Generally a normal blood pressure reading is considered 120/80. The top number (120) is our systolic pressure and the bottom number (80) relates to the diastolic pressure. But just what is systolic and diastolic pressure?

Systolic pressure (the top figure) is the arterial blood pressure exerted when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the arteries in the body. Whilst the diastolic pressure (the bottom figure) relates to the pressure in the heart as it rest between each heartbeat.

You may have noticed that the systolic and diastolic measurements are sometimes measured in mm Hg. This is shorthand for millimetres of Mercury, as Hg is the chemical symbol for mercury.

Up until relatively recently the most convenient way to measure blood pressure was to use a device that incorporated tubes filled with mercury, that would rise and fall to display the persons blood pressure.

There are of course now electronic devices that are used in most doctors surgery, which tend to be more convenient. Also, there is a growing market in home blood pressure monitors that allow people to track their progress of any treatment they are receiving.

Generally, one reading is not sufficient to confirm that a person has high blood pressure, unless it is severely elevated. There are a number of factors that can impact on a persons blood pressure reading, including the level of activity prior to the reading, smoking, caffeinated drinks (like tea and coffee), and anxiety or stress.

An example of when this can occur is referred to as “white coat” anxiety, when the person whose blood pressure is being check feels stress or anxiety due to the environment in the surgery.

This is generally why successive checks are carried out to gain a baseline measurement for an individual then a proper treatment plan can be adopted.

Normal Blood Pressure is usually 120 / 80 or less

Pre-Hypertension 120 to 139 / 80 to 89

Hypertension

• First Stage Hypertension – 140 to 159 / 90 to 99
• Second Stage Hypertension – 160 and above / 100 and above

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