ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on
the artery walls while blood flows through the
arteries. The pressure measured when the heart
contracts and sends blood out of the heart is
systolic (highest) blood pressure. The pressure
measured when the heart dilates with blood
flowing back into the heart
is called diastolic (lowest) blood pressure.
Why Measure Your
Blood Pressure?
Among today's various health problems, those
associated with high blood pressure are very
common. High blood pressure dangerously
correlates with
cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, blood
pressure monitoring is important for identifying
those at risk.
BLOOD PRESSURE STANDARD
The U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services and the National Institutes of Health
have developed a blood pressure standard
that identifies areas of low- and high-risk blood
pressure. This standard, however, is a general
guideline as an individual's blood pressure varies
among different people, age groups, etc.
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Categories for Blood Pressure Levels in
Adults
Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg)
Stage 2 Hypertension
>160
_
Stage 1 Hypertension
140~159
Prehypertension
120~139
Normal
<120
For adults 18 and older who are not on medicine for high blood
pressure, are not having a short-term serious illness, and do not
have other conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease.
To determine category of risk when systolic and diastolic
readings fall into two areas, use the higher of the two numbers for
classification.
There is an exception to the above definition of high blood
pressure for people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
A blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered high
blood pressure for those individuals.
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.
For reliable monitoring and reference of blood
pressure, keeping long-term records is
recommended.
>100
_
90~99
80~89
<80
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