Is your client's blood pressure in a healthy or unhealthy range? The best way to know, is to check their blood pressure and pulse using an electronic monitor. The blood pressure measurement is gauged in millimetres of mercury (mm) in a specific volume of blood (Hg), as seen in the image below.
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View full-sizeDownload Click the blue link to read the process for Managing Blood Pressure, and watch the YouTube video in the process document to learn how to use the electronic blood pressure monitor.
Understanding the numbers
Systolic pressure: The top number, called the systolic pressure, is the pressure each time your heart contracts (or squeezes).
Diastolic pressure: The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, is the pressure in the artery as the heart relaxes before the next beat.
Pulse per Minute - The number that appears at the bottom of the screen is the pulse, also known as heart beats per minute or heart rate.
Blood pressure stages in an adult
Low - Lower than 90/60 mm Hg
Optimal - Below 120/80 mm Hg
Normal - Between 120-129 or 80-84 mm Hg
Normal to High - Between 130-139 or 85-89 mm Hg
High - Greater than 140 and or Greater than 90 mm Hg
Low Blood Pressure - Hypotension Low blood pressure is less than 90/60 mm Hg, the person will feel dizzy and unsteady on their feet. Encourage the person to sit or lay down and contact the CCM or the 24/7 number 1800 717 590. Optimal Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. If a client's measurement fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet, i.e., minimising sugars, seed oils and processed foods and getting regular exercise. Normal Blood pressure numbers between a range of 120-129 mm Hg (systolic - top number) or 80-84 (diastolic- bottom number) mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If a client's measurement fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet, i.e., minimising sugars, seed oils and processed foods and getting regular exercise.
Normal to High Normal to high blood pressure is when measurements consistently range between 130-139 or 85-89 mm Hg. People with these measurements are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition. It is important to implement lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, and minimising sugars, seed oils and processed foods, and adding regular exercise. Doctors are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on the client's risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), such as heart attack or stroke.
High - Hypertensive High blood pressure requires urgent medical attention. If blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 140/90 mm Hg or higher, wait five minutes and then test blood pressure again. If readings are still unusually high, seek emergency medical advice immediately, contact a doctor, or call an ambulance as the client could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.
