Blood pressure

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Blood pressure check

Effects of age on blood pressure

Blood pressure

Overview

Risks

Results

Blood pressure

Alternative Names:

Diastolic blood pressure; Systolic blood pressure

Normal Values:

In adults, the systolic pressure should be less than 120 mmHg, and the diastolic pressure should be less than 80 mmHg.

What abnormal results mean:

Pre-high blood pressure: systolic pressure consistently 120 to 139, or diastolic 80 to 89
Stage 1 high blood pressure: systolic pressure consistently 140 to 159, or diastolic 90 to 99
Stage 2 high blood pressure: systolic pressure consistently 160 or over, or diastolic 100 or over
Hypotension (blood pressure below normal): may be indicated by a systolic pressure lower than 90, or a pressure 25 mmHg lower than usual

Blood pressure readings may be affected by many different conditions, including:

Cardiovascular disorders
Neurological conditions
Kidney and urological disorders
Pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
Psychological factors such as stress, anger, or fear
Various medications
"White coat hypertension" may occur if the medical visit itself produces extreme anxiety

Review Date: 8/6/2004
Reviewed By: Jonathan Harding, MD, CPE, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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