Sometimes, the physician may find blood pressure in the just above the normal range but still in the prehypertension range like systolic is between 120-139 mm of Hg and diastolic is between 80 to 89 mm of Hg. In general, the risk of having high blood pressure increases in obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history and inactivity. Slightly lower values are normal in both men and women, however, unusually low readings may need medical care. Higher values are as described by the stages of high blood pressure (hypertension). The following chart gives an idea of normal blood pressure in men and women. Persistently higher or lower blood pressure can have long term health effects and needs to be treated with medications. Raised as well as lowered blood pressure can cause disturbances and affect your health in many ways. Ideal blood pressure in men and women, helps to maintain normal functioning of the heart, muscles and all organs of the body. For diastolic pressure, a variation of 10 mm of Hg in men and women is allowed and hence anything above 90 or less than 70 mm of Hg needs to be attended to.

For systolic pressure, which is ideally 120 mm of Hg, a variation of 20 mm of Hg is permitted, hence anything above 140 or below 100 mm of Hg is considered out of normal range for both men and women.

While slight variations are accepted, persistent higher or lower readings in men and women may point towards some underlying condition.

If blood pressure readings are higher, it is called high blood pressure and if lower than this, it is called low blood pressure.

Blood pressure chart women