Systolic blood pressure, the top number, measures the. Blood pressure is written as two numbers, such as 11278 mm hg. A mean arterial pressure in the high range could be an indication that. Blood pressure chart for adults what blood pressure readings mean. Executive, clerical and manual workers, both skilled and unskilled, male. Your total blood pressure reading is determined by measuring your systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Ageadjusted mean systolic blood pressure mm hg in adults aged 18 years and over, by hypertension status, sex, and race. The top number, or systolic pressure, measures how much pressure is in the arteries when the heart contracts. To work out what your blood pressure readings mean, just find your top number systolic on the left side of the blood pressure. Blood pressure measurements are given as a top and bottom number. But even if your diastolic number is lower than 80, you can have elevated blood pressure if the systolic reading is 120129.
And blood pressure uk even suggests that the top number is. The first reflects systolic blood pressure, the amount of pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts. This page of the emedtv archives explains what each of these blood pressure numbers mean and what is considered normal. A blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers expressed as a fraction. Systolic between and 9 or diastolic between 80 and 89. Systolic is the top number on the reading and is the higher one. New guidelines now define high blood pressure for all adults as 80. Numbers greater than the ideal range indicate that your heart is working. Ideally, anything slightly below 12080 is right in the normal range, says the centers for disease control and prevention. Blood pressure numbers of less than 12080 mm hg are considered within the normal range. What do the two numbers on your blood pressure reading mean. When a person stands for a while, blood collects in the legs. Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers written like a fraction.
Which number on your blood pressure reading is more important. For a normal reading, your blood pressure needs to show a top number. Systolic blood pressure, the top number, measures the force your heart exerts on. Blood pressure is the force of blood moving through your arteries, and is measured with two numbers. Understanding blood pressure readings american heart. The diastolic reading, or the bottom number, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. When your heart pumps, all that blood rushes and fills your arteries. Generally, if the blood pressure reading is under 9060 mm hg, it is abnormally low and is.
The heart adjusts to maintain a normal blood pressure, but, in some people, the wrong signals are sent. Do you often wonder what your blood pressure numbers mean. This means 70% to 79% of men ages 55 and older are now classified as having hypertension. People often call these the upper systolic and lower diastolic numbers. Systolic between 120 and 129 and diastolic less than 80. If your blood pressure is 12080 millimeters of mercury mm hg or lower, its considered normal. Checking your blood pressure at home with a manual or automated device. High blood pressure hbp means the pressure in your arteries is higher. Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120129 systolic and less than 80 mm hg diastolic. A normal diastolic blood pressure is lower than 80.
If your results fall into this category, stick with hearthealthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, measures the blood pressure between beats. Blood pressure mm hg age years normal treated hypertensive untreated hypertensive normal. National health statistics reports number 35, march 25, 2011.
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