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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). One's natural blood pressure is represented by the
fundamental pressure, which is measured first thing in the morning while one
is still at rest and before eating.
What is Hypertension and How is it Controlled?
Hypertension, an abnormally high arterial blood pressure, if left unattended,
can cause many health problems including stroke and heart attack.
Hypertension can be controlled by altering lifestyle, avoiding stress, and with
medication under a doctor's supervision.
To prevent hypertension or keep it under control:
Do not smoke
Reduce salt and fat intake
Maintain proper weight
Why Measure Blood Pressure at Home?
Blood pressure measured at a clinic or doctor's office may cause
apprehension and can produce an elevated reading, 25 to 30 mmHg higher
than that measured at home. Home measurement reduces the effects of
outside influences on blood pressure readings, supplements the doctor's
readings and provides a more accurate, complete blood pressure history.
WHO Blood Pressure Classification
Standards to assess high
blood pressure, without
regard to age, have been
established by the World
Health Organization (WHO),
as shown in the chart.
Blood Pressure Variations
An individual's blood
pressure varies greatly on a
daily and seasonal basis. It
may vary by 30 to 50 mmHg due to various conditions during the day. In
hypertensive individuals, variations are even more pronounced. Normally,
the blood pressure rises while at work or play and falls to its lowest
levels during sleep. So, do not be overly concerned by the results of one
measurement.
About Blood Pressure
Exercise regularly
Have regular physical checkups
Reference Material: Journal of Hypertension 1999, Vol 17 No.2
mmHg
110
Grade 2 hypertension (moderate)
105
100
Grade 1 hypertension (mild)
95
90
High-normal
85
Normal
80
Optimal
120
English 16
Grade 3 hypertension (severe)
130 140 150 160 170 180
Systolic blood pressure
mmHg
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