Categories for Blood Pressure Levels in Adults (Ages 18 Years and Older)
Blood Pressure Level (mmHg) Category Systolic Diastolic Normal < 120 and < 80 Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89 High Blood Pressure Stage 1 Hypertension 140–159 or 90–99 Stage 2 Hypertension 160 or 100
Legend < means LESS THAN means GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO
When systolic and diastolic blood pressures fall into different categories, the higher category should be used to classify blood pressure level. For example, 160/80 mmHg would be stage 2 hypertension (high blood pressure).
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure (or hypertension) is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.
High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke, especially when it's present with other risk factors.
High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but it's more common among people over age 35. It's particularly prevalent in African Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women taking birth control pills. It may run in families, but many people with a strong family history of high blood pressure never have it. People with diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease are more likely to have high blood pressure, too.
American Heart Association recommended blood pressure levels
Blood Pressure Category Systolic (mm Hg) Diastolic (mm Hg) Normal less than 120 and less than 80 Prehypertension 120–139 or 80–89
High Stage 1 140–159 or 90–99 Stage 2 160 or higher or 100 or higher
*Your doctor should evaluate unusually low readings.
Posted: at 5-01-2008 06:58 PM (17 years ago) | Gistmaniac
I do that on a daily basis with my patients..especially those that are on blood pressure alerts....they're checked every 2 hrs for monitoring........very important to know............
Posted: at 6-01-2008 05:01 PM (17 years ago) | Addicted Hero
Nonyenim at 26-09-2008 02:43 PM (16 years ago) (f)
Quote from: khadijah on 7-01-2008 04:38 PM
re you a doc or nurse?
You dont have to be a doctor or nurse to know what is hapening to your body. High blood pressure is something to watch out for and to do every thing possible to control for our ow good
Posted: at 26-09-2008 02:43 PM (16 years ago) | Newbie
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