Blood Pressure Categories Based on Age

Why can’t I use blood pressure categories that are based on my age?

After receiving several feedback inquiries with this question, we decided to publish this help document with regard to our company’s response to the subject of age-based blood pressure categories.

The BPTrakr Blood Pressure Category Chart, shown below, is located on the Blood Pressure Reading screen of the app, and is also displayed as an available option on the BPTrakr Report.

The BPTrakr Blood Pressure Category Chart was created based on data contained in the following two documents by the American Heart Association:

• Understanding Blood Pressure Readings on the American Heart Association.

• Low Blood Pressure on the American Heart Association.

Unfortunately, blood pressure classification guidelines determined by age and published by a creditable source, such as the American Heart Association, do not exist.

There is, however, considerable debate in the medical community on this issue. For a thorough discussion, see the American Heart Association Journal article:

• Age, Blood Pressure Targets, and Guidelines: Rift Between Those Who Preach, Those Who Teach, and Those Who Treat?

This commentary article, written by a group of cardiovascular physicians, cites the need for established blood pressure guidelines based on age.

Recognize that only a medical professional can confirm a blood pressure related diagnosis.

How to hide the Blood Pressure Category column on the Data Table in BPTrakr Reports

When printing a BPTrakr Blood Pressure Report for your medical provider, there is an available option to hide the blood pressure category column on the data table in the report. See How to hide the Blood Pressure Category column on the Data Table in BPTrakr Reports for step-by-step instructions.

See also

• Learn about Blood Pressure Categories
• Learn about Pulse Pressure (PP)
• Learn about Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

Comments / Questions

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