Normal range of BP in Men and Women: One in four adults in India has some form of blood pressure problem. Today’s hectic life, office stress and deteriorating eating habits are pushing us towards a disease which acts as a silent killer for us. The surprising thing is that according to the World Health Organization, about 1.28 billion people around the world are victims of increased BP, but 46 percent of them do not even know that they have fallen prey to this serious disease. In such a situation, it is important to know what should be the normal BP in men and women.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is measured on two scales. The top number is called systolic, which is measured when the heart beats and pumps blood into the arteries. The bottom number is called diastolic, which is the pressure at rest between two beats of the heart. We often consider 120/80 to be ideal, but research shows that it varies depending on age and gender.
Correct range as per age and gender
The BP range of men and women may be different due to their physical structure and hormonal changes. You can know your exact position from the chart given below. A healthy woman between the ages of 21 and 25 should have BP between 115.5 to 70.5, whereas it starts decreasing between 31 to 35 years. At this age, BP of women should be between 110.5 and below 72.5.
Correct BP according to age in men and women
age male female
18-39 years 119/70 110/68
40-59 years 124/77 122/74
More than 60 years 133/69 139/68
Recognize the signs of BP
Increase or decrease in blood pressure brings many small changes in the body which we often ignore due to fatigue or workload. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, get tested immediately:
- Lightheadedness or dizziness after waking up in the morning.
- Sudden nose bleeding.
- Persistent headache or blurred vision.
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet.
- Chest pain or trouble breathing.
- WHO says that about 70 crore people do not get treatment because they do not know that their BP is high. This neglect later causes heart attack, brain stroke and kidney failure.
BP is different in men and women
In men, BP often remains around 114.5/75.5 between 31 and 35 years, but it starts increasing rapidly after crossing the age of 40. At the same time, considerable fluctuations are seen in BP in women during pregnancy and menopause. If women have high BP, symptoms like red spots near the eyes or rashes on the skin can also be seen.
5 surefire ways to control BP
If your BP is going out of the range given in the chart, then make these changes in lifestyle along with medicines.
- Control on salt and sugar: Excess salt (sodium) blocks water in the arteries, which increases pressure. Avoid processed food and packaged chips.
- Daily Exercise: At least 30 minutes of walking or yoga builds the heart muscle.
- Stay away from cigarettes and alcohol: Both these things constrict the blood vessels, causing the BP to shoot up immediately.
- stress management : Make deep breathing exercises and meditation a part of your daily routine.
- Regular checkup: Keep a digital BP machine at home and note your readings at least once a week.
Blood pressure is not a disease that cannot be cured, but it is also not a disease that can be ignored. Consult your doctor regularly and assess your health as per the chart given above. Remember, a healthy heart is the key to a long life.
