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Blood Pressure

The force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is taken using two measurements: Systolic (measured when the heart beats, when blood pressure is at its highest). Systolic blood pressure measures the forces exerted after the heart contracts. and Diastolic (measured between heart beats, when blood pressure is at its lowest). Diastolic pressure measures the pressure in the bloodstream when the heart (left ventricle) is relaxed and filling with blood. Blood pressure is written with the systolic blood pressure first, followed by the diastolic blood pressure (for example 120/80). The auscultatory method using mercury sphygmomanometer is regarded as the ‘gold standard’ for the measurement of blood pressure.

Procedure

  • Have the participant sit down with arm supported and level to the heart.
     

  • Strap the cuff about 1 inch above the elbow making sure the fit is snug.
     

  • Place the diaphragm of the stethoscope over the brachial artery and put ear pieces in ears.
     

  • Tighten the screw on the hand pump of the cuff and inflate until the last heard heartbeat, record this number as the Systolic measurement.
     

  • Slowly loosen the screw to let out air in the cuff at about 5mm/dl/sec. Continue to listen the heart beat until you can’t hear anymore, record this number as the diastolic measurement.

mmHg

mmHg

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Your Blood Pressure Category is

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Blood Pressure Categories Chart

Blood pressure category
Systolic mm hg (upper number)
and /or
Diastolic 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 – 89
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2
140 OR HIGHER
or
90 OR HIGHER
HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (consult your doctor immediately)
HIGHER THAN 180
and/or
HIGHER THAN 120
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