You check your blood pressure and the monitor shows 118/80 mmHg. Is that a healthy reading, or does the lower number being exactly 80 mean you need to be concerned?This concern came from a question posted on Quora: ‘Is 118 over 80 a normal blood pressure?’We dug deeper and reached out to Dr Nimit Nagda, Internal Medicine Expert at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, for answers.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.What do the 118 and 80 numbers mean?“The systolic number, 118, indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood,” Dr Nagda explains.The diastolic number, 80, on the other hand, indicates the pressure when the “heart relaxes between two beats”.“Both numbers are important for understanding how the cardiovascular system is functioning. The difference between them also gives information about the pressure maintained in the arteries.”Story continues below this adIs 118/80 a normal blood pressure?“118/80 mmHg is generally considered a healthy blood pressure reading for most adults. It suggests that the pressure of blood flowing through the arteries is within a generally healthy range,” Dr Nagda tells indianexpress.com.However, he further clarifies that one reading alone does not give a complete picture of a person’s blood pressure pattern. “Regular readings taken correctly can give a better understanding of overall blood pressure control.” Screenshot of the query posted on QuoraWhat about the diastolic reading of 80?Dr Nagda says that a diastolic reading of exactly 80 is not usually a reason for immediate concern in an otherwise healthy adult.That is because blood pressure can temporarily change due to stress, exercise, caffeine, poor sleep or illness. “Looking at repeated readings over time is more useful than focusing on a single measurement.”Story continues below this adTherefore, you should keep monitoring your blood pressure, “particularly if similar or higher readings occur repeatedly.”Also Read | ‘Is blood pressure 157/104 okay?’Any advice for this person? Check blood pressure under similar conditions and keep a record rather than relying on occasional readings (Image: Pexels)For someone with a reading around 118/80, Dr Nagda recommends:Maintain a balanced dietStay physically activeKeep salt intake within recommended limitsAvoid smoking and excessive alcoholEnsure adequate sleep and stress managementCheck blood pressure under similar conditions and keep a recordIf readings start trending upward consistently, share the record with a doctor for appropriate guidanceWhen should you consult a doctor?“Medical advice is appropriate if readings consistently become higher or show a significant change from the person’s usual levels,” Dr Nagda advises.Similarly, if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or severe headache, you should consult a doctor.Story continues below this ad“People with existing heart, kidney or other health conditions should discuss their individual blood pressure targets with their doctor.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on InstagramTags:blood pressureKnow Your Body