ENG - 40
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force generated by blood in arteries. This force changes constantly accord
-
ing to the heartbeat. When the heart contracts, blood pressure is at its highest level (systolic val
-
ue) whereas towards the end of the “resting time” the value is at its lowest level (diastolic value).
What constitutes high blood pressure?
According to World Health Organization (WHO) definitions, when systolic blood pressure exceeds
140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure exceeds 90 mmHg, this constitutes high blood pressure
(see figures below).
WHO Classification (source: WHO, Vol. 17 No. 2)
According to the directive/definition by the World Health Organization (WHO) the measurement
results shall be classified and assessed as per the following table.
Symbol
on display
Range of blood
pressure values
Systole (in
mmHg)
Diastole (in
mmHg)
Measures
Level 3: Extreme
hypertension
≥ 180
≥ 110
Seek medical
advice
Level 2: Medium
hypertension
160 – 179
100 – 109
Seek medical
advice
Level 1: Mild
hypertension
140 – 159
90 – 99
Regular check-up
at the doctor´s
Limit of normal
values
130 – 139
85 – 89
Regular check-up
at the doctor´s
Normal
120 – 129
80 – 84
Self-check
Optimum
< 120
< 80
Self-check
Summary of Contents for BPM 850
Page 62: ...H 62 ...