Normal blood pressure

The answer is A. According to recent scientific studies and new federal guidelines based on the findings, the risk of heart disease begins rising once blood pressure creeps above 115 / 75.

Until now, normal blood pressure was considered 120 / 80 or lower. Even 130 / 85 was considered normal and anything above that was borderline up to the 140 / 90 range, which was considered high blood pressure.

But the new guidelines say that normal blood pressure falls below 120 / 80. Readings anywhere from 120 / 80 up to 140 / 90 are now to be classified as pre-hypertension, and people who fall in this category should take precautions to prevent progression from pre-hypertension to the high blood pressure level of 140 / 90. About 45 million Americans are in this prehypertensive range, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, which issued the guidelines.

This does not mean that the people in the prehypertension stage need immediate medication. But, the federal recommendations warn people to take better care and be aware of factors that increase blood pressure: being overweight, a diet high in sodium, and consuming more than two alcoholic drinks a day.

Resources:

Learn how even "normal" blood pressure might be too high.

View tips on how to lower high blood pressure.

Ten ways to control high blood pressure, from the American Heart Association.

June 21, 2003