If your doctor has told you that they need to get an invasive blood pressure reading you may assume that this is the normal blood pressure monitoring technique, but it is not. Invasive blood pressure monitoring is usually done in a doctor’s office or in a hospital setting with the help of a doctor, surgeon, or anesthesiologist. Most people will never experience an invasive blood pressure measuring because it is only used in cases where a doctor wants a very precise reading of what is going on inside of the artery.
How an Invasive Blood Pressure is Taken
An invasive blood pressure is taken by inserting a catheter into the artery. The cannula that is inserted into the artery is very sensitive and will give the doctor a very accurate look at the blood pressure. A small incision will need to be made through the skin and into the artery for this to occur, but the process is very quick and simple.
When the invasive blood pressure is taken the area will usually be numbed locally and then the incision will be made. The catheter will usually be taped on the skin to hold it in place and the doctor will be able to see a constant blood pressure change with each heart beat.
An invasive blood pressure is usually taken when someone with a history of health problems related to blood pressure or blood pressure control is undergoing a procedure. For instance, people with certain tumors will need to have an invasive blood pressure taken when they are in surgery so that an anesthesiologist can be aware of the blood pressure and any emergencies that need to be tended to.
With an invasive blood pressure the same blood pressure ranges apply, the only difference is that you are getting an internal rather than an external reading. The typical blood pressure ranges are:
Normal Blood Pressure: Less than 120/85 mmHg.
Pre-hypertension: Systolic range is 120-139 and the diastolic number is between 80-89mmHg
Hypertension: Readings are more than 140/90 mmHg
The internal reading is obviously more accurate, because it is in the artery to determine the actual force against the walls at any one time. The small incision made to the skin may leave a small scar, but in most cases it will heal up well and be quite unremarkable.






