Instructions

Take resting measurements with subject seated. Enter information in left column; blood pressure, heart rate, and select appropriate gender. Click "Calculate". Evaluates adults (18 years of age and older) blood pressure and heart rate.

Hypertension classifications may only appropriate when subject is not taking antihypertensive medications and they are acutely ill. When the systolic and diastolic pressures fall into different categories, the higher category is used to classify blood pressure status.

Optimal blood pressure is approximately 120 / 80 mm Hg. Medical intervention is often prescribed by a physician for those with an average blood pressure of 140/90 or greater on at least 2 separate visits following initial screening.

Use appropriately size cuffs. The bladder in the cuff should cover two thirds the arm circumference to avoid false measurements.

Size	Arm Girth	Bladder dimensions
Child	13-20 cm	8 x 13 cm
Adult	24-32 cm	13 x 24 cm
Large	32-42 cm	17 x 32 cm

ACSM (2001), ACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 4th ed., pg 7.

YMCA of the USA (2000), YMCA Fitness Testing and Assessment Manual, 4th Edition.