Blood Pressure Measurement

Blood Pressure Measurement

Most individuals have undergone blood pressure measurements at some point. It's a straightforward and painless procedure that yields valuable insights into heart health and vascular condition.

What's assessed?

The physician gauges the highest pressure (systolic) and the lowest pressure (diastolic) during heartbeats.

 • Systolic pressure denotes the peak arterial pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood.

 • Diastolic pressure signifies the lowest arterial pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.

Both systolic and diastolic readings are crucial – elevated levels in either indicate high blood pressure (hypertension).

How's blood pressure taken?

For an accurate reading, you should be relaxed and seated comfortably with adequate arm support or lying down.

 • A cuff inflated around the upper arm, secured with Velcro, features a tube connected to a rubber bulb and another to a mercury reservoir within a glass column.

 • As air fills the cuff, pressure increases, tightening the arm.

 • Using a stethoscope, the doctor listens to the pulse while gradually releasing the air.

 • Systolic pressure is noted upon first pulse detection.

 • The sound eventually fades, marking the diastolic pressure.

 • Blood pressure is quantified in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Other methods include automatic devices suitable for home use.

Electronic Devices

These are replacing mercury gauges due to safety concerns. They're accurate, cost-effective, and reduce human errors.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM):

This entails continuous 24-hour blood pressure monitoring during daily activities and sleep.

A wearable device records readings, providing a comprehensive view of blood pressure variations in real-life scenarios.

Daytime ABPM typically shows lower values than office readings.

Elevated ABPM readings:

 • General population: above 135/85
 • Diabetics: above 130/80

ABPM is utilized for:

 • Unusual blood pressure fluctuations
 • Resistant hypertension (requiring three or more drugs)
 • Suspected over-treatment causing low blood pressure
 • Diagnosing 'white coat hypertension' associated with anxiety in medical settings