Blood Pressure Measurements

Having your blood pressure measured is something that is associated with the doctor for most people. When you go to the doctor they take your blood pressure because this is a good indicator of overall health. Having your blood pressure measured is not difficult at all, and not painless, and is done with a sphygmomanometer.

The sphygmomanometer has a rubber cuff that is simply wrapped around your upper arm. The cuff is then inflated either manually or automatically, depending on the device used, and this will compress the large artery in the arm, which will temporarily stop the flow of blood. Then, the cuff will release air and the person who is taking the blood pressure will usually listen with a stethoscope to see when blood starts to pulse through the artery again.

When the blood pressure is taken two measurements are actually taken. There is the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart actually beats. When the heart beats the pressure is at its highest. Then, there is the diastolic blood pressure measurement, which is the measurement of the blood between heartbeats, when the pressure is at its lowest. Blood pressure measurements are taken in millimeters of mercury, which is often abbreviated as mm HG.

A healthy blood pressure would be considered 120/80 or anything around this range. When your blood pressure goes above 140/90 you have high blood pressure and your doctor may elect to treat you for high blood pressure. Of course, we all have high blood pressure when we are exercising, nervous, or excited, but if you have sustained high blood pressure measurements it can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.

Blood pressure measurements should be taken at least once every two years, and if you have had high blood pressure you’ll need to take it more often. You can buy your own blood pressure sphygmomanometer for about $50 or less. This will allow you to keep an eye on your blood pressure, so if you see it creeping a bit higher you can act by changing your diet, exercising, or visiting your doctor to get some medications prescribed to help you lower your blood pressure.

Your blood pressure measurements should be kept in a healthy range at all times. If your doctor continually sees that your blood pressure is high, they’ll want you to make the necessary changes to your life. Many times it is enough to simply start eating better and exercising, but for some people high blood pressure medication is the only way to go to keep blood pressure measurements within the healthy range.