What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as High Blood Pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure, putting them under increased stress. Each time the heart beats; it pumps blood into the vessels, which carry the blood throughout the body. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump.
If Diastolic is above 140 mmHg and Systolic is < or equal to 80, it is called Isolated Diastolic Blood Pressure.
If Diastolic is around 120 mm Hg and Systolic is above 90 mm Hg, it is called Isolated Systolic Blood Pressure.
Normal adult blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure of 120 mm Hg when the heart beats (systolic) and a blood pressure of 80 mm Hg when the heart relaxes (diastolic). When systolic blood pressure is equal to or above 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure equal to or above 90 mm Hg the blood pressure is considered to be raised or high. In Hypertension both Systolic and Diastolic values are above the normal.
| Systolic Blood Pressure | Diastolic Blood Pressure | Level |
|---|---|---|
|
< 120 mmHg |
< 80 mmHg |
Low Blood Pressure |
|
120 To 129 mmHg |
< 80 mmHg |
Normal |
|
130 To 139 mmHg |
80 To 89 mmHg |
Normal |
|
> 140 mmHg |
> 90 mmHg |
High Blood Pressure |
How to Use for Measuring Blood Pressure ?
During calibration, the user should rest quietly for about five minutes in a seated position where user’s elbow rests on the table, slightly below the level of the heart. The palm should be turned upward, with the hand remaining open and relaxed. The arms back and feet should be supported and in a relaxed position. The legs should remain uncrossed.
Measurement Range
Systolic BP – 80 mm Hg to 180 mm Hg, trend ± 30 mm Hg
Diastolic BP – 50 mm Hg to 120 mm Hg, trend ± 20 mm Hg
Measurement
Arm and back are supported, PPG taken from fingertip, and the finger is at heart level.
Factors that can Affect BP Readings
The following factors alter Blood Pressure readings significantly for cuff based traditional Blood Pressure devices and/or Maxim’s PPG-based measurement system.
Removing the Finger
After switching on, the device shows the message “Gently Place Finger”, gently place your finger and keep it at least for 10 seconds.
If Person is not Resting
To obtain an accurate measurement, it is important that the person relaxes quietly in a comfortable chair for at least 5 minutes before a reading is taken. Activities such as exercising, talking, drinking, or eating can affect the systolic BP by 10 mm Hg to 20 mm Hg. (Zheng)
Person's Positioning
During the measurement, the person should always be seated in a comfortable chair, legs uncrossed, with their back and arm supported. If the person’s back is not supported, the diastolic measurement may be increased by 5 mm Hg to 10 mm Hg. Crossing the legs has shown to raise the systolic Blood Pressure by 2 mm Hg to 8 mm Hg. The positioning of the upper arm below the heart level will also result in higher measurement results, whereas positioning the upper arm above the heart level will result in lower Blood Pressure values. These differences can increase/decrease the systolic Blood Pressure by 2 mm Hg for every inch above/below the heart level. (Perloff; O’Brien; Handler)
Emotional State
Stress or anxiety can cause large elevations in BP. If the BP measurement is taken while the subject is thinking about something that causes tension or stress, the BP levels could significantly increase. (Perloff)
Smoking/Alcohol/Caffeine
Consumption of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco), alcohol, or caffeine (sodas, coffee, tea) causes BP levels to spike. Therefore, the subject should refrain from smoking/alcohol/caffeine intake at least 30 minutes before a measurement is taken. (James; Marmot; Groppelli)
Full Bladder
Blood Pressure is lower when the bladder is empty. As the bladder gradually fills, BP increases. Studies have shown that systolic BP measurements can increase 10mmHg to 15mmHg when the subject has a full bladder.
If Diastolic is above 140 mmHg and Systolic is < or equal to 80, it is called Isolated Diastolic Blood Pressure.
If Diastolic is around 120 mm Hg and Systolic is above 90 mm Hg, it is called Isolated Systolic Blood Pressure.
Normal adult Blood Pressure is defined as a blood pressure of 120 mm Hg when the heart beats (systolic) and a blood pressure of 80 mm Hg when the heart relaxes (diastolic). When systolic blood pressure is equal to or above 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure is equal to or above 90 mm Hg the blood pressure is considered to be raised or high. In Hypertension both Systolic and Diastolic values are above normal.
Measurement
Arm and back are supported, PPG taken from fingertip, and the finger is at heart level.
Normal adult blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure of 120 mm Hg when the heart beats (systolic) and a blood pressure of 80 mm Hg when the heart relaxes (diastolic). When systolic blood pressure is equal to or above 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure equal to or above 90 mm Hg the blood pressure is considered to be raised or high. In Hypertension both Systolic and Diastolic values are above the normal.
BP Range
There are different baselines in Europe and USA. But normally,
BP range between 60/90 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg is considered NORMAL for the age group 12 to 60 years.
BP in the range of 100/80 mmHg to 120/90 mmHg is considered a Gold standard.
For people, more than 60 years above 140/90 mmHg is also considered normal depending on their health conditions.
Heart Rate
Resting Heart Rate in the range o 50 to 100 beats per minute (BPM) is considered normal resting. It’s called resting Heart Rate. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest is considered as healthy heart function and better fitness. This range is for the age group of 12 to 60 years.
Resting heart rate of 100 to 120 BPM is also normal most of the time. But it’s advisable to reduce heartbeat by doing Yoga, Meditation.
For kids below 12 years of age, the normal resting heart rate is between 70 to 110 BPM.
SPO2 (Oxygen Saturation)
It is to be noted that Oxygen Saturation level is not constant and varies according to the person’s health condition. Range below are
Oxygen Saturation levels of 95% – 100% are considered NORMAL for the age group below 65 years (younger adults).
Generally, older adults (above 65 years of age) typically have lower Oxygen Saturation levels than younger adults. So Oxygen Saturation level of 90 to 95% is also considered an Acceptable level for people more than 65 years of age.
During COVID time, it was advised to consult a doctor if Oxygen Saturation goes below 92%. Thus, it is important to understand both normal readings and the underlying state of health associated with certain conditions to interpret oxygen saturation levels and changes in these levels.
People who are obese and/or have conditions such as lung and cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congenital heart disease, and sleep apnea tend to have lower oxygen saturation levels.
During COVID time, it was advised to consult a doctor if Oxygen Saturation goes below 92% for all the age groups.