Hypertension classifications may only appropriate when subject
is not taking antihypertensive medications and they are acutely
ill. When the systolic and diastolic pressures fall into different
categories, the higher category is used to classify blood pressure
status.
Optimal blood pressure is approximately 120 / 80 mm Hg. Medical
intervention is often prescribed by a physician for those with
an average blood pressure of 140/90 or greater on at least 2
separate visits following initial screening.
Use appropriately size cuffs. The bladder in the cuff should
cover two thirds the arm circumference to avoid false measurements.
|
Size |
Arm Girth |
Bladder dimensions |
|
Child |
13-20 cm |
8 x 13 cm |
|
Adult |
24-32 cm |
13 x 24 cm |
|
Large |
32-42 cm |
17 x 32 cm |
ACSM (2001), ACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines for
Exercise Testing and Prescription, 4th ed., pg 7.
YMCA of the USA (2000), YMCA Fitness Testing and Assessment
Manual, 4th Edition.