ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
Assessing High Blood Pressure for Adults
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without regard to age or gender) have been established as a guideline. Please note that other risk factors (e.g. diabetes, obesity, smoking, etc.) need to be taken into consideration and may affect these figures. Consult with your physician for an accurate assessment.
JNC7 Classification Table – for adults within the U.S
BP Classification | Systolic (mmHg) |
| Diastolic (mmHg) | ||
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Normal | less than 120 | and | less than 80 | ||
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Prehypertension |
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Stage 1 Hypertension |
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Stage 2 Hypertension | greater than | 160 | or | greater than | 100 |
or equal to | or equal to |
SOURCE: The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure for adults. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute - May 2003.
WHO Classification Table – for adults outside of the U.S. (e.g. Canada, Mexico)
BP Classification | Systolic (mmHg) |
| Diastolic (mmHg) | ||
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Optimal | less than 120 | and | less than 80 | ||
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Normal | less than 130 | or | less than 85 | ||
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Stage 1 Hypertension |
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Stage 2 Hypertension |
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Stage 3 Hypertension | greater than | 180 | or | greater than | 110 |
or equal to | or equal to |
SOURCE: Standards to assess high blood pressure, without regard to age or gender, have been established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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