3
Blood pressure values must lie within certain normal ranges in order to prevent par-
ticular diseases.
2.2. Which values are normal?
Blood pressure is very high if your diastolic pressure is above 100 mmHg and/or
your systolic blood pressure is over 160 mmHg,
while at rest
. In this case,
please consult your physician immediately. Long-term values at this level endan-
ger your health due to continual damage to the blood vessels in your body.
If your systolic blood pressure values are between 140 mmHg and 159mmHg
and/or the diastolic blood pressure values between 90 mmHg and 99mmHg,
consult your physician. Regular self-checks are necessary.
If you have blood pressure values that are too low, (i.e., systolic values under
105mmHg 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 val-
ues 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 drug doses prescribed by your physician.
Which values are normal?
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure in adults have been
established by the U.S. National Institutes of Health JNC7, 2003.
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
