Is there an ideal blood pressure number? What’s the difference between high blood pressure and low blood pressure? If you’re confused about these questions, you’re not alone. While an average person might assume there’s some magical combination of numbers at which your blood pressure should read, the truth is that there isn’t one ideal reading that you should strive to achieve. Your blood pressure number should be compared to other readings over time to determine if it’s high or low, not just by itself.



If you are under 18

There is no ideal blood pressure number for people under the age of 18. The reason for this is that blood pressure changes as we grow and develop. What is considered normal for a baby will be different than what is considered normal for a teenager. So, if you are under 18, talk to your doctor about what is considered normal for you. If you are over 18


If you are over 60

High blood pressure is a common condition in people over 60. Although there is no ideal number, it is important to keep your blood pressure under control. This can help reduce your heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease risk. Talk to your doctor about what blood pressure numbers are best for you. For some, the goal might be to bring their blood pressure down as low as possible while others may be content with a more moderate goal. A reasonable goal for those who do not have complications such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease would be somewhere between 120/80 and 140/90. You should work on reducing any elevated blood pressure readings that are out of these ranges. 

A very high reading could mean that you need to see a doctor right away if this happens again, but it's not necessarily dangerous in the short term if it's just temporary. If you have chronic high blood pressure (defined by persistent readings above 140/90) or have other health problems like diabetes or chronic kidney disease, then your goals will likely differ based on recommendations from your physician.


If you have high cholesterol

While there is no cure for high cholesterol, there are treatments that can help. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, can help lower your cholesterol. Medications, such as statins, can also be prescribed to help lower your cholesterol. You should speak with your doctor about the best treatment option for you.


The fact that we often measure blood pressure improperly

One of the first things we learn in medical school is how to measure blood pressure properly. And yet, studies have shown that a large percentage of clinicians measure blood pressure improperly. This is concerning because blood pressure is a vital sign that can be used to screen for potentially life-threatening conditions. If we're not measuring it properly, we could be missing important red flags. A systematic review published in 2011 looked at 28 observational studies and found significant associations between low blood pressure and adverse outcomes such as heart attack, stroke, and death. It's worth noting that the study couldn't prove causality; however, other research has also suggested low blood pressure may indicate a poorer prognosis following an acute myocardial infarction or stroke. 

What's more, experts recommend checking your own blood pressure at home every day if you have been diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure). If you notice your reading suddenly drops below 120/80 mm Hg while at home or during exercise—which is both considered normal readings—you should consult your doctor immediately.


The fact that our bodies aren’t perfect machines

Unfortunately, our bodies aren’t perfect machines. We can’t always control what happens to us and sometimes things happen that are out of our control. The American Heart Association recommends getting your blood pressure checked every two years for adults age 18 or older who don't have high blood pressure. If you do, you should get it checked at least once per year. It's also a good idea to know the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure so you can act fast if necessary.


The fact that stress can raise your BP

It's well-known that stress can raise your blood pressure (BP). And while you can't always control the stressors in your life, you can control how you respond to them. That's why it's important to know what your ideal blood pressure number is. Doctors generally tell you anything below 120/80 mm Hg is considered a healthy BP reading. But they don't recommend making any changes unless your BP falls within this range consistently for at least two weeks and one of these factors applies: You have chronic kidney disease or diabetes; You have certain other conditions like high cholesterol or sleep apnea; You are pregnant or breastfeeding; You are African American and under age 45; Or if your doctor has told you to keep track of your BP numbers as part of a specific treatment plan for other health problems.


What happens if you treat high blood pressure but don’t correct the underlying issues

 If you treat high blood pressure but don’t correct the underlying issues, you may still be at risk for these complications. That’s why it’s important to work with your doctor to find the cause of your high blood pressure and treat it accordingly. Your physician will assess whether your high blood pressure is associated with any known conditions such as A family history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, sleep apnea, or recent significant weight gain. 

In addition to taking prescribed medications, make sure you maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well-balanced meals on a regular schedule; getting enough exercise; quitting smoking; limiting alcohol intake, and taking steps to reduce stress.


The fact that prevention is better than cure

High blood pressure is often called a silent killer because it has no symptoms and can go undetected for years, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. That's why it's important to get your blood pressure checked regularly and take steps to keep it in a healthy range. The current guideline for hypertension (high blood pressure) is 130/80 mm Hg or lower; that's below the 140/90 mm Hg threshold set in 1997. 

Lowering high blood pressure to less than 120/80 mm Hg could prevent as many as 1.5 million deaths each year from cardiovascular diseases worldwide, according to new research by scientists at Imperial College London and published today in The Lancet medical journal. 

But before you run out to buy that special cuff from the doctor’s office, you may want to know what happens if you're on medication: Several types of medicines—including beta blockers, alpha-blockers, and calcium channel blockers—can affect your blood pressure reading if taken within four hours of measuring it with a home monitor.