Description of measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure measurement is used to measure the force of blood, pumped through the arteries. Blood pressure results from heart muscle.

Causes blood pressure

This test is used to detect abnormal blood pressure or blood pressure control if you have problems.

High blood pressure (hypertension) It puts a strain on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, blood vessels. With time, high blood pressure can lead to damage of these organs and tissues.

Abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension) It can restrict blood flow in the tissues and organs of the body, which may also be harmful.

Blood pressure is measured in the course of visits to the doctor for adults and older children. For young children, this procedure is hardly used.

Most pressure is measured in humans, that that have heart disease, Pulmonary Disease, brain and kidney. In some cases, the physician can verify the blood pressure at the patient's home.

How to measure blood pressure?

Before the procedure

Unless otherwise specified, the patient should sit quietly for a few minutes. This provides a more accurate reading of the blood pressure at rest.

The procedure for measuring blood pressure

Soft cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated with air. The cuff will put pressure on the artery hands and briefly stop the blood flow.

Then the cuff slowly deflates. Doctor, measuring blood pressure will use a stethoscope to listen to the pulse, When blood flow is restored. Sometimes the cuff is applied to the feet instead of hands.

When listening to the pulse recorded two numbers.

The first number – systolic blood pressure. The pressure at the time, when the heart contracts and pushes blood. It will be considered as the top pressure.

The second number – diastolic pressure. This pressure, when the heart relaxes. It will be considered as a lower pressure.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg.).

Some devices for measuring blood pressure can measure it automatically, without human intervention.

After measurement of blood pressure

If the value is part of the normal inspection, in most cases, the examinee can resume daily activities.

How long will the measurement of arterial blood pressure?

Less than a minute.

Hemodynamometry – will it hurt?

It may feel some pressure at the site of the cuff at the time of filling the air. Blood pressure measurement should not be painful.

Interpretation of the results of blood pressure measurement

If the subject has abnormal blood pressure (low or high), your doctor may recommend further testing or suggest a treatment plan.

Blood pressure depends on several factors, including the recent physical exertion.

The range is determined by normal blood pressure. For healthy adults, without health problems, These ranges are:

• Blood pressure less 90 on 60 It may be considered too low;
• Blood pressure is about 120 on 80 It considered normal;
• Blood pressure between 120-139 on 80-89 classified as prehypertension, it means, that blood pressure is a little higher than normal;
• If the blood pressure measurements several more 140 on 90 or higher, it is a sign hypertension.

In the presence of certain diseases, such as diabetes, ranges may be different. In this case, you need to consult a doctor, the normal pressure to determine in each case.

It is necessary to go to the hospital in cases

When measuring blood pressure at home, you need to go to the hospital in the following cases:

• Blood pressure is too high or abnormally low;
• Chest Pain, shortness of breath or dizziness;
• There were questions about the use of medicines to treat high blood pressure.