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ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
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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
Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 or 90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension 160-179 or 100-109
Stage 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).