Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Is 85/135 Normal?

Understanding blood pressure requires familiarity with two key measurements: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is recorded when the heart contracts, while diastolic pressure is measured when the heart is relaxed. For optimal health, adult blood pressure should not exceed 120 mm Hg for systolic readings and 80 mm Hg for diastolic readings, often referred to as normal blood pressure. Lower blood pressure, such as 90/60 mm Hg, is considered low and is rarely encountered.

The common confusion arises when the systolic number (top reading) is lower than the diastolic number (bottom reading). This is why a blood pressure reading of 85/135 is not only not considered normal but is also biologically impossible. If you mean 135/85, it is still indicative of hypertension, or high blood pressure, and requires medical attention.

What Does 85/135 Mean?

Let's break down the confusion and clarify the meaning of a blood pressure reading of 85/135. As Dr. Paul correctly pointed out, the correct reading should be 135/85. Both numbers have specific ranges that are indicative of different health conditions:

Systolic Pressure (Top Number): 135 mm Hg is higher than the normal range of 90-120 mm Hg. Diastolic Pressure (Bottom Number): 85 mm Hg is higher than the normal range of 60-80 mm Hg.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is present when either the systolic or diastolic pressures exceed the normal ranges. In this case, 135/85 falls into the category of stage 1 hypertension, which needs proper medical evaluation and monitoring.

Conclusion

A blood pressure reading of 85/135, if meaning 135/85, is not considered normal. It suggests that there is a higher-than-average risk of developing serious health complications associated with high blood pressure. It is imperative to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and to discuss appropriate treatment options. Remember, continuous monitoring and management are crucial in maintaining heart health.

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Should you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out to your physician or refer to authoritative medical sources.