What Is Normal Blood Pressure? For years we have been told that a normal blood pressure reading is 120/80; however, more and more doctors have now lowered these numbers to 115/75. Blood pressure is different for everyone as many factors can have an effect on the numbers.
Elevated blood pressure is consistently just above the normal level — anywhere between 120 and 129 for systolic pressure and less than 80 for diastolic pressure. People in this range are more likely to get heart disease than those with a lower reading.
The first or “top” number in blood pressure readings is the systolic pressure. It refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. The second or “bottom” number in blood pressure readings is the diastolic pressure.