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ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
WHAT IS BLOOD PRESSURE?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries.
Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts; diastolic pressure occurs when
the heart expands. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
WHAT AFFECTS BLOOD PRESSURE?
Blood pressure is affected by many factors: age, weight, time of day, activity
level, climate, altitude and season. Certain activities can significantly alter one’s
blood pressure. Walking will likely raise an individual’s blood pressure. Sleeping
will likely decrease blood pressure. Not relaxing for several moments before
measurements can influence readings as well.
In addition to these factors, beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, certain
medications, emotional stress and even tight-fitting clothes can make a difference
in the readings.
WHAT CAUSES VARIATIONS IN BLOOD PRESSURE?
An individual’s blood pressure varies greatly from day to day and season
to season. For hypersensitive individuals, these variations are even more
pronounced. Normally, blood pressure rises during work or play and falls to its
lowest levels during sleep.
ASSESSING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE FOR ADULTS
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without regard to age
or gender) have been established as a guideline. Please note that other risk factors
(e.g. diabetes, obesity, smoking, etc.) need to be taken into consideration and may
affect these figures. Consult with your physician for an accurate assessment.
JNC7 Classification Table – for adults within the U.S
BP Classification Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal less than 120 and less than 80
Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 or 90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension 160 or 100
SOURCE: The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Evaluation
and Treatment of High Blood Pressure for adults. National Heart, Lung and
Blood Institute - May 2003.
WHO Classification Table – for adults outside of the U.S. (e.g. Canada, Mexico)
BP Classification Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg)
Optimal less than
120 and less than 80
Normal less than 130 or less than
85
High-Normal 130-139 or 85-89
Grade 1 Hypertension 140-159 or 90-99
Grade 2 Hypertension 160-179 or 100-109
Grade 3 Hypertension 180 or 110
SOURCE: Standards to assess high blood pressure, without regard to age or gender, have
been established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE