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What Is Normal Blood Pressure For One, May Not Be For Everyone
Many people are confused about what is normal blood pressure and believe that a reading indicative of prehypertension is normal for them because they live an active lifestyle. While different people may have different blood pressure readings, exhaustive research and studies have determined what is normal blood pressure for the vast majority of adults.
Most medical experts agree that a reading of 120 or 80 is what is normal blood pressure, although readings of 130 over 80 are still considered to be in a safe range. Medical treatment is usually recommended for those with a blood pressure of 140 over 90 or higher and for those with diabetes or chronic kidney problems, medication is typically used to treat blood pressure of 130 over 80.
Having blood pressure checked periodically is necessary to determine if and when the pressure begins to increase and to get prompt treatment before other health issues caused by an increase in blood pressure become apparent. When considering what is normal blood pressure a person's diet can play a role in treating slightly elevated numbers, but for those with consistent high readings, medications may be necessary.
Accurate Readings Needed For Proper Treatment
When obtaining blood pressure readings, it is important they are accurate and the best method is to have it checked by a medical professional, or someone properly trained in taking blood pressure. The first number is the reading as the pressure exerted on the walls of the blood vessels when the heart is pumping. The second number is the pressure on the walls when the heart is at rest. The two numbers together are what is considered when determining what is normal blood pressure.
While a healthy diet and exercise is often used to control a slightly elevated blood pressure, medications are often needed if the readings are considerably higher than what is normal blood pressure. Additionally, the failure of medications to control blood pressure may lead doctors to begin looking for other issues causing the problem.
Problems with the kidneys or liver can also increase the numbers above what is normal blood pressure, causing secondary high blood pressure and the cause will have to be determined and eliminated before there is any chance of reducing the need for medications. These tests will involve more exhaustive testing, most times with specialists working with the family doctor to bring the pressure down to what is normal blood pressure range.
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