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Blood Pressure Charts

There seems to be a dearth of decent blood pressure charts on the web.   I have seen a chart in the past that relates age and weight.   At the moment I am having trouble locating a copy.   In the meantime I drew up these charts which do relate blood pressure to age.
I got the data from www.medindia.net

 

Diastolic Blood Pressure Chart

Diastolic pressure (the lower reading) is the pressure remaining in the blood vessels when the heart is at rest between beats and the blood vessels are relaxed.

Systolioc Blood Pressure Chart

Systolioc pressure (the higher reading) is the pressure at which blood can just pass the obstruction of the cuff. Loosely speaking it is a measure of how hard the heart can pump.

Explanation.

The charts show the normal range for an average adult of the given age. If a reading is within the band (min/avg/max) then it is OK, above the band could be cause for concern and you should seek further advice. In assessment the worst of the two readings should be used. For example a reading of 130/77 or 110/85 are both getting towards the high side for a 30 year old.

The following factors also need to be considered:-

  • Higher blood pressures than normal will occur during exertion or other stress.
  • Blood pressure should be taken in both arms on the first occasion. If there is more than 10 mmHg difference between the two arms, use the arm with the higher reading for subsequent measurements.
  • A better measure is given by the average of two readings taken a couple of minutes apart.
  • Readings at home are usually lower than clinical readings.
  • Readings with a wrist device are often lower than those taken with an upper arm device.
  • If using a wrist device it is imperative to have the device at the same level as the heart. Crossing your arm across your chest and placing the fingers just under the collar bone may put it close to desired position.

If you find the charts confusing or difficult to use you may prefer to use this simple table instead.

Blood Pressure Classification Chart (Adults)
Category Systolic pressure (mm Hg) Diastolic pressure (mm Hg)
Optimal Less than 120 Less than 80
Normal Less than 130 Less than 85
High-normal Less than 140 Less than 90
Mild Hypertension Less than 160 Less than 100
Moderate Hypertension Less than 180 Less than 110
Severe Hypertension 180 or more 110 or more
Adapted from The Sixth Report on the joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, NIH Publication No. 98-4080, November 1997 (USA).

Links

www.bhf.org.uk/
   British Heart Foundation

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm
   National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/jncintro.htm
   The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection,
   Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/focus/heart/index.shtml
   NetDoctor.co.uk  - Focus on Heart, blood and circulation


Copyright © 2004 - JG Weston, all rights reserved.

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