Range of Normal Blood Pressure - Chart for reading Normal Blood Pressure Levels in Child

When blood pressure is too high or too low, the body reacts to compensate. If blood pressure is too high, veins may expand so that more blood is stored rather than being pumped. If blood pressure is too low, these same veins may contract so that more blood is rushed to the heart and back to the organs. Arteries can react in the same way, expanding or contracting to either lessen the restriction on blood flow and lower blood pressure, or impede the flow and increase blood pressure.

Blood pressure is measured in two steps, and the number values represent a diastolic and systolic reading. The two steps are the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the amount of resistance in the circulatory system. That’s why clogged arteries and collapsed veins often manifest themselves in the form of high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is typically represented by two numbers separated by a slash (/). The first number (or the number on top) is systolic, and the bottom number is diastolic. The systolic is the measure of the heart’s contraction while the diastolic is the flow while the heart refills with blood.

So what exactly is normal? The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute defines normal blood pressure as any reading of 120-139 over 80-89. But it’s important to note that those numbers are very general and a person with slightly elevated or lower numbers may very well have “normal” blood pressure for their body.

Nnormal blood pressure for women may be different than normal blood pressure for men? Actually there are several factors that play into how to determine what your normal blood pressure should be. For example, the Heart Lung and Blood Institute cites a blood pressure of 130/85 as normal for women of 18 and older, but cautions that a lower blood pressure – 120/80 – is better for reducing the risks of heart disease and stroke.

With an estimated 25 million women in the US having high blood pressure and another large sector having low blood pressure, it’s important to have blood pressure checked often.

While defining normal blood pressure isn’t easy because it’s different for men and women, will change throughout the life of a single person, and specifics like ethnicity play a part, there are some things you can do to ensure that your blood pressure is as near normal as possible. A sensible diet and exercise program are at the top of the list, but you should also check your blood pressure regularly. Sudden changes are a red flag that there may be a bigger problem.

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