ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
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Assessing High Blood Pressure
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without regard to age) have been established as a guideline.
BP Classification | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) | |
Normal | <120 | and | <80 |
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Prehypertension | or | ||
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Stage 1 Hypertension | or | ||
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Stage 2 Hypertension | ∗160 | or | ∗100 |
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SOURCE: The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute - May 2003.
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. Those who fall within the Prehypertensive range are more likely to develop hypertension in the future.
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 physical |
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Reduce salt and fat intake. |
| checkups. |
Maintain proper weight. |
| Monitor your blood |
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Exercise routinely. |
| pressure at periodic |
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| intervals. |
In Canada
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