O que significa KPa na pressão arterial?

Blood pressure readings are critical for monitoring cardiovascular health, but the units used can be confusing. While most people recognize “mmHg” (millimeters of mercury), you might also encounter “KPa” (kilopascals) in medical reports or devices. In this blog, we’ll explain what KPa means in blood pressure, how it compares to mmHg, and why understanding both units is essential for accurate health tracking.

What Is KPa in Blood Pressure?
KPa stands for kilopascal, a metric unit of pressure. In blood pressure measurements, it quantifies the force exerted by blood against arterial walls.
1 KPa = 1,000 pascals (the SI unit for pressure).
Global Usage: KPa is widely used in countries following the International System of Units (SI), such as Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe.
Example: A blood pressure reading of 16 KPa/10.7 KPa corresponds to 120 mmHg/80 mmHg (more on conversion below).

Why Are There Two Units (KPa vs. mmHg)?
Blood pressure units reflect historical and regional preferences:
mmHg (Millimeters of Mercury):
Originates from early mercury sphygmomanometers.
Dominant in the U.S., UK, Japan, and many Asian countries.
KPa (Kilopascals):
Adopted for alignment with the SI system.
Commonly used in scientific research and countries mandating metric units.

How to Convert KPa to mmHg
To interpret blood pressure readings across units, use this formula:
1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 KPa
1 KPa ≈ 7.5 mmHg
Conversion Table
Blood Pressure (mmHg) Blood Pressure (KPa)
120/80 (Normal) 16.0/10.7
140/90 (High) 18.7/12.0
90/60 (Low) 12.0/8.0
Tip: Use online converters like Omni Calculator for quick results.

Why Does the Unit Matter for Your Health?
Device Compatibility:
Home blood pressure monitors may display KPa or mmHg. Misreading units could lead to incorrect health assessments.
Global Standards:
Medical guidelines (e.g., WHO, American Heart Association) primarily use mmHg. Ensure your readings align with these benchmarks.
Clinical Accuracy:
Doctors worldwide understand mmHg. If your device uses KPa, convert values before discussing results.

FAQ: KPa in Blood Pressure
Q1: Is KPa more accurate than mmHg?
No—both units measure the same pressure. Accuracy depends on the device, not the unit.
Q2: How do I change my blood pressure monitor from KPa to mmHg?
Check the device manual. Most digital monitors allow unit adjustments in settings.
Q3: Which countries use KPa for blood pressure?
Common in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, and South Africa. Always confirm local standards.