How pressure is measured

blood pressure

Blood Pressure (Blood Pressure) is defined as the blood drive on the sides of blood vessels when it passes through the heart. Each reading contains two numbers and is measured in millimeters of mercury. The first is the reading written in the numerator, systolic blood pressure, and the second reading, called diastolic blood pressure. Systolic pressure is the highest value of blood pressure when the heart muscle contractions. Diastolic pressure is the lowest blood pressure reading when the heart muscle relaxes.

Preparation for measuring blood pressure

There are some tips to follow when measuring blood pressure, including the following:

• Maintain the body’s stillness: You should take a rest before measuring your blood pressure for about five minutes, and you should be alerted to the need to smoke, drink Caffeene, or exercise before measuring your blood pressure for at least About thirty minutes.
• Sit in the right way: You should sit upright and make sure that the back is supported, such as sitting on a chair with an example back instead of sitting on the sofa. The feet must be placed flat on the ground without placing one above the other. The arm should be placed on a flat surface, Of the arm at the heart level. Be sure to place the middle of the measuring bracelet on the area above the elbow directly.
• Take readings at the same time daily: If readings are taken every morning or at some time in the evening, for example, according to the doctor’s instructions.
• Take more than one reading at a time: Pressure should be measured two or three times each time pressure readings are taken, taking into account the separation of each and every reading by at least one minute, with all readings being recorded.

Methods of measuring blood pressure

Measuring blood pressure using an electronic device

Electronic blood pressure devices have an electronic display that shows the results of pressure readings and is one of the easiest to use and easy to use by the patient. The American Heart Association recommends using these devices when taking readings at home. The devices are suitable for people with hearing problems. It is important to note that although the patient can use these devices at home, but it is preferable to be measured blood pressure using hand instruments by the doctor when visiting.

Measuring blood pressure using the manual device

Manual blood pressure is measured using the Cuff, the balloon, the Sphygmomanometer, and the Stethoscope. This is done by following the following steps:

• Place and install the biceps brachii in the arm.
• Pressing the balloon until the measuring bracelet is inflated. The bracelet is blown by 20 to 30 mmHg more than the usual pressure readings of the person or as instructed by the doctor.
• Insert the stethoscope inside the measuring bracelet so that the face of the earpiece is facing the inside of the elbow, the area where the veins appear.
• Slowly discharge the air from the blowing balloon, holding the earpiece to the ears.
• Note the first sound of the blood flow and record reading, as this reading represents the value of systolic pressure.
• Continue to empty the air of the balloon slowly until the sound of the blood flow is stopped, and the pressure reading is recorded at that moment, where it is the amount of diastolic pressure.
• Write the final pressure reading so that the systolic pressure is written in the numerator and the diastolic pressure is in place.

Blood pressure readings

Although blood pressure values ​​range from person to person, the American Heart Association recommends using the following readings in millimeters of mercury as a reference for blood pressure assessment:

It should be noted that the rise of one reading of the pressure does not necessarily mean an immediate cause of the warning and risk, where you should take several readings and consult your doctor if there is a high or simple reading. And high blood pressure to 180/120 or higher suddenly and unexpectedly requires waiting for five minutes and re-measuring blood pressure again, and if the readings are still high, this is considered a crisis of hypertension, and requires direct medical intervention and emergency, especially If accompanied by Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Back Pain, numbness, general weakness or changes In vision, or difficulty in speech.