What is the normal range for adult blood pressure?

The normal range for adult blood pressure is typically defined as anywhere from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. This range is recognized as the optimal blood pressure level that indicates a healthy cardiovascular system. The systolic pressure, which is the first number in a blood pressure reading, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. The diastolic pressure, the second number, measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Maintaining blood pressure within this range is crucial for overall health, as consistently lower or higher readings could indicate potential medical issues or risk factors.

In understanding this normal range, it's important to note that values below 90/60 mmHg may be indicative of hypotension, which can cause dizziness and fainting in some individuals, while readings above 120/80 mmHg can begin to classify a person as being prehypertensive or hypertensive, depending on how high those numbers go.