fitness-centralBlood pressure reflects the force of your heart beat and the resistance of the arteries to the pumping action of the heart. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). The higher number (systolic blood pressure) is the pressure created by the heart as it contracts and pumps blood to the body. This represents the maximum pressure created by your heart during a complete cardiac cycle. The lower number (diastolic blood pressure) is the pressure that remains in our arteries during the filling phase of the cardiac cylce when the heart relaxes. It is the minimum pressure in the arteries.
Classification of Blood Pressure Level
| Blood Pressure |
Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg ) |
Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) |
| Optimal | < 120 | < 80 |
| Normal | < 130 | < 85 |
| High Normal | 130 – 139 | 85 – 90 |
| Hypertension | ||
| Grade 1 (mild) | 140 – 159 | 90 – 99 |
| Grade 2 (moderate) | 160 – 179 | 100 – 109 |
| Grade 3 (severe) | 180 + | 110 + |
| Isolated Systolic Hypertension | ||
| Grade 1 | 140 – 159 | < 90 |
| Grade 2 | 160 + | < 90 |
If blood pressure readings need to be repeated, allow at least 60 seconds between measurements so normal circulation can be restored. If there is a significant discrepancy between readings from arm to arm, it could be due to a circulatory problem. In this situation you should seek advice from a doctor.
Blood Pressure Test
Blood pressure reflects the force of our heart beat and the resistance of the arteries to the pumping action of the heart. It is measured in millimetres of mecury (mmHg).
fitness-central