BLOOD PRESSURE VITAL SIGNS

Blood Pressure - ANSWER measurement of the pressure that the blood
exerts on the walls of the arteries during various stages of heart activity,
read in millimetres (mm) of mercury (Hg)

Systolic - ANSWER pressure that occurs in the walls of the arteries
when the left ventricle of the heart is contracting/pumping blood, top
number

Diastolic - ANSWER constant pressure in the walls of the arteries when
the left ventricle of the heart is between contractions, bottom number

Pulse Pressure - ANSWER difference between the systolic and diastolic
pressure, an important indicator of the health/tone of the arterial walls,
high pulse pressure can be caused by the decrease in arteries' ability to
expand

Normal Pulse Pressure for Adults - ANSWER 30-50 mmHg

Prehypertension - ANSWER indicated when pressures are between
120-139 mmHg systolic and 80-89 mmHg diastolic, warning that
hypertension will occur unless steps are taken to prevent it

Hypertension - ANSWER high blood pressure, indicated when blood
pressure is 140/90 mmHg or above, can lead to stokes and heart
diseases

Causes of Hypertension - ANSWER stress, obesity, kidney disease,
anxiety

Hypotension - ANSWER low blood pressure; indicated when blood
pressure is 90/60 mmHg or less; may occur with heart failure,
dehydration, and depression