Everyday Measurements

Unités de pression artérielle

Définition

La pression artérielle est mesurée en millimètres de mercure (mmHg), exprimée sous la forme de deux valeurs : la pression systolique (contraction du cœur) sur la pression diastolique (cœur au repos), par ex. 120/80 mmHg.

Explication

The unit dates to the mercury manometers used in early sphygmomanometers, where pressure literally raised a column of liquid mercury. Normal adult blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg; hypertension stage 1 begins at 130/80 mmHg. Although mercury instruments are now largely replaced by electronic sensors for safety reasons, mmHg remains the universal clinical standard because of its century-long reference base.

02

RELATED ARTICLES

03

RELATED TERMS