What is considered a normal blood pressure reading?

What is considered a normal blood pressure reading?

• A. 140/90 (systolic/diastolic)
• B. 120/80 (systolic/diastolic)
• C. 110/70 (systolic/diastolic)
• D. 90/60 (systolic/diastolic)

Answer: (B)

Blood pressure is a two-number measure: systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart pumps) over diastolic pressure (the pressure when the heart rests). A normal reading is around 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, often written as 120/80 mmHg, or lower. This value is used as the standard reference because it reflects enough blood flow to organs without putting extra strain on blood vessels or the heart. Readings higher than this, especially with a systolic of about 140 or a diastolic of about 90 or more, are considered high and may indicate hypertension. A lower reading like 110/70 can still be normal for many people, and 90/60 can be normal in some individuals but might cause symptoms in others if it’s too low. So the reading around 120/80 is the best general benchmark for normal blood pressure in routine practice.

Blood pressure is a two-number measure: systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart pumps) over diastolic pressure (the pressure when the heart rests). A normal reading is around 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, often written as 120/80 mmHg, or lower. This value is used as the standard reference because it reflects enough blood flow to organs without putting extra strain on blood vessels or the heart.

Readings higher than this, especially with a systolic of about 140 or a diastolic of about 90 or more, are considered high and may indicate hypertension. A lower reading like 110/70 can still be normal for many people, and 90/60 can be normal in some individuals but might cause symptoms in others if it’s too low.

So the reading around 120/80 is the best general benchmark for normal blood pressure in routine practice.