1.3 About Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure level is determined in the circulatory center of your brain. Your nervous system allows your
body to adapt or alter blood pressure in response to different situations. Your body alters your pulse or heart rate
and the width of blood vessels through changes in muscles in the walls of blood vessels.
Your blood pressure reading is highest when your heart pumps or ejects blood. This stage is called your systolic
blood pressure.
Your blood pressure is lowest when the heart rests (in between beats). This is called your diastolic blood
pressure.
It is critical to maintain blood pressure values within a “normal” range in order to prevent cardiovascular
diseases. Increased blood pressure values (various forms of hypertension) have associated long- and medium-
term health risks. These risks concern the arterial blood vessels of your body, which are endangered due to
constriction caused by deposits in the vessel walls (arteriosclerosis). A deficient supply of blood to important
organs (heart, brain, muscles) can be the result. Furthermore, with long term increased blood pressure values,
the heart will become structurally damaged.
There are many different causes of the appearance of high blood pressure. We differentiate between common
primary (essential) hypertension, and secondary hypertension. The latter group can be attributed to specific
organic malfunctions. Please consult your doctor for information about the possible origins of your own
increased blood pressure values.
1.4. Normal Blood Pressure Values
Blood pressure is too high when measuring at home and you have rested, the diastolic pressure is above
85 mmHg or the systolic blood pressure is over 135 mmHg. If you obtain readings in this range, consult your
doctor immediately. High blood pressure values over time can damage blood vessels, vital organs such as the
kidney, and your heart.
With blood pressure values that are too low (i.e., systolic values under 105 mmHg or diastolic values under
60 mmHg), consult with your doctor.
Systolic
Diastolic
Comment
Below 120
Less than
80
This range is considered “Normal” and ideal.
120 – 139
80 – 89
This range is considered “
Pre-hypertension
”. Discuss with your health
care professional. Lifestyle modifications maybe required to avoid
advancing into hypertension.
140 – 159
90 – 99
This is in the “
hypertension”
range. Discuss with your health care
professional. Medication(s) and lifestyle modifications are typical
treatments.
160 and
higher
100 +
Discuss with your medical professional, medication(s) and lifestyle
modifications are necessary to control your hypertension
Adopted From: Understanding and Managing your Blood Pressure; Hypertension Canada.
