I got the data from www.medindia.net ( site info in new window).
Diastolic pressure (the lower reading) is the pressure remaining in the blood vessels when the heart is at rest between beats and the blood vessels are relaxed.
Systolioc pressure (the higher reading) is the pressure at which blood can just pass the obstruction of the cuff. Loosely speaking it is a measure of how hard the heart can pump.
Explanation.
The charts show the normal range for an average adult of the given age. If a reading is within the band (min/avg/max) then it is OK, above the band could be cause for concern and you should seek further advice. In assessment the worst of the two readings should be used. For example a reading of 130/77 or 110/85 are both getting towards the high side for a 30 year old.
The following factors also need to be considered:-
- Higher blood pressures than normal will occur during exertion or other stress.
- Blood pressure should be taken in both arms on the first occasion. If there is more than 10 mmHg difference between the two arms, use the arm with the higher reading for subsequent measurements.
- A better measure is given by the average of two readings taken a couple of minutes apart.
- Readings at home are usually lower than clinical readings.
- Readings with a wrist device are often lower than those taken with an upper arm device.
- If using a wrist device it is imperative to have the device at the same level as the heart. Crossing your arm across your chest and placing the fingers just under the collar bone may put it close to desired position.
If you find the charts confusing or difficult to use you may prefer to use this simple table instead.
| Blood Pressure Classification Chart (Adults) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Systolic pressure (mm Hg) | Diastolic pressure (mm Hg) |
| Optimal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Normal | Less than 130 | Less than 85 |
| High-normal | Less than 140 | Less than 90 |
| Mild Hypertension | Less than 160 | Less than 100 |
| Moderate Hypertension | Less than 180 | Less than 110 |
| Severe Hypertension | 180 or more | 110 or more |
| Adapted from The Sixth Report on the joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, NIH Publication No. 98-4080, November 1997 (USA). | ||
Links
www.bhf.org.uk/British Heart Foundation
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/jncintro.htm
The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection,
Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/jnc7card.htm
JNC VII Quick Reference Card
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/focus/heart/index.shtml
NetDoctor.co.uk - Focus on Heart, blood and circulation
Update 21 July 2007
Thanks to Mike Paley for this update:-
Noted your lack of finding age related BP charts. Used link from your site to BHF and there found link to http://www.heartstats.org/temp/Tabsp9.2spweb07.xls which you may find useful.