About blood pressure, What is blood pressure, What is hypertension and how is it controlled – A&D A & D Digital Blood Pressure Monitor UA-767 Plus BT User Manual

Page 12: Why measure blood pressure at home, Who blood pressure classification, Blood pressure variations

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Reference Material: Journal of Hypertension 1999, Vol 17 No.2

mmHg

110
105
100

95
90
85
80

Optimal

120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Systolic

blood

pressure

mmHg

Normal

High-normal

Grade 1 hypertension (mild)

Grade 2 hypertension (moderate)

Grade 3 hypertension (severe)

Dia

stolic bl

ood

pre

ssure

About Blood Pressure

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries.
Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts. Diastolic pressure occurs
when the heart expands. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of
mercury (mmHg). One's natural blood pressure is represented by the
fundamental pressure, which is measured first thing in the morning while one
is still at rest and before eating.

What Is Hypertension And How Is It Controlled?

Hypertension, an abnormally high arterial blood pressure, if left unattended,
can cause many health problems including stroke and heart attack.
Hypertension can be controlled by altering lifestyle, avoiding stress, and with
medication under a doctor’s supervision.

To prevent hypertension or keep it under control:

Do not smoke

Exercise regularly

Reduce salt and fat intake

Have regular physical checkups

Maintain proper weight

Why Measure Blood Pressure At Home?

Blood pressure measured at a clinic or doctor's office may cause
apprehension and can produce an elevated reading, 25 to 30 mmHg higher
than that measured at home. Home measurement reduces the effects of
outside influences on blood pressure readings, supplements the doctor's
readings and provides a more accurate, complete blood pressure history.

WHO Blood Pressure Classification

Standards to assess high
blood pressure, without
regard to age, have been
established by the World
Health Organization (WHO),
as shown in the chart.

Blood Pressure Variations

An individual’s blood pressure
varies greatly on a daily and
seasonal basis. It may vary by
30 to 50 mmHg due to various conditions during the day. In hypertensive
individuals’ variations are even more pronounced. Normally, the blood
pressure rises while at work or play and falls to its lowest levels during sleep.
So, do not be overly concerned by the results of one measurement.

Take measurements at the same time every day using the procedure

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