Definition
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped, and the size and flexibility of the arteries.
Blood pressure is continually changing depending on activity, temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, physical state, and medication use.
Other Names
Diastolic blood pressure; Systolic blood pressure
How the Test is Performed
Blood pressure is usually measured while you are seated with your arm resting on a table. Your arm should be slightly bent so that it is at the same level as your heart. The upper ...
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Definition
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped, and the size and flexibility of the arteries.
Blood pressure is continually changing depending on activity, temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, physical state, and medication use.
Considerations
Repeated measurements are important. A single high measurement does not necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. On the other hand, a single normal measurement does not necessarily mean that you don't have high blood pressure.
Blood pressure readings taken at home can provide important information to your doctor. Such readings may be a better measure of your current blood pressure than those taken at your doctor's office, as long as you make sure your machine is accurate. You can ask your health care provider to compare readings in the office. Many people become nervous at the doctor's office and have higher readings that they normally would at home. This is called white-coat hypertension.
Consult your provider if your blood pressure measurements ...
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Other Names
Diastolic blood pressure; Systolic blood pressure
How the Test will Feel
You will feel the pressure of the cuff on your arm. If the test is repeated a few times, you may feel temporary numbness or tingling in your hand.
How to Prepare for the Test
The test may be done at any time. When it is performed for comparison purposes, it is usually done after resting for at least 5 minutes. All you need to perform a blood pressure measurement is a cuff and a device for detecting the pulse in the artery (stethoscope or microphone).
Normal Results
In adults, the systolic pressure should be less than 120 mmHg and the diastolic pressure should be less than 80 mmHg.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with checking blood pressure.
If you have vascular access (shunt) for kidney dialysis on your arm, you should not have your blood pressure checked on that arm.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Pre-high blood pressure:
- Top number is consistently 120 to 139 or the bottom number reads 80 to 89
Stage 1 high blood pressure:
- Top number is consistently 140 to 159 or the bottom number reads 90 to 99
Stage 2 high blood pressure:
- Top number is consistently 160 or over or the bottom number reads 100 or over
Low blood pressure (hypotension):
- Top number reading lower than 90 or pressure 25 mmHg lower than usual
Blood pressure readings may be affected by many different conditions, including:
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