American Heart Association Blood Pressure Chart By Age
Introduction
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The American Heart Association (AHA) provides a blood pressure chart that shows the normal, prehypertension, hypertension stage 1, and hypertension stage 2 blood pressure readings by age. This article discusses the AHA blood pressure chart by age and its significance.
Normal Blood Pressure
The AHA blood pressure chart defines normal blood pressure as a systolic pressure less than 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mmHg. The chart shows that the normal blood pressure reading remains the same for people of all ages.
Prehypertension
Prehypertension is a blood pressure level that is higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as hypertension. The AHA blood pressure chart defines prehypertension as a systolic pressure between 120-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure between 80-89 mmHg. The chart shows that prehypertension is common among people aged 18-39 years old.
Hypertension Stage 1
Hypertension stage 1 is a blood pressure level that is higher than prehypertension. The AHA blood pressure chart defines hypertension stage 1 as a systolic pressure between 140-159 mmHg or diastolic pressure between 90-99 mmHg. The chart shows that hypertension stage 1 is common among people aged 40-59 years old.
Hypertension Stage 2
Hypertension stage 2 is a blood pressure level that is higher than hypertension stage 1. The AHA blood pressure chart defines hypertension stage 2 as a systolic pressure of 160 mmHg or higher or diastolic pressure of 100 mmHg or higher. The chart shows that hypertension stage 2 is common among people aged 60 years or older.
Why Is the AHA Blood Pressure Chart Important?
The AHA blood pressure chart is important because it helps individuals and healthcare professionals identify blood pressure levels that are within normal or abnormal ranges. Maintaining a normal blood pressure level is essential to prevent the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. By using the AHA blood pressure chart, people can monitor their blood pressure levels and take appropriate actions to control it.
Conclusion
The AHA blood pressure chart by age provides valuable information about blood pressure levels that are considered normal, prehypertension, hypertension stage 1, and hypertension stage 2. It is important to know your blood pressure level and take appropriate actions to maintain it within normal ranges. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Remember to consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your blood pressure level.