Topcom BPM 1900f
6
5
Blood pressure
5.1
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the artery tube while blood flows
through the arteries. The pressure measured when the heart contracts and
sends blood out of the heart is systolic (highest). The pressure measured when
the heart dilates with blood flowing back into the heart is called diastolic (lowest)
blood pressure.
5.2
Why Measure Your Blood Pressure?
Among the various health problems afflicting modern people, problems
associated with high blood pressure are by far the most common. High blood
pressure's dangerously strong correlation with cardiovascular diseases and
high morbidity has made measuring blood pressures a necessity of identifying
those at risk.
5.3
Blood Pressure Standard
The World Health Organization (WHO) and National High Blood Pressure
Education Prgram has developed a Blood pressure standard, according to
which areas of low and high-risk blood pressure are identified. This standard
however, is a general guideline as individual's blood pressure varies among
different people and different groups...etc.
It is important that you consult with your physician regularly. Your physician will
tell you your normal blood pressure range as well as the point at which you will
be considered at risk.
Systolic >= 160
Diastolic >= 100
Stage 2 Hypertension
Systolic
140 - 159
Diastolic
90 - 94
Stage 1 Hypertension
Systolic < 120
Diastolic < 80
Normal
Systolic (mmHg)
->
140
90
100
160
Diastolic (mmHg)
!
120
Prehypertension
Systolic 120 - 139
Diastolic 80 - 89
80
