normotension

Normotension refers to a state of normal blood pressure, where systolic and diastolic measurements fall within a range considered typical for a healthy individual. In adults, normal resting blood pressure is commonly defined as systolic around 90–120 mmHg and diastolic around 60–80 mmHg when measured in a seated position after a period of rest, though exact thresholds vary by guidelines and age. Normotension implies absence of sustained hypertension and chronic hypotension and serves as a reference baseline for assessing cardiovascular risk.

Physiology: Blood pressure is determined by cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, modulated by autonomic nervous system activity, hormonal factors, vascular compliance, and renal regulation of volume. In normotension, these systems maintain stable BP within the normal range across daily activities.

Measurement and interpretation: Accurate assessment involves standardized conditions—seated, arm supported, appropriate cuff size, multiple readings, and sometimes ambulatory or home BP monitoring to assess daily variation and white coat or masked phenomena.

Clinical significance: Individuals with normotension typically have lower risk of cardiovascular events compared with those with hypertension, though risk is influenced by other factors such as age, lipid levels, smoking, and diabetes. Deviations from normotension, such as orthostatic hypotension or masked hypertension, require evaluation.

Epidemiology and variability: Normal BP ranges can vary with age, sex, body size, and ethnicity. BP exhibits circadian variation, including a nocturnal dip; reduced dipping or exaggerated fluctuations can have clinical implications even in normotensive individuals.