How to Read Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide
Blood pressure is a measure of the force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. It is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is written as two numbers: the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure.
- Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.
Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure that is consistently above 140/90 mm Hg is considered to be high blood pressure, or hypertension.
How to Read a Blood Pressure Cuff
A blood pressure cuff is an inflatable band that is placed around the upper arm. The cuff is connected to a gauge that measures the pressure in the arteries.
To read a blood pressure cuff, follow these steps:
- Put on the cuff. The cuff should be snug but not too tight. The bottom edge of the cuff should be about 1 inch above the elbow crease.
- Close the cuff. Inflate the cuff until it is tight enough to stop the pulse in the brachial artery.
- Slowly release the air. As you release the air, listen for the Korotkoff sounds. These are tapping sounds that occur as blood starts to flow through the brachial artery.
- Record the blood pressure. The first Korotkoff sound is the systolic pressure. The last Korotkoff sound is the diastolic pressure.
What Do the Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
The blood pressure numbers are interpreted as follows:
- Normal blood pressure: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Prehypertension: 120-129/80-89 mm Hg
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg
- Stage 2 hypertension: 140/90 mm Hg or higher
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is often caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Age: Blood pressure tends to increase with age.
- Family history: High blood pressure tends to run in families.
- Race: African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than other racial groups.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of high blood pressure.
- Lack of physical activity: People who are physically inactive are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
- Unhealthy diet: Eating a diet high in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol can increase your risk of high blood pressure.
- Smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of high blood pressure.
- Excessive alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure.
- Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes, can increase your risk of high blood pressure.
What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. However, some people may experience:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
How to Lower Blood Pressure
There are a number of things you can do to lower your blood pressure, including:
- Losing weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help to lower your blood pressure.
- Getting regular exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Eating a healthy diet. Choose a diet that is low in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Quitting smoking. Smoking cigarettes is one of the worst things you can do for your blood pressure.
- Limiting alcohol intake. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.
- Managing stress. Stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
- Taking medication. If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication.
FAQ
- Is it okay to take my blood pressure at home?
Yes, it is okay to take your blood pressure at home. However, it is important to use a properly calibrated blood pressure monitor
