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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #14860
46 days ago
55

blood pressure average range - #14860

Advika

I am kind of freaking out about my blood pressure average range lately. A few weeks ago, I started checking it at home because I'd been feeling a bit dizzy and tired a lot more than usual. The first few readings were like 145 over 90, which is way higher than I thought it should be. I've been trying to eat healthier and walk more, but it still feels like a roller coaster. I went to my doc, and they said my blood pressure average range should ideally be around 120/80, but I don’t really understand how that average works. Like, do they look at the highest reading, the lowest, or should I take more throughout the day to figure it out? I mean, sometimes my readings are ok, like 130 over 85, but then I get one at 150 over 95 the next day! What gives? Is there like a formula or something that helps figure out the blood pressure average range for someone like me? Also, how concerned should I really be about these fluctuations? They told me stress could be a factor, but honestly, isn’t everyone a little stressed sometimes? I kind of just need to know more about what to do next because this feels kinda scary and confusing!

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Doctors’ responses

Understanding your blood pressure readings can be a bit confusing, but let’s break it down. When your doctor mentions an ideal blood pressure average of 120/80 mmHg, this number comes from guidelines suggesting what’s considered a normal range. Monitoring your blood pressure over several days or weeks, rather than as a one-time measurement, helps in getting an accurate picture. To calculate an average, you’ll want to keep track of your readings: measure around the same times daily, when you’re relaxed and calm, like in the morning before any caffeine or after resting. Take multiple readings, a couple of times per session, and record them. Over time, these will help highlight trends rather than creating a single point of anxiety. As for fluctuations, blood pressure can vary naturally due to stress, physical activity, meals, and even the time of day. However, consistent high readings like yours, at 145/90, fall under hypertension, which does require attention to prevent complications like heart disease or stroke.

Keep focusing on those lifestyle changes like your diet plan and regular exercise, but it’s wise to follow up with your doctor. They may suggest a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor to get a clearer picture of how your blood pressure changes throughout the day as well. Stress does play a role; incorporating stress-reducing practices, such as mindfulness or yoga, is beneficial. If these high readings persist, medication may help, and your doctor will guide you on this. Definitely don’t just chalk this up to a common stress effect—it’s important to address persistently high numbers sooner rather than later. Keep a careful watch on any additional symptoms, and don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare providers for guidance.

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