What is considered normal blood pressure?

Normal blood pressure is classified as anything below 120/80 mmHg, making 120 mmHg/80 mmHg the threshold for what is considered normal. This measurement is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular diseases and other health complications. The systolic value (the top number) of 120 indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, while the diastolic value (the bottom number) of 80 represents the pressure when your heart is at rest between beats.

Higher values, such as those in the other options, indicate varying stages of hypertension, which can increase the risk of serious health issues. For example, 130/90 mmHg and 140/100 mmHg are indicative of elevated blood pressure and hypertension stage 1, respectively. The reading of 110/70 mmHg, while still within a generally acceptable range for some individuals, may not fit the widely accepted definition of normal since the systolic is below 120, which is also an important factor to consider as it relates to individual health. Thus, the identification of 120 mmHg/80 mmHg as the benchmark for normal blood pressure is grounded in established health guidelines.