Monday, July 18, 2011

Changing Definitions of Hypertension From 1990 - 2010

After several years of quoting "120/80" as normal blood pressure, we were told in the 1990s that we were incorrect. Ooops. We in educational, public health, and clinic type settings began to be directed that the reading 120/80 was the lower limit of pre-hypertension. In fact, 119/79 was "high normal." It was all frustrating, but, with an average blood pressure of 110/70, I was not going to worry about my own; and I checked it a few times a week. I felt I had to be very careful about what I told clients and test participants so as not to be alarmist.

We were taught?about blood pressure's staus as a "continuous variable" - meaning that you can't stop the blood pressure in order to measure it (we laughed). So, we began taking our own readings daily and looking at trends.

I still check my blood pressure reading 2-4 times a week at the drug store at the pharmacy counter where a kiosk sits quipped with a seat and an automatic cuff. These setups are not 100% accurate, but are good for a general screening. They are not very accurate for the individuals that need a larger cuff because of arm diameter, for example. I like the screenings available through a LifeLine or similar mobile clinic where the staffers take pressure readings in both arms and both lower legs. Many people have the screening yearly and it includes other helpful measures as well.

Overall, if either my systolic or diastolic pressures land in the prehypertensive range, I take a closer look at my daily diet, activities, and stress levels. When visiting a healthcare professional, I take the last two readings with me.

Many churches and other organizations provide free screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol and these are a good first measure to determine if a client needs further workups. I remember that in the 1990s, Japanese airports offered cholesterol reading machines. Screenings may become increasingly more accessible and easy with time forward.

EXAMPLES

140/70 = Stage 1 Hypertension

110/99 - Stage 1 Hypertension

100/100 = Stage 2 Hypertension

140/100 = Stage 2 Hypertension

170/75 = Stage 2 Hypertension

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A single reading with a high number is not a final diagnosis of High Blood Pressure. Take more than one reading, compare, and consult with your healthcare practitioner! ?

Source: http://pattyinglishms.hubpages.com/hub/Chaging-Definitions-of-Hypertension-From-1990-2010

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