What Is a Good Blood Pressure?

As you might expect, a good blood pressure reading is one that is neither too high nor too low. In most cases, a reading under 120/80 is considered healthy. Because blood pressure can vary throughout the day, it's best to use the average of more than one reading when deciding if your blood pressure is good or not.

What Is a Good Blood Pressure? -- An Overview

Blood pressure is the amount of force that blood puts on the walls of the blood vessels as it passes through them. Most medical professionals agree that a good blood pressure reading for most people would be under 120/80; however, blood pressure can also be too low.
 

Understanding What the Numbers Mean

Getting a
 blood pressure reading is painless and quick. To take a reading, your doctor or nurse will probably use a sphygmomanometer (a long name for a familiar device).
 
The two numbers that measure your blood pressure are written like a fraction: one number on top and one on the bottom. The top number in a blood pressure reading refers to the systolic pressure. It measures the pressure inside your blood vessels at the moment your heart beats. The bottom number represents your diastolic pressure. It measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart is resting between heartbeats.
 
As mentioned, a healthy blood pressure for most people will be under 120/80. Most people with blood pressure problems have high blood pressure. However, extreme low blood pressure can also be a serious health concern.
 
Click on page 2 to see a table that outlines both good and bad blood pressure numbers.
 
(What Is a Good Blood Pressure? Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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