However, if readings stay at 140/90 mm Hg or above (systolic 140 or above OR diastolic 90 or above) over time, your doctor will likely want you to begin a treatment program.”Ī single point in time means essentially nothing. “A single high reading does not necessarily mean that you have high blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A normal diastolic blood pressure is less than 80. The bottom number is a measure of the pressure in the arteries between heart beats – when the heart rests. A normal systolic blood pressure is below 120. This is what the top number is measuring.

This action creates pressure on the arteries. As your heart beats and contracts, it pushes blood through your arteries. They, of course, measure different things. Blood pressure readings are made up of two numbers: the top number is called the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. Since I have always had a “good” blood pressure, I really didn’t know when blood pressure became too high. You can download a pdf copy of this publication can be downloaded here. So, this month we will take a look at how you can use control charts to monitor blood pressure readings – using my blood pressure readings over a two month period. What is the variation in my blood pressure? Is it consistent and predictable? Has it increased? Are there special causes present? Great everyday application for using control charts. What a great practical application and opportunity to use statistical process control. So, I needed to take measurements over time. When I saw the doctor, she said that I needed to check my blood pressure at home for a while to see if it stays that high. In the past, I have usually been in the 120/70 range.

She said that was a little high and asked if I normally had blood pressure this high. I was at the doctor’s office in January of this year. And when you finally get in, a nurse will take your blood pressure, your temperature, and your weight – funny how the doctor’s scales always seem to be on the heavy-side. When you go, you know you will usually have to wait awhile. My Blood Pressure is What? Finalweb T18:56:02-06:00ĭoctor’s offices are really predictable.

How to chart blood pressure in excel