Does Anyone Know What A Normal Blood Pressure Reading Should Be?

[Stargazer]

I know it varies but what is the optimum reading?

[Prudie]

I always think 120/70 but I don't actully know

[chelle7272]

120/80 is optimal

http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPressureandyou/Thebasics/Whatisnormal

[Baldric]

Any help>

http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPressureandyou/Thebasics/Whatisnormal

[Baldric]

Great minds!
;o)

[Prudie]

I'd say thay says 120/80 is the maximum befiore you need to take heed, not optimal

[Scylax]

The higher value (Systolic) varies with age, recent meal, emotion, recent exercise, etc. The lower value (Diastolic) is much more important, as this is the resting B/P, between heart-beats, and should be between 70 and 90.

Ideally, the B/P should be about 140/70 in a younger adult. As a rough rule-of-thumb, the Systolic pressure is about 100 plus one's age.

Note; if the B/P is taken by the GP in his surgery, it is commonly higher than when measured at home. This is known as the 'White Coat Syndrome'.

[Clanad]

Additionally, when taking the measure, especially at home, assure your legs are not crossed... (Source (U.S. NIH (National Institute for Health).

[ummmm]

My doctors have a BP machine in the waiting room (behind a screen) I presume to avoid white coat syndrome. They ask that we use it before every appointment.

My last reading was 110/60. Previously it's been lower than that.

[Richard1966]

If the diastolic reading is more that 90 medics tend to get a bit concerned and might recommend some drugs to try to keep it under control If its over 100 they would be very worried.

[JonnyBoy12]

Mine is usually about 130 over 90 but not is not the best there is.

[Peter Pedant]

Systolic is age related and should be 100 + age

Diastolic should not be much above 90

These figures are lower for children in whom yes arterial hypertension can occur
and figures exist for the newborn which.... since you can type I dont think you can be.

[missprim]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I must say that I really don't trust those blood pressure machines.
I have found from experience that they can vary greatly from one machine to another.
When I get my blood pressure checked every month, the Sister at the clinic does it the old fashioned way with a stethoscope and little pump in hand as she doesn't trust those pesky machines either.

[Old_Geezer]

And higher again if the young local nurse is taking it Scylax.

Had mine taken today, for once it was "fine" rather than, "hmmm have to keep an eye on it".

My bro gave me his blood pressure machine that he wasn't using, must be over a year ago now. Well being on tablets it seemed more fitting that I had it. Still in the box, not got around to using it :-(

Er no, have no idea what the values are though, sorry, I leave all that to the GP, it's what they're paid many times what I am, to be expert in.

[masma]

Was going to ask much the same thing... Mr M has to do his BP at home. He's been for a colonoscopy today and did it earlier this evening it was 110/41. He's 68 years old and diabetic. Is that reading ok?

[ummmm]

That's low.

[DaisyNonna]

My surgery has a DI Blood pressure machine. It is between the reception desk (4 surgeries in one building) so always queues at each desk and the other side is a floor to ceiling plate glass window onto the buggy park and car park. No screen. So much for patient confidentiality! Seems to be used very rarely. Wonder why? How insensitive of the Practice Manager.

[ummmm]

Ours doesn't show on screen, it gives you a print out.

[arwyn]

My Nurse says top number 100 + age, mines 50 so top number for me 150.
bottom for everyone should be under 100. so B.P for me should be under 150/100..

[Sqad]

arwyn.....naaah! I don't buy your nurse's advice.