In modern life, hypertension (high blood pressure) is becoming increasingly common in the community. However, many patients are still unsure about their blood pressure status: is it really high? How long should they wait before checking it again? Do they need to take medication? What lifestyle changes should they make when diagnosed with this condition?…
What is Normal Blood Pressure and What is Hypertension?
Optimal Blood Pressure: When systolic blood pressure (the top number) is
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| Regular blood pressure monitoring is the best health tracking method (Image: TTO) |
However, individuals with low blood pressure may not need to be checked as frequently, but should still seek evaluation to identify any underlying causes.
Normal Blood Pressure: When systolic blood pressure
High Normal Blood Pressure: When systolic blood pressure is between 130-139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is between 85-89 mmHg.
Stage 1 Hypertension: When systolic blood pressure is between 140-159 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure is between 90-99 mmHg.
Stage 2 Hypertension: When systolic blood pressure is between 160-179 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure is between 100-109 mmHg.
Stage 3 Hypertension: When systolic blood pressure is greater than 180 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure is greater than 110 mmHg.
To confirm a diagnosis of hypertension, blood pressure should be measured at least twice, and the average should be taken. If possible, it is more accurate to consider the blood pressure readings from subsequent visits. If the systolic and diastolic readings fall into two different categories, the higher category will be used to classify the hypertension stage. For example, a reading of 160/92 mmHg is classified as Stage 2 hypertension.
How to Monitor Blood Pressure?
Based on the initial blood pressure readings, clinicians recommend the following monitoring plan:
For systolic blood pressure between 130-139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure between 85-89 mmHg: Check the blood pressure again within one year.
For systolic blood pressure between 140-159 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure between 90-99 mmHg: Confirm the hypertension status within two months.
For systolic blood pressure between 160-179 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure between 100-109 mmHg: Check within one year. Patients should receive counseling and management or visit medical facilities within one month.
For systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure greater than 110 mmHg: Patients need immediate management or to visit medical facilities soon, depending on their clinical condition.
If systolic and diastolic blood pressures do not fall into the same category, the monitoring plan should follow the shortest time frame. For example, if a reading of 160/86 mmHg is recorded, the patient should receive counseling, management, or visit medical facilities within one month.
If the blood pressure reading during monitoring falls into a different category, the monitoring plan should be adjusted according to that level. For example, if the first measurement shows a reading of 130/86 mmHg, after one year, the follow-up shows 140/92 mmHg, the patient needs to have their hypertension status confirmed within two months.
Upon discovering hypertension, patients should be counseled to identify risk factors, and they should visit medical facilities for evaluations to determine any damage caused by hypertension. This allows for timely lifestyle adjustments and treatment interventions.
