Blood pressure worries many people because hypertension or high blood pressure is not good for health because they are more at risk of cardiovascular disease or a heart attack. Its values may vary depending on the age (increases as they turn years), sex (it is higher in women) and physical activity of the person (the values are lower in athletes), among other factors. In addition, it varies throughout the day.
At present, given the greater longevity of the elderly and the medications to treat it, changes have been introduced in the levels that are considered normal, as well as in relation to hypertension and hypotension. So, is a pressure of 130/80 normal? In we will clarify it for you.
Normal systolic blood pressure values
Systolic blood pressure is also known as the maximum value that is recorded with systole blood pressure, that is, when the heart contracts. In this case, normal values are usually 120 mmHg. However, it is important to clarify that there is no general consensus on the most suitable blood pressure because it depends on factors such as those we have discussed above.
For many doctors and patients, systolic pressure of 130 mmHg would be within normal values, as up to 139 mmHg would be considered a prehypertension, which would turn into hypertension when the value of 140 mmHg is reached. Therefore, tranquility.
You may also be interested in this article about What are the normal blood pressure values.
Normal diastolic blood pressure values
Diastolic blood pressure is one that measures the minimum value of blood pressure. That is, this measurement is made when the heart is between heartbeats, which is clinically known as diastole. A word from which it takes its name.
The normal values of this blood pressure are 80 mmHg. To consider that a person has a prehypertension, this value would have to be between 80 and 89 mmHg. Once overcome and reached 90 mmHg, it would already be considered that the person's blood pressure is high, having a grade 1 hypertension.
Anyway, it could be the case that some doctors consider this blood pressure of 80 mmHg as hypotension or low blood pressure. At first, it would not pose any health problem beyond some small symptoms or discomfort such as slight dizziness.
Compensated and decompensated blood pressure
Although you have to pay attention to the two blood pressure values separately to analyze if they are at a correct level and you do not have hypertension or hypotension, it is also important to pay attention to the relationship between the two. This is what is commonly called having the stress compensated or decompensated, although from the clinical point of view, these terms are not correct.
And this relationship between systolic and diastolic blood pressure is important because it would have to be treated in some specific cases, since it can pose a health problem.
When action needs to be taken
And when should action be taken? Very simple: when the person has the maximum or minimum high blood pressure, the two blood pressures are elevated or the maximum or systolic pressure is high and the diastolic blood pressure is below normal levels.
In the case of the pressure of 130/80, we would thus be facing a normal blood pressure, although it would be convenient to follow up and take values throughout the day or a period of time to check that you are within normality.
In addition, the doctor should always assess the general state of health of the person (you may be taking some medication that influences blood pressure), as well as the need or not to start taking precautions to avoid hypertension. To do this, you can propose that the person follow some eating guidelines such as taking less salt at meals, among other indications when preparing dishes, or start with the prescription of medicines, even in small doses. Sometimes, preventive control might be enough.
Going to the doctor is always convenient in case of any doubt. From we have only tried to guide you on your question of whether a pressure of 130/80 is normal. If you liked this article, you may also be interested in this one on How to take blood pressure step by step.
