Doctor insights on:
Blood Pressure Reading Chart
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force placed on the blood vessels and is comprised of the "systolic" pressure (the top number on a blood pressure meter) which is the peak pressure when the heart is pumping, and the "diastolic" pressure (the bottom number on a blood pressure meter) which is the pressure during the resting phase ...Read more
BP Goal 120/80:
I will presume you are referring to the "top" value or systolic blood pressure (bp). If measured correctly, this is way too high for a 31yo male. Of course I don't know about any other medical problems you may have...
The current definition of a "normal" BP is 120/80 or less...
Have it checked out! ...Read more
Variable: One never treats a number per se; but rather symptoms if any. A BP of 82/56 is certainly on the low side especially for a 44-year-old male. However, if you are of slight build that may be normal for you. If you are not lightheaded and well hydrated, basically asymptomatic with that number, no need to worry. If you are light-headed, then you ought to seek medical attention. ...Read more
BP: As long as you are not dizzy, lightheaded that BP is fine. I believe you are probably on anti hypertensive medications. ...Read more
No: That is a normal BP reading for someone your age and a normal pulse rate. ...Read more
Below 140/85: Below 140/85.Get a more detailed answer ›
Lifestyle change is the most important issue in management of hypertension. Smoking cessation, weight loss, limit alcohol, reduce salt intake, exercise 30 min a day for most days.
Medications will be required to help with BP. Your GP will need to assess you before prescribing as they have to rule out other causes first. ...Read more
Blood pressure: The upper number of 147 is a little on the high side, but not terribly so. The fact that the numbers are odd numbers suggests to me that the pressure was measured with an automatic cuff. Manual BP readings are more accurate, and in any event one should not decide too much on the basis of a single reading. Multiple readings taken over time are more useful. ...Read more
Unlikely : It sounds like your BP cuff is broken or the BP wasn't measured accurately. It's really not possible for the systolic and diastolic pressures to be only 10 points apart. ...Read more
Normal For You: An "average" blood pressure is 120/80 which means 120 mm mercury systolic (full heart pump) and 80 mm mercury diastolic (heart at rest between beats). Many other factors enter into the number which makes it higher or lower, but normal for you. Example: athletes BP is usually lower, the elderly have higher bp's but both are prefectly fine. Find what is normal for you. Extremes are bad. ...Read more
BP recording: A BP can be recorded over a shirt but the readings may not be as accurate when the cuff is placed directly against the skin. If you are using an automated cuff, the machine may be thrown off by extraneous "noise" coming from your shirt due to movement. ...Read more
Arm is best: The Best way to check it yourself is with an automatic cuff you can buy from any drugstore. The ones that fit around your arm are the best. Taking measurements first thing in the morning and right before bed can give you a good average. Some types of blood pressure checking devices slip onto the wrist. They work but can be a little off. ...Read more
Bottom number: Bottom number is always lower than the upper number. You need to tell us what the upper and lower numbers are.Than only we can answer your question. ...Read more
Your : Your top number (systolic blood pressure) should be less than 120 and your bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) should be less than 80. I attached a website below that goes into depth about high blood pressure and blood pressure ranges. Good luck! ...Read more
Yes: That can happen when a person with high blood pressure checks his BP (to write it down), and notices that it is higher than he wants it to be. He thinks about it and takes it again, but it turns out a few points higher than before. Then, he thinks about it some more, and takes it a third time, but now it's even higher... So, the more he thinks and worries about it, the higher the BP goes. ...Read more
Gravity: The short answer is the effect of gravity. When you stand up, your blood will "pool" in your lower extremities. The body has to increase the heart rate and vascular tone in order to keep blood pumping upwards towards your arms, neck and head. It is typical for the blood pressure to fall a little when you stand up; if it falls too much, this can be abnormal though, and should be evaluated. ...Read more
Blood pressure: If you're standing blood pressure is still 140/90 or lower it is still normal. Some people have more vigorous vasomotor adaptation to position change than others. If your pressure doesn't rise outside the normal range shouldn't worry. Like all of us, BP should get checked through life lest it go up into the too high range with aging. ...Read more
Not sky high: It's slightly high. Ask your provider about monitoring it more regularly. ...Read more