13
HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR
BLOOD PRESSURE
The World Health Organization (WHO) has created the
following guide for assessing high blood pressure (without
regard to age or gender). It is important to note that various
factors (e.g. diabetes, obesity, smoking, etc.) also need to
be considered. Consult with your physician for an accurate
assessment and diagnosis of your health condition.
This chart is not intended to provide a basis for any type of
diagnosis or emergency assessment; this chart only depicts
different classifications of blood pressure. Consult your
physician for an interpretation and diagnosis based on your
personal blood pressure results.
BLOOD PRESSURE
CLASSIFICATION
CHART
Systolic BP
mmHg
Diastolic BP
mmHg
COLOR
INDICATOR
Optimal
< 120
< 80
Green
Normal
120 - 129
80 - 84
Green
High-Normal
130 - 139
85 - 89
Yellow
Grade 1
Hypertension
140 - 159
90 - 99
Yellow
Grade 2
Hypertension
160 - 179
100 - 109
Red
Grade 3
Hypertension
> 180
> 100
Red
WHO/ISH Definitions and Classifications of Blood Pressure Levels
Source: Chalmers J et al. WHO-ISH Hypertension Guidelines
Committee. 1999 World Health Organization - International Society of
Hypertension Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension.
J Hypertens, 1999, 17:151-185
