5
6
Users can compare their own blood pressure readings against these
defined levels to determine if they may be potentially at
increased risk.
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 29 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).
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
