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Question #15406
45 days ago
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women's normal bp - #15406

Vikram

I am really confused about what should be considered women's normal bp lately. I mean, my sister just went to the doctor, and they told her her blood pressure is high, but honestly, it was like 135/85. She's been feeling stressed, but is that really high for a woman her age, mid-30s? I remember reading somewhere that women’s normal bp can fluctuate, especially with age and different circumstances. I just turned 32 myself, and I check mine all the time. I had 120/80 at my last visit, which I thought was good, but now I’m not so sure what women's normal bp should be. Like, I feel worried it might change as I age. Is it true that women's normal bp could go up during certain times of the month too? Sometimes I feel like I'm overthinking this, but the whole idea of blood pressure seems so crucial, like I should really know more about what women’s normal bp is, right? It's just, my family has history of high blood pressure, and I want to be on top of this. How do I know when to be concerned? What’s a good range to look for? Should I keep tracking it obsessively or just relax and trust it’s fine?

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Doctors’ responses

You’re right to be thinking about blood pressure, as it’s an essential part of health monitoring. For adults, including women, a normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. Your reading of 120/80 is generally considered normal. For your sister, a reading of 135/85 mmHg is slightly above the normal range and falls into the category of “elevated” or “stage 1 hypertension,” according to current guidelines. This means it’s worth keeping an eye on, particularly if there is family history of high blood pressure. While stress and daily fluctuations can certainly cause variations in blood pressure readings, consistently high numbers might indicate a risk for long-term health issues if not addressed. Blood pressure can indeed change due to hormonal fluctuations, like during menstrual cycles or when experiencing stress. It’s also common for blood pressure to gradually increase with age. What’s crucial, though, is regular monitoring. It doesn’t mean obsessing over it, but rather getting checked periodically, especially if there’s a family history of hypertension. If you’re concerned, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, like a balanced diet low in sodium, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress, is key. Also, monitor your blood pressure at different times to understand its patterns. If you notice readings consistently above normal, consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. The goal should be to keep it within or close to normal ranges over the long term. So, while being aware is great, don’t let it become a source of constant stress.

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