Published on: 9/30/2024
The "normal range" for blood pressure is defined as a systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure below 80 mmHg.
Blood pressure increases with age. While there is no one consensus on the “ideal” blood pressure goal, it is generally thought to be between 120-130 systolic and 80-85 diastolic. Blood pressure can also vary based on when it is taken and how it is taken. For example, in a clinical setting like a hospital or clinic, blood pressure is taken 2-3 times with a few minutes of rest in-between. Practically-speaking, people will take their blood pressure at home several times a week over the course of a couple of weeks. We anticipate these “ambulatory blood pressures”, blood pressures taken at home, are going to be lower than clinical setting blood pressures. We aim for a blood pressure of less than 115/75. Typically these ambulatory blood pressures are considered more accurate than ones taken in the hospital or doctor’s office.
(References)
Saiz LC, Gorricho J, Garjón J, Celaya MC, Erviti J, Leache L. Blood pressure targets for the treatment of people with hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Nov 18;11(11):CD010315. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010315.pub5. PMID: 36398903; PMCID: PMC9673465.
Whelton PK, Bundy JD, Carey RM. Intensive Blood Pressure Treatment Goals: Evidence for Cardiovascular Protection From Observational Studies and Clinical Trials. Am J Hypertens. 2022 Nov 2;35(11):905914. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpac045. PMID: 35390116; PMCID: PMC9629457.
Flack JM, Adekola B. Blood pressure and the new ACC/AHA hypertension guidelines. Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2020 Apr;30(3):160164. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2019.05.003. Epub 2019 May 15. PMID: 31521481.
Share this page
For First Time Users
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.