Does Blood Pressure Vary; What Is Hypertension - ADC 6021N Instruction Manual

3.4. Does Blood Pressure Vary?

Constantly. An individual's blood pressure varies greatly on a daily and seasonal
basis. It changes throughout one's lifetime. It is not uncommon for systolic
pressure to vary by 40mmHg or more throughout the course of a single day!
While generally not as volatile, diastolic pressure can still vary significantly. In

3.5. What is Hypertension?

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is elevated systolic or diastolic levels. In 90
to 95 percent of the diagnosed cases, the specific causes are unknown,
although the condition is often linked with family history, and lifestyle. This is
referred to as essential hypertension. In the remaining cases, high blood
pressure is a symptom of an underlying, often treatable condition, which if
corrected, may normalize blood pressure. This less common type is known as
secondary hypertension. Hypertension, if left untreated, may contribute to kidney
disease, heart attack, stroke, or other debilitating illnesses. The following
standards for assessment of high blood pressure in adults have been established
by the Joint National Committee, 2003.
Range
Classifications
Normal
Prehypertension
––
Stage 1
( oderate)
Stage 2
(Severe)
8
Systolic
Blood Pressure
<120
120 - 139
H Y P R T
140 - 159
160
(JNC-7 report: Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure / 2003)
hypertensive individuals,
variations are even more
pronounced. Normally,
blood pressure is at its
lowest during sleep and
rises in the morning and
throughout the day. The
chart (left) illustrates the
fluctuations that could
occur in a typical day.
Diastolic
Blood Pressure
<80
80 - 89
N S I O N
90 - 99
100
Precaution
Measures
Monitor regularly
Contact your physician
––
Contact your
physician Immediately
Contact your
physician URGENTLY