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8.Some Useful Information about Blood Pressure
Classification of Blood Pressure by the World Heath 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.
* There is no universally accepted definition of hypotension. However,
those having the systolic pressure below 100 mmHg are assumed as
hypotensive.
Example: fluctuation within a day (male, 35 years old)
mmHg
200
150
100
50
6
12
18
24
Upper curve: systolic blood pressure
Lower curve: diastolic blood pressure
Time of day
Optimal blood
pressure
(target value)
Normal blood
pressure
Normal systolic value
Mild hypertension
Moderate hypertension
Severe hypertension
Systolic blood pressure
(mmHg)
Diastolic
blood
pressure
(mmHg)
80
180
160
140
130
120
85
90
100
110
HEM-7300-C3_B_M.fm Page 37 Tuesday, March 9, 2010 10:17 AM