure is at a healthy level. It also can help you understand if you need to take some steps to improve your numbers. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A blood pressure reading has two numbers. Top number, called systolic pressure.
In general, a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg or lower is ideal. Isolated systolic hypertension happens when the top blood pressure number is 130 mm Hg or higher and the bottom number is less than 80 mm Hg. Isolated systolic hypertension is the most common type of high blood pressure, especially in older age.
The bottom number is called diastolic pressure. This is pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. The top number minus the bottom number is the pulse pressure. So if the resting blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg, the pulse pressure is 40. This is considered a healthy pulse pressure. Generally, a pulse pressure greater than 40 mm Hg is unhealthy.
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in the arteries. A blood pressure reading has two numbers: Top number, called systolic pressure. The top number is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. Bottom number, called diastolic pressure.
Alpha-beta blockers. These medicines work similarly to beta blockers. They might be prescribed if you have high blood pressure and are at risk of heart failure. Central-acting agents. These medicines stop the brain from sending signals to the nervous system to speed up the heart rate and narrow the blood vessels.
Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening. Blood pressure is usually lower at night while sleeping.
Most often, a small difference in blood pressure readings between arms isn't a concern. But a difference of more than 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) might cause worry. The difference can be in the top number, known as systolic pressure. Or it can be in the bottom number, known as diastolic pressure.
Elevated blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure tends to get worse over time unless steps are taken to control it. Stage 1 hypertension.
Behaviors linked to higher blood pressure include: Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine. Eating unhealthy foods. Eating too much. Not moving enough. Heart disease also might be linked to certain health conditions related to stress, such as: Anxiety. Depression. Being cut off from friends and family.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise pressure on the walls of blood vessels to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting raises blood pressure for a short time. Binge drinking over and over can cause long-term rises in blood pressure. To understand how much alcohol is too much, it may be helpful to know what excessive ...