About Blood Pressure; Blood Pressure Standard - Walgreens WGNBPW-920 Manual

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.
Why Do My Readings Vary?
Blood pressure is a body parameter that is subject to normal
variations throughout the day. A single reading that is different from
yours or your doctor's readings are not necessarily inaccurate. The
average of several readings, taken under similar conditions, using
the same arm is preferred for accurate blood pressure readings.
Why Are My Readings Different Than Those Taken
at My Doctor's Office?
Many experience a phenomenon called "White Coat Hypertension"
when measured by a doctor. White Coat Hypertension refers to
blood pressure that rises above its usual level when measured in a
clinical setting, such as a doctor's office.
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BLOOD PRESSURE STANDARD

The table below contains defined levels for hypertension that
are publicly available from the National Heart Lung and Blood
Institute at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_
WhatIs.html). Users can compare their own blood pressure
readings against these defined levels to determine if they may
be potentially at increased risk.
This table is applicable to most adults aged 18 and older.
Category Systolic (mmHg)
Normal Less than 120
Prehypertension 120-139
High Blood Pressure
Stage 1 140-159
Stage 2 160 or higher
Blood pressure tends to go up and down, even in people who
normally don't have high readings. If your numbers stay above
the "normal" range most of the time, you may be at increased
risk and should consult your physician.
Although one can easily find where their own blood pressure
readings fall on this table, this monitor comes equipped with
a Risk Category Index that automatically compares each
reading to the defined levels and provides a helpful cue if
your reading falls into one of the stages that could potentially
indicate increased risk. See page 23 for more information on
this feature.
Diastolic (mmHg)
and Less than 80
or 80-89
or 90-99
or 100 or higher
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