Blood pressure

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X

Blood pressure

Blood pressure check

Effects of age on blood pressure

Diastolic blood pressure; Systolic blood pressure

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

Pre-high blood pressure:

• Top number is consistently 120 to 139 or the bottom number reads 80 to 89

Stage 1 high blood pressure:

• Top number is consistently 140 to 159 or the bottom number reads 90 to 99

Stage 2 high blood pressure:

• Top number is consistently 160 or over or the bottom number reads 100 or over

Low blood pressure (hypotension):

• Top number reading lower than 90 or 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: 07/21/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.