Question 1

How is blood pressure measured?

Accepted Answer

In mmHg. Normal: 120/80 mmHg (systolic/diastolic). High: >140/90. Low: <90/60. Can also use kPa or cmH2O.

Question 2

What is 120/80 mmHg in kPa?

Accepted Answer

120 mmHg = 16 kPa, 80 mmHg = 10.7 kPa. So 120/80 mmHg ≈ 16/10.7 kPa. mmHg is standard in medicine.

Question 3

What pressure units do different industries use?

Accepted Answer

PSI in US/UK automotive and HVAC. Bar/kPa in European engineering. mmHg/torr in medicine. Atmospheres in diving and altitude.

Question 4

Is gauge pressure different from absolute pressure?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Gauge pressure reads 0 at atmospheric pressure. Absolute pressure adds atmospheric (~14.7 psi). Vacuum gauge shows negative gauge pressure.

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