Is a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg normal?
A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg is generally considered abnormal and requires active management to prevent adverse effects.
140/90 mmHg typically refers to a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg. Under normal conditions, an adult's systolic pressure should range between 100–120 mmHg, and diastolic pressure should be between 60–80 mmHg. Therefore, a reading of 140 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic is considered abnormal and meets the criteria for stage 1 hypertension. Active lifestyle modifications are necessary to improve this condition, such as adopting a low-salt, low-fat, and low-cholesterol diet and quitting alcohol. If needed, antihypertensive medications such as nifedipine sustained-release tablets, captopril tablets, or enalapril tablets may be taken under medical supervision to bring blood pressure back to a normal range.
Regular health check-ups, proactive control of risk factors, and engaging in appropriate physical activity to maintain a healthy weight can usually help prevent the development of hypertension.