5
6
This table is applicable to most adults aged 18 and older.
Blood pressure tends to go up and down, even in people who normally don’t
have high readings. If your numbers stay above the “normal” range most of
the time, you may be at increased risk and should consult your physician.
Although one can easily find where their own blood pressure readings fall
on this table, this monitor comes equipped with a Risk Category Index that
automatically compares each reading to the defined levels and provides a
helpful cue if your reading falls into one of the stages that could potentially
indicate increased risk. See page 20 for more information on this feature.
Please note that cues provided by this monitor are only intended to
assist you in using this table. The table and cues are only provided for
convenience to help you understand your non-invasive blood pressure
reading as it relates to the NIH information. They are not a substitute for a
medical examination by your physician. It is important for you to consult
with your physician regularly. Your physician will tell you your normal
blood pressure range as well as the point at which you may actually be
considered to be at risk.
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the artery walls while blood
flows through the arteries. The pressure measured when the heart
contracts and sends blood out of the heart is systolic (highest) blood
pressure. The pressure measured when the heart dilates with blood
flowing back into the heart is called diastolic (lowest) blood pressure.
Why Measure Your Blood Pressure?
Among today’s various health problems, those associated with high blood
pressure are very common. High blood pressure dangerously correlates
with cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, blood pressure monitoring is
important for identifying those at risk.
Why Do My Readings Vary?
Blood pressure is a body parameter that is subject to normal variations
throughout the day. A single reading that is different from yours or your
doctor’s readings are not necessarily inaccurate. The average of several
readings, taken under similar conditions, using the same arm is preferred
for accurate blood pressure readings.
Why Are My Readings Different Than Those Taken at
My Doctor’s Office?
Many experience a phenomenon called “White Coat Hypertension” when
measured by a doctor. White Coat Hypertension refers to blood pressure
that rises above its usual level when measured in a clinical setting, such
as a doctor’s office.
BLOOD PRESSURE STANDARD
The table on page 6 contains defined levels for hypertension that are
publicly available from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute at the
U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/
dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_WhatIs.html). Users can compare their own blood
pressure readings against these defined levels to determine if they may
be potentially at increased risk.
Category
Systolic (mmHg)
Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal
Less than 120
and
Less than 80
Prehypertension
120-139
or
80-89
High Blood Pressure
Stage 1
140-159
or
90-99
Stage 2
160 or higher
or
100 or higher
