Blood Pressure Test

Introduction

A blood pressure test is used to measure the blood pressure level, whether low or high.

Two ways to check the blood pressure −

• Digital blood pressure for automated readings

• A sphygmomanometer for manual readings.

How to measure blood pressure?

Blood pressure levels can fluctuate due to various reasons such as stress, physical exertion, and extreme hot or cold temperature. But this fluctuation in the blood pressure level is temporary and normal. Readings taken once don't necessarily mean that the person is having a high BP or low BP level, multiple recordings must be taken into consideration before starting the treatment.

So, blood pressure must be measured on different days while keeping some points in mind such as sitting down and relaxing, then waiting for about 3-4 minutes to get the circulatory system at rest. The upper arm should rest on the table at a height equal to the position of the heart, then in this resting position of the upper arm, measurement can be taken.

Devices used to measure the blood pressure

Digital Blood Pressure Monitors

This is a very simple device, in which digital blood pressure monitors are placed on the wrist, on the finger, or on the upper arm. This device provides readings based on the volume of the blood flowing in the arteries. The level of the hand should be equal to the heart to avoid getting the wrong readings.

Sphygmomanometer

A sphygmomanometer can also be called a blood pressure meter or blood pressure gauge. This device consists of an inflatable cuff, manometer, valve, and bulb. It was invented by Karl Samuel Ritter von Baschin 1881.

Procedure to use Sphygmomanometer

• Step 1 − The cuff is wrapped at the bare and stretched-out upper arm. 

• Step 2 − The cuff is then inflated to avoid the blood flow through the brachial artery.

• Step 3 − Then air goes slowly out of the cuff.

• Step 4 − When the air pressure in the cuff goes below the systolic blood pressure in the brachial artery, the blood will again flow through the arm.

• Step 5 − During this stethoscope can be used to hear the sound that comes when after the heartbeat, the walls of the vessels hit each other.

• Step 6 − Blood pressure reading can be read during the sound of the systolic blood pressure.

• Step 7 − Moreover, when the air pressure in the cuff goes down below the diastolic blood pressure, the diastolic blood pressure can be taken during that time.

Blood Pressure Readings

BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY	SYSTOLIC mm Hg(upper number)		DIATOLIC mm Hg (lower number)
NORMAL	LESS THAN 120	and	LESS THAN 80
ELEVATED	120-129	and	LESS THAN 80
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1	130-139	or	80-90
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2	140 OR HIGHER	or	90 OR HIGHTER
HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (consult your doctor immediately)	HIGHER THAN 180	and/or	HIGHER THAN 120

Important points

• Blood Pressure can be measured using a digital blood pressure for automated readings or a sphygmomanometer for manual readings.

• Readings taken once don't necessarily mean that the person is having high BP or low BP level, multiple recordings must be taken into consideration before starting the treatment.

• Blood pressure must be measured on different days while keeping some points in mind such as sitting down and relaxing, then waiting for about 3-4 minutes to get the circulatory system at rest.

• The normal blood pressure is s considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.

Conclusion

It is very Important to keep check on blood pressure in case any symptom is visible. The reason is it could lead to several other disease and could even impact the brain and eyesight. It is also important to follow step by step procedure to measure the blood pressure to get the proper readings. There are some natural ways also that helps the maintain the blood pressure level. This includes exercise, meditation, avoiding stress, maintaining healthy body weight etc. Also, following some diet rules also plays the key role in maintaining the normal blood pressure of the body.

In case of repeated high or low blood pressure, consulting the doctor is extremely important. Also, taking medicine on time is very important. People when start the blood pressure medications must not stop consuming the medicines without the doctor’s advice.

FAQs

Qns 1. Why blood pressure is measured?

Ans. Blood Pressure test is used to measure the blood pressure level whether it is low or high. It can be measured using a digital blood pressure for automated readings or a sphygmomanometer for manual readings.

Qns 2. What is the range of normal blood pressure?

Ans. Ideal blood pressure range is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher. low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower.

Qns 3. What is the range of low blood pressure and high blood pressure?

Ans.

• The low blood pressure range is 90/60mmHg or lower

• The high blood pressure range is 140/90mmHg or higher.