What is normal blood pressure? Ranges, readings and when to worry

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the “silent killer” because most people feel completely fine until it causes a heart attack, stroke or kidney damage. In Pakistan a large share of adults have high BP, and many do not know it. The good news: it is easy to check and very treatable.

What the two numbers mean

A reading like 120/80 mmHg has two parts. The top number (systolic) is the pressure when the heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

Blood pressure chart for adults

• Normal: below 120 and below 80
• Elevated: 120 to 129 and below 80
• High BP, stage 1: 130 to 139, or 80 to 89
• High BP, stage 2: 140 or higher, or 90 or higher
• Emergency range: above 180 and/or above 120, especially with chest pain, breathlessness, weakness, confusion or severe headache. Get emergency help (Rescue 1122).

Doctors diagnose high BP from several readings on different days, not one. Your personal target may differ if you have diabetes, kidney disease or are older; ask your doctor.

Does normal BP change with age?

Blood pressure tends to rise with age, but that does not make high readings “normal” for older people. The adult ranges above apply to most adults; doctors adjust treatment targets for each person.

How to measure BP correctly at home

• Avoid tea, coffee, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before.
• Sit quietly for 5 minutes, back supported, feet flat, legs uncrossed.
• Rest your arm on a table at heart level; use the right cuff size on bare skin.
• Do not talk. Take two readings one minute apart and write both down.
• Measure at the same times each day, for example morning and evening.

An automatic upper-arm BP machine is more reliable than a wrist one for most people.

Everyday ways to lower blood pressure

• Cut down salt: less namak in cooking, fewer pickles, papad, chips and fast food.
• Walk briskly 30 minutes most days.
• Lose a few kilos if overweight; even small losses help.
• Stop smoking and naswar.
• Eat more vegetables, fruit, daal and low-fat dairy.

Never stop BP medicine on your own

When BP medicines work, readings become normal and people think they are “cured”. Stopping suddenly can make BP jump. Change or stop medicines only with your doctor.