What is the normal range for blood pressure?

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Research Analysis by Consensus

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Yes

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Introduction

Blood pressure (BP) is a critical indicator of cardiovascular health, and understanding its normal range is essential for diagnosing and managing hypertension. Various studies have aimed to define what constitutes normal BP, considering factors such as age, sex, and measurement conditions (e.g., ambulatory vs. office measurements).

Key Insights

Mean and Range of Normal Ambulatory BP:
- Most studies indicate a mean 24-hour BP of 115-120/70-75 mm Hg, daytime BP of 120-125/75-80 mm Hg, and nighttime BP of 105-110/60-65 mm Hg. The normal range for 24-hour BP is 97-139/57-87 mm Hg, for daytime BP is 101-146/61-91 mm Hg, and for nighttime BP is 86-127/48-79 mm Hg .
Optimal Blood Pressure:
- A BP of 115/75 mm Hg is associated with minimal vascular mortality and is considered optimal. Lower BP levels within the non-hypertensive range are linked to reduced morbidity and mortality.
Redefining Normal BP:
- A systolic BP (SBP) of less than 130 mm Hg with any diastolic BP (DBP) is suggested to offer better risk assessment compared to the traditional <140/90 mm Hg threshold. This new range includes a significant portion of the population while identifying fewer deaths.
Ambulatory BP Measurement:
- The upper limit of normality for 24-hour BP is generally considered to be below 140/90 mm Hg, with daytime BP below 135/85 mm Hg being normal. This is supported by multiple large population studies across different countries.
Self-Measured Home BP:
- For home BP measurements, a BP of 125/80 mm Hg corresponds to an office BP of 130/85 mm Hg (normal), and 115/75 mm Hg corresponds to 120/80 mm Hg (optimal).
Blood Pressure in Different Age Groups:
- There is a continuous relationship between BP and cardiovascular risk, with no clear separation between normal BP and hypertension. The Joint National Committee recommends that diastolic BP of 84 mm Hg or less be considered normal, 85-89 mm Hg as high-normal, and 90 mm Hg or above as hypertensive.

Conclusion

The normal range for blood pressure varies slightly depending on the measurement method and population studied. Generally, a 24-hour ambulatory BP of 115-120/70-75 mm Hg is considered normal, with optimal BP being around 115/75 mm Hg. For office measurements, BP below 130/85 mm Hg is typically regarded as normal. These ranges help in assessing cardiovascular risk and guiding treatment decisions.