Talking about blood pressure generally involves analyzing signs, symptoms and risks associated to high blood pressure or low blood pressure, but nobody talks about normal blood pressures, the readings, and the characteristics to be considered within the boundaries of normality.

Although normal blood pressure falls into the range of 90/60 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg, only a doctor can determine when it goes too high or too low. In diabetic patients, high blood pressure begins when the reading goes to 130/80 mmHg and up, while people with as little as 20 mmHg below 120/80 mmHg may be diagnosed with low blood pressure.

In addition, some external sources may increase or decrease normal blood pressure for short periods of time. As an example, a cup of coffee or smoking causes a rise of blood pressure in healthy individuals, but the effects are too short to be noticeable. However, individuals who have suffered hypertension may decay.

Research found that the caffeine consumed in 5 cups of coffee daily was the leading factor for an increase in blood pressure in elderly people who already had hypertension, but not in those patients who had normal blood pressure. The combination of drinking coffee and smoking in persons is even more devastating.

If you want to have your blood pressure taken accurately, do not smoke cigarettes or drink coffee 30 minutes before the test. Once in the doctor's office, sit down for at least 5 minutes with your back supported and your feet flat on the ground, resting your arm on a table at the level of your heart.

A full bladder can alter your normal blood pressure reading, so make sure to go to the bathroom prior to your blood pressure reading. Many people have no problem with their blood pressure until they go to the doctor and experience high blood. This condition is called "white-coat hypertension" and disappears by itself after your visit.

When doctor suspects "white-coat hypertension", he will usually ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home or you will be asked to wear a device called an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. This device should be worn for 24 hours and it is able to take your blood pressure every 30 minutes.

Remember that high blood pressure has no symptoms or signs. The only way to find out if you have a normal blood pressure or if it has gone too high is to be tested, by either a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or at home using a personal device.