Abnormal Finding
- Hypertension:
- Two or more diastolic pressures 90 or over on subsequent visits
- 40% of older patients
- Systolic hypertension:
- Systolic greater than 160 with diastolic less than 90
- Systolic blood pressure rises linearly with age.
- Isolated systolic hypertension in 10-20% or more of 65+ years old.
- Hypotension: Less than 90/60, or a value based on past reading and current clinical state
- Postural hypotension: Fall of 20 mm Hg of systolic pressure in erect position (Drugs, volume loss, autonomic dysfunction)
- Differential hypertension: Lower BP in legs (Coarctation of aorta)
- Asymmetric BP: Difference between arms more than 15 mm of Hg (Subclavian steal, dissection of thoracic aorta)