What Is High Blood Pressure Metrics?

According to the American Heart Association, one in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure (hypertension). Although hypertension can be life-threatening, symptoms do not usually manifest until the condition is severe or long-standing. This makes high blood pressure metrics, or methods and standards of measurement, all the more important.

Types

• When no cause is identified for high blood pressure, it is called "primary hypertension." Secondary hypertension has known causes, usually a pre-existing condition. Some individuals may also have high blood pressure readings when a cuff is too small, or when they interact with a physician. This is called "white coat hypertension."

Risk factors/Causes

• Some factors that contribute to high blood pressure include: overweight and obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of alcohol or salt; low potassium intake, and pregnancy. Hypertension can also be the result of kidney disease, hormonal disorders, drug abuse, or sleep apnea.

Blood Pressure Measurement

• Blood pressure is always given as two numbers, expressed in "millimeters of mercury" (mm Hg). The first (top) number is the systolic pressure, which is the blood pressure during the heartbeat. The second (bottom) number is the diastolic pressure, which actually indicates the blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

Normal Values

• For adults aged 18 or older, a normal blood pressure should be below 120/80 mm Hg. Pre-hypertension metrics are defined by a systolic pressure between 120 and 139 mm Hg, or a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg.

High Values

• High blood pressure has two stages. Stage 1 hypertension metrics include systolic blood pressure values between 140 and 159 mm Hg, and diastolic pressures ranging from 90 to 99 mm Hg. A person with stage 2 hypertension has a systolic blood pressure of at least 160 mm Hg, or a minimum diastolic pressure of 100 mm Hg.

Prevention

• Preventive measures you can take include: eating foods low in salt, saturated fats and cholesterol; increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables and grains; losing excess weight; being physically active; limiting alcohol consumption; and periodically checking your blood pressure.