SCIENCE FORM 4 - 3.3 BLOOD PRESSURE
normal blood pressure
120-129/80-84
blood pressure at risk
130-139/85-89
high blood pressure stage 1
140-159/90-99
high blood pressure stage 2
160-179/100-109
high blood pressure stage 3
180 and above/110 and above
what happens if high blood pressure is not well controlled?
can lead to more serious problems such as stroke - best way to track is by having regular medical checkups
what is the optimal blood pressure?
less than 120/less than 80
what can regular blood pressure readings help to do?
measure body's health levels
why are both pressures stated in millimeters of mercury?
mercury was used in the first accurate pressure gauge and is still used as the standard unit of measurement for pressure in medicine
what do blood pressure readings that are low and prolonged show?
might be experiencing low blood pressure
what is the unit for measuring blood pressure?
millimeters of mercury
whats the symbol for measuring blood pressure?
mmHg
what is blood pressure?
pressure applied by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels during blood circulation
how is blood pressure measured?
sphygmomanometer
how is the measurement of blood pressure recorded?
systolic/diastolic (systolic per diastolic)
blood pressure measuring process
taking two readings
what does the top number show?
the pressure applied on the wall of the blood vessel when the heart muscles contract - known as systolic pressure
what does the bottom number show?
the pressure applied on the wall of the blood vessel when the heart muscles relax - known as diastolic pressure
what do blood pressure readings that are high and prolonged show?
you might be experiencing high blood pressure
