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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
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 ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
WHAT IS HYPERTENSION?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the diagnosis given when readings
consistently rise above normal. It is well known that hypertension can lead
to stroke, heart attack or other illness if left untreated. Referred to as a “silent
killer” because it does not always produce symptoms that alert you to the
problem, hypertension is treatable when diagnosed early.
CAN HYPERTENSION BE CONTROLLED?
In many individuals, hypertension can be controlled by altering lifestyle and
minimizing stress, and by appropriate medication prescribed and monitored
by your doctor. The American Heart Association recommends the following
lifestyle suggestions to prevent or control hypertension:
Don’t smoke. Have regular
Reduce salt and fat intake. physical checkups.
Maintain proper weight. Monitor your blood
Exercise routinely. pressure at periodic
intervals.
WHY MEASURE BLOOD PRESSURE AT HOME?
It is now well known that, for many individuals, blood pressure readings
taken in a doctor’s office or hospital setting might be elevated as a result of
apprehension and anxiety. This response is commonly called “white coat
hypertension.”
In any case, self-measurement at home supplements your doctor’s readings
and provides a more accurate, complete blood pressure history. In addition,
clinical studies have shown that the detection and treatment of hypertension is
improved when patients both consult their physicians and monitor their own
blood pressure at home.