8
If you have blood pressure values that are too low (i.e., systolic values
under 105 mmHg and/or diastolic values under 60 mmHg), consult your
physician.
Even with normal blood pressure values, a regular self-check with your
blood pressure monitor is recommended. You can detect possible changes
in your values early and react appropriately.
If you are undergoing medical treatment to control your blood pressure,
keep a record of values along with time of day and date. Show these
values to your physician.
Never use the results of your measurements
to independently alter the medication prescribed by your physician.
Which values are normal?
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (in adults) have
been established by the National Institutes of Health JNC7, 2003.
Additional information
• If your values are mostly normal under resting conditions but exception-
ally high under conditions of physical or psychological stress, it is
possible that you are suffering from so-called "labile hypertension."
Consult your doctor.
Category Systolic Diastolic
(mmHg) (mmHg)
Normal <120 and <80
Pre-Hypertension 120-139 or 80-89
Hypertension
Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 or 90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension
≥
160 or
≥
100
