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ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
WHAT IS BLOOD PRESSURE?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries.
Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts; diastolic pressure occurs when
the heart expands. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
WHAT AFFECTS BLOOD PRESSURE?
Blood pressure is affected by many factors: age, weight, time of day, activity
level, climate, altitude and season. Certain activities can significantly alter one’s
blood pressure. Walking will likely raise an individual’s blood pressure. Sleeping
will likely decrease blood pressure. Not relaxing for several moments before
measurements can influence readings as well.
In addition to these factors, beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, certain
medications, emotional stress and even tight-fitting clothes can make a difference
in the readings.
WHAT CAUSES VARIATIONS IN BLOOD PRESSURE?
An individual’s blood pressure varies greatly from day to day and season
to season. For hypersensitive individuals, these variations are even more
pronounced. Normally, blood pressure rises during work or play and falls to its
lowest levels during sleep.
ASSESSING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE FOR ADULTS
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without regard to age
or gender) have been established as a guideline. Please note that other risk factors
(e.g. diabetes, obesity, smoking, etc.) need to be taken into consideration and may
affect these figures. Consult with your physician for an accurate assessment.
JNC7 Classification Table – for adults within the U.S
BP Classification
Systolic (mmHg)
Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal
less than 120
and less than 80
Prehypertension
120-139
or
80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension
140-159
or
90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension
160
or
100
SOURCE:
The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Evaluation
and Treatment of High Blood Pressure for adults. National Heart, Lung and
Blood Institute - May 2003.
WHO Classification Table – for adults outside of the U.S. (e.g. Canada, Mexico)
BP Classification
Systolic (mmHg)
Diastolic (mmHg)
Optimal
less than
120
and less than 80
Normal
less than 130
or
less than
85
High-Normal
130-139
or
85-89
Grade 1 Hypertension
140-159
or
90-99
Grade 2 Hypertension
160-179
or
100-109
Grade 3 Hypertension
180
or
110
SOURCE:
Standards to assess high blood pressure, without regard to age or gender, have
been established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
