T9P new (6) 7/17/02 6:05 PM Page 24
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
What Causes High Blood Pressure ?
Blood pressure is only classed as high if it doesn’t go down when you rest. Permanently raised blood pressure can be caused by several factors such as hardening of the arteries, smoking or drinking too much alcohol. It can also be caused by cholesterol, a type of fat, building up inside your blood vessels and making them narrower. Being under stress can add to the problem.
High blood pressure is also known to run in families hence if you find you have a high blood pressure it is a good idea to test other closely related members of your family.
Fluctuation within a Day (Example:
Blood pressure |
|
|
|
| |
(mmHg) |
| Breakfast |
| ||
300 | Dinner | Sleep |
| ||
Rest room | Lunch |
| |||
250 |
|
|
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
| Systolic |
|
|
|
| blood | |
|
|
|
|
| pressure |
150 |
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
| Diastolic |
|
|
|
| blood | |
|
|
|
|
| |
50 |
|
|
|
| pressure |
|
|
|
|
| |
0 |
|
|
|
| Time |
17 : 00 | 23 : 00 | 5 : 00 | 11 : 00 | 17 : 00 | |
Brachial blood pressure data
Why is it a Good Thing To Measure Blood Pressure at Home ?
Having your blood pressure measured by a doctor can cause anxiety which is a cause itself of high blood pressure. As a variety of conditions affect blood pressure, a single measurement may not be sufficient for an accurate diagnosis.
The blood pressure measured first thing in the morning after getting up, before eating and while at rest, is known as the fundamental blood pressure. In practice it is rather difficult to record the fundamental blood pressure, but it is important to get readings in an environment that is as close as possible to this.
Classification of Blood Pressure by the World Heath Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Society of Hypertention (ISH) developed the Blood Pressure Classification shown in this figure.
This classification is based on the blood presure values measured on people in a sitting position in outpatient departments of hospitals.
*There is no universally accepted definition of hypotension. However, those having the systolic pressure below 100 mmHg are assumed as hypotensive.
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Severe hypertension
180
Moderate hypertension
160
Mild hypertension
140
Nomal systoric value
130
Nomal blood pressure
120
Optimal biood pressure (target value)
80 85 90 100 110
Diastoric blood pressure 
(mmHg)
According to the blood pressure classification by the WHO/ISH* (revised in 1999) * International Society of Hypertension
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