Blood Pressure - what is 'normal'?

[CuppaTeaJanice]

Every time I have my blood pressure taken the nurse/doctor pulls a face like this and says 'oh well, I guess that's normal for you'.

It's usually somewhere around 100/60. Someone did explain what the numbers meant once but I've forgotten. Does this sound an unusual level of pressure for my blood to be flowing at?

And what is the range of 'normal' for blood pressure?

[Kewcumber]

Thats low. Normal (depending on age) is around 130/75 (frm memory)

[AMumInScotland]

That is pretty low - have they ever suggested doing any tests to see if there's a reason for it? Mine is usually about 120/70 and that's been described to me as "low end of normal range"

The high number is the pressure when your heart beats and pushes the blood hard to make it go round, and the low number is the pressure between beats.

[sunndydays]

I was once told that they expect the top number to be around 100 + your age and the bottom number to be between 70 and 80 (possibly 90 can't quite remember) mine is usually 110/70 and they say that is quite low but everyone in my family has low bp, I do also get some symptoms ie feeling dizzy when standing up too quickly or bending over

[CuppaTeaJanice]

Nobody has suggested testing. They have said 'better low than high' and my dad also has low blood pressure. Should I ask for tests?

It's always been low - I had to be a 'casualty' for St Johns ambulance training about 15 years ago, and they picked me to have severe bleeding because of my blood pressure!

Sunndydays - according to your theory I have the blood pressure of a newborn! I get dizzy if I stand up too quickly from lying down, but not apart from that. I've fainted maybe 4 times in my life.

[Kewcumber]

athletes often have low blood pressure - you're not an olympic athlete in training are you Janice?

[aimingforthesky]

Your blood pressure readings are absolutely normal - mine is usually around that too.

Generally it is better for your BP to be on the low side rather than too high (greater than 140/90) as long as there is enough to get to your brain, heart and kidneys!

[CuppaTeaJanice]

Thanks! That's reassuring.

Not an olympic athlete, no - in fact I always finished last in the running races at school!!!