Blood pressure is an important indicator of cardiovascular health, but a question many people wonder about is: Why is it that with the same blood pressure level, some people are at risk while others are not?
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), normal blood pressure in adults is typically below 120/80 mmHg. However, whether it's considered high or low depends not only on this number but also on age, physical condition, and overall health status of each individual.
For example, in young, healthy individuals, a blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg might still be considered normal if there are no symptoms. However, in older adults or those with underlying health conditions, this blood pressure level can cause dizziness or lightheadedness due to insufficient blood flow to the brain.
Blood pressure management needs to be personalized. Photo: AI
Even with the same high blood pressure level, the level of danger is not the same.
Dr. Paul Whelton, a cardiologist at the American College of Cardiology, says that diagnosing hypertension requires multiple measurements taken at different times, rather than a single measurement. This helps avoid "white coat hypertension"—a temporary increase in blood pressure due to stress during a doctor's visit.
Specifically, even with the same high blood pressure level, the level of danger varies among individuals. People with a history of diabetes, kidney disease, or cardiovascular disease are at a higher risk of complications than healthy individuals. Therefore, blood pressure control goals may differ for each person.
High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease. However, blood pressure management needs to be individualized, not applied at a single rate for everyone, according to the WHO.
Blood pressure should be monitored regularly.
In addition, factors such as diet, activity level, weight, and stress also greatly affect blood pressure. A person with a healthy lifestyle can maintain more stable blood pressure, while those who are sedentary or eat a lot of salt are more prone to high blood pressure.
Experts recommend that instead of focusing solely on the specific number, everyone should monitor their blood pressure regularly and pay attention to bodily signs such as dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. If any abnormalities are detected, a doctor should be consulted for appropriate advice.
High or low blood pressure is not the same for everyone. Assessment and management should be individualized to ensure effectiveness and long-term health safety, according to the WHO.
According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure is measured by two numbers: systolic blood pressure (the top number) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number), in mmHg. In adults, normal blood pressure is when the reading is below 120/80 mmHg.
When blood pressure fluctuates between 120-129 mmHg (systolic) and below 80 mmHg (diastolic), it is considered "early-stage hypertension." If the reading reaches 130/80 mmHg or higher, the patient has been diagnosed with hypertension. Specifically, a reading of 130-139/80-89 mmHg is stage 1 hypertension, while a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is stage 2 hypertension. Conversely, low blood pressure is usually defined as a reading below 90/60 mmHg.