Understanding Blood Pressure: What We Measure and Why it Matters

Introduction to Blood Pressure

Checking blood pressure is a crucial step in maintaining overall health. Blood pressure measures the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood throughout the body.

How to Measure Blood Pressure

When measuring your blood pressure, it's important to follow specific steps to ensure accurate readings. Here's a guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preparation for Measurement

Place the cuff on your upper arm. Ensure the cuff fits snugly but isn’t too tight. Relax your arm and place it on the arm of the chair or a table. Ensure your arm is supported at heart level and your back is supported. Feet should be flat on the floor. Make sure the bottom of the cuff is directly above the bend of the elbow. Relax for about five minutes before taking a measurement. Avoid talking or moving during the process.

Step 2: Taking the Measurement

Press the button on the blood pressure machine to inflate the cuff. Ensure you’re sitting calmly and not talking. A small valve slowly deflates the cuff. Simultaneously, a stethoscope is used to listen for the sound of blood pulsing through the arteries. Jot down the first result. After a minute, take a second blood pressure reading to ensure accuracy. Repeat this process twice a day for a week, keeping a diary of all blood pressure readings.

What Blood Pressure Measurement Consists Of

When a doctor measures your blood pressure, two numbers are provided: systolic pressure (the upper number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number).

Systolic Blood Pressure

Systolic pressure, also known as the 'upper' blood pressure, measures the force of blood against the arterial walls when the heart beats. It can be checked using a sphygmomanometer without a stethoscope. To check systolic pressure:

Steps to Check Systolic Pressure

Place your finger on the radial artery to feel for the disappearance of the pulse as the cuff inflates. You do not need a stethoscope for this step. Record the pressure at which the pulse disappears.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

Diastolic pressure, or the 'lower' blood pressure, measures the force of blood against the arterial walls when the heart is at rest between beats. This requires the use of a stethoscope to detect a change in sounds as the cuff deflates:

Steps to Check Diastolic Pressure

Place a stethoscope over the brachial artery in the crook of your elbow. As the cuff deflates, listen for the sound of blood pulsing through the arteries. At a certain pressure, the sounds will disappear. Record the pressure at which the sounds disappear.

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is a graded characteristic, much like height, with some people having slightly higher or lower pressures than others. Understanding what constitutes normal blood pressure is crucial:

Normal Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure is typically less than 120/80 mmHg. However, it is important to note that even those with normal readings can be affected by various factors that may impact their blood pressure.

Factors Affecting Blood Pressure

Blood pressure can vary due to various physiological and pathological factors:

Physiological Factors

Age: Blood pressure tends to rise with age. Sex: Before menopause, females tend to have lower blood pressure compared to males. After menopause, this difference tends to diminish. Meals: Blood pressure may be slightly higher after eating. Emotions: Strong emotions such as rage and panic can raise blood pressure. Conversely, cold weather can also cause a rise in blood pressure. Sleep: Sleep generally causes a fall in blood pressure, but nightmares, dreams, or disturbances can lead to an increase.

Pathological Factors

Essential Hypertension: This refers to hypertension with no known cause. It is the most common form of high blood pressure. Secondary Hypertension: This is high blood pressure that results from an underlying condition or disease. Examples include kidney disease, endocrine disorders, and sleep apnea.

Conclusion

Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for maintaining your health. By understanding what we measure, why it matters, and how it fluctuates, you can take proactive steps to improve your cardiovascular health. Remember, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are key to identifying potential issues early on.