Question: As per the ALS PCS, why is there a deliberate gap between normotension and hypotension?

Good question. This is not adequately explained in the ALS PCS or in the Companion Document. The rationale appears to be that it is used as a guidepost for treatment. The lowest systolic pressure that is considered normotension is defined by an age related formula in children [SPB at least = 70 + (2 x age)] and 100 systolic in adults. Hypotension is defined as the point where treatment should be initiated to raise the BP. The ALS PCS recognizes a grey zone in adults between 90 and 100 systolic that is low, but does not yet require treatment. According to the ALS PCS, there is no grey zone gap for children.

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Blood Pressure (BP)

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