Understanding Blood Pressure Ranges in Dogs and Cats
Systemic hypertension in companion animals is categorized according to the consensus guidelines established by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Accurate assessment is critical for protecting target organs, including the kidneys, eyes, brain, and cardiovascular system.
ACVIM Blood Pressure Classification for Cats and Dogs
| Category | Systolic BP (SYS) | Diastolic BP (DIA) | Clinical Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normotensive | < 140 mmHg | < 90 mmHg | Normal physiological baseline |
| Pre-Hypertensive | 140 – 159 mmHg | 90 – 99 mmHg | Re-evaluate in 2–4 months; investigate underlying etiologies |
| Hypertensive | 160 – 179 mmHg | 100 – 119 mmHg | Moderate target-organ damage risk; initiation of therapy indicated |
| Severely Hypertensive | ≥ 180 mmHg | ≥ 120 mmHg | High risk of acute target-organ damage (e.g., retinal detachment, encephalopathy) |
Best Practice Clinical Measurement Protocol
- Acclimatization Period: Allow the patient to rest in a quiet consult room for 5–10 minutes prior to measurement to minimize white-coat artifact.
- Patient Positioning: Maintain the animal in a comfortable, calm sternal or lateral recumbency. The cuff must be level with the right atrium of the heart.
- Cuff Width Selection: Select a cuff bladder width equal to 30% to 40% of the limb or tail circumference.
- Consistent Replicates: Discard the initial reading, then record 3 to 5 consecutive consistent readings and compute the mean value.
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