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8. Some Useful Information about Blood Pressure
Classification of Blood Pressure by the World
Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International
Society of Hypertension (ISH) developed the Blood Pressure
Classification shown in this figure.
This classification is based on the blood pressure values
measured on people in a sitting position in outpatient
departments of hospitals.
Note:
There is no universally accepted definition of
hypotension. However, those having the systolic
pressure below 100 mmHg are assumed as
hypotensive.
mmHg
200
150
100
50
6
12
18
24
Example: fluctuation within a day (male, 35 years old)
Time of day
Upper curve: systolic blood pressure
Lower curve: diastolic blood pressure
80
180
160
140
130
120
85
90
100
110
Diastolic
blood
pressure
(mmHg)
Systolic blood pressure
(mmHg)
Severe hypertension
Moderate hypertension
Mild hypertension
Normal systolic value
Normal blood
pressure
Optimal blood
pressure
(target value)
HEM-7080-C1_B_M.fm Page 45 Tuesday, March 9, 2010 9:05 AM
