Australian Bureau of Statistics
Celebrating the International Year of Statistics 2013

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BLOOD PRESSURE


Definition

This topic refers to the diastolic and systolic measures of blood pressure, which were recorded by the interviewers during the interview.


Population

Information was obtained for all persons aged 5 years and over in the NHS and NNPAS surveys.


Methodology

Blood pressure measurements were taken towards the end of the survey and were voluntary. Respondents were invited to sit down and extend and relax their left arm, with their palm facing upwards. Interviewers were given a choice of three different sized cuffs to select from depending on respondent size. All measurements were taken on the left arm, unless there was a prohibitive reason such as an injury. Interviewers undertook two blood pressure readings using an automated blood pressure monitor in which systolic and diastolic pressures were displayed. If there was a significant difference between the readings, the machine would prompt for a third reading.


Data items

The data items and related output categories for this topic will be available in Excel spreadsheet format from the Downloads page of this product.


Interpretation

Points to be considered in interpreting data for this topic include the following.

• Respondents blood pressure readings can be affected by conditions such as nervousness. While up to three reading were taken, a high blood pressure reading may not indicate that the respondent suffers from high blood pressure, only that it was high at the time the readings were taken.