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what is the normal blood pressure
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #13895
17 days ago
61

what is the normal blood pressure - #13895

Ishaan

I am really confused about my blood pressure lately. Like last week, I went for a checkup, and my doctor said that my blood pressure was reading like 145 over 90, which seems kinda high but I thought that was normal? I mean, what is the normal blood pressure anyway? I tried looking it up online, but I found different numbers and suggestions, and I'm like, am I okay or not? My grandma always say stuff about blood pressure like it should be below 120 say, but then I hear these things about how it can change with age and everyone is different. Some days I feel fine, but I get these little headaches and sometimes my heart feels like it races out of nowhere. Am I being paranoid or should I be concerned? A friend told me that fluctuations can be normal, but then I wonder, does that mean if my reading is up like that, what is the normal blood pressure that I should aim for? Is it just when I visit the doctor? I don’t want to end up with serious health issues cause I didn't pay attention. What do you all think? I just wanna get this sorted out!

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Doctors’ responses

Normal blood pressure is typically defined as a reading below 120/80 mm Hg, which your grandma was pointing out. When looking at readings over 120/80 but below 140/90, this is generally considered elevated but not quite at the level where we start discussing hypertension. Your reading of 145/90 mm Hg would likely be categorized as Stage 1 hypertension, which isn’t immediately alarming but does warrant attention and possibly some lifestyle adjustments. It’s also important to consider that blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors such as stress, physical activity, or even what you’ve recently eaten. Age and individual health conditions do play a role, but ideally, most adults should aim for readings below 130/80 to minimize complications risks. The symptoms you’re experiencing, like headaches and heart palpitations, can sometimes correlate with higher blood pressure, but they’re not definitive indicators on their own. The concern is justified; high blood pressure over time can lead to more serious health challenges like heart disease or stroke. To address this, first, consider checking in with your healthcare provider for a follow-up to discuss your reading and symptoms in more detail. They might suggest at-home monitoring for more accurate tracking. Adopting lifestyle changes like a healthier diet, regular physical activity, managing stress, and possibly moderating alcohol and salt intake could help manage your blood pressure better. If necessary, the doctor might also discuss medication options. Stay informed and engaged with your health provider to determine the best plan for you and avoid potential complications down the line.

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