Many people traditionally view 120/80 mm Hg as the standard for normal blood pressure. However, updated guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) suggest that these values may have shifted.
As explained by HealthLine, blood pressure readings consist of two components: the systolic pressure (top number) and the diastolic pressure (bottom number). For instance, a reading of 120/80 mm Hg includes:
- Systolic pressure: The pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure: The pressure in your arteries when the heart relaxes between beats.
Both values play a crucial role in evaluating heart health.
Recent studies suggest that a typical blood pressure reading for most individuals is closer to 140/90 mm Hg. However, for older adults and people with diabetes, the upper limit for healthy blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg.
Previously, readings of 139/89 mm Hg were classified as hypertension, often prompting treatment to prevent heart attacks and strokes. These updated guidelines reflect an evolving understanding of cardiovascular health.
