Many people consider 120/80 mm Hg to be the standard normal blood pressure. However, updated guidelines from the ESC Association suggest these values may have changed.
According to HealthLine, blood pressure readings consist of two numbers: the systolic pressure (top number) and the diastolic pressure (bottom number). For example, a reading of 120/80 mm Hg indicates:
- Systolic pressure: The force in your arteries when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure: The force in your arteries when the heart rests between beats.
Both numbers are important for assessing heart health.
Recent research indicates that typical blood pressure for most people is closer to 140/90 mm Hg, except for older adults and those with diabetes, for whom the maximum healthy limit is 130/80 mm Hg.
Previously, a reading of 139/89 mm Hg was classified as hypertension, leading to prescriptions aimed at preventing strokes and heart attacks. These updated guidelines reflect evolving understanding in cardiovascular health.
