The only way to determine if someone's blood pressure is in the normal range is to have it checked. It is generally checked by a doctor, or other health professional, during routine office visits but can also be checked at pharmacies and health fairs. The American Heart Association recommends having your blood pressure checked at least every two years, and more often if it is in the high range. Having your blood pressure checked is a quick and painless procedure.
What is Blood Pressure?
When the heart beats, blood is pumped out into the arteries and carried throughout the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control, blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls as it circulates. Other factors affecting pressure include the amount of blood being pumped and the size and flexibility of the arteries. Normal blood pressure varies during the day, depending on activity level. Sustained high or low blood pressure can indicate medical problems such as hypertension or hypotension.
Blood pressure is measured with a sphygmomanometer, either manually or automatically. A cuff placed on the upper arm is inflated enough to stop the blood flow. An automatic sphygmomanometer determines blood pressure electronically. A manual sphygmomanometer uses a hand pump to inflate and deflate the cuff. As the cuff deflates, two measurements are recorded. When the blood returns to the artery, it makes a sound until pressure in the artery exceeds pressure in the cuff. At that point, the sound ceases. The numbers shown on the gauge at those two points are recorded, and constitute the two numbers of a blood pressure reading. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mm HG, or 120/80 millimeters of mercury.
The Systolic Reading
The upper number of a blood pressure reading is called the systolic number. This is the number that is recorded first and is associated with the beginning of sound. According to the American Heart Association, systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills the arteries with blood. Since it records the pressure when the heart is contracting, the systolic number is the higher number. The ideal systolic pressure is 115 and normal up to 120.
The Diastolic Reading
The lower number of a blood pressure reading is called the diastolic number. This number is recorded second and coincides with the end of the sound. According to the Mayo Clinic, diastolic pressure indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart rests between beats. The diastolic number is the lower number recorded. The ideal diastolic pressure is 75, and normal up to 80.
Range and Classifications
Blood pressure measurements are divided into four categories. According to the Mayo Clinic, blood pressure is considered normal with readings below 120/80 mm Hg. Prehypertension is indicated with systolic readings ranging between 120 and 139 mm Hg, and diastolic measurements between 80 and 89 mm Hg. Stage 1 hypertension is systolic measurements ranging between 140 and 159 mm Hg, and diastolic readings between 90 and 99 mm Hg. Stage 2 hypertension, considered the most severe type of hypertension, occurs with systolic pressure over 160 mm Hg and diastolic pressure over 100 mm Hg. Hypertension is called "the silent killer" because some may not realize they have it and is a serious disease that requires management by a qualified medical professional.
