Book
Procedural Work For Blood Presseure Measurment
- Hypertension
1. Definition of Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition characterized by a sustained increase in arterial blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer and is expressed in two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the higher number): This is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries.
- Diastolic pressure (the lower number): This is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
Blood pressure is considered high if it is 140/90 mm Hg or higher, and it is categorized into different stages:
- Normal blood pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg.
- Elevated (pre-hypertension): Between 120-129/80-89 mm Hg.
- Stage 1 hypertension: Between 130-139/80-89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 hypertension: 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
