Understanding High Blood Pressure Readings
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure you probably already know the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring but do you know what those numbers actually mean?
The device most commonly used as a blood pressure tester is known as a “sphygmomanometer”. These machines have been in use in doctors surgeries since the 1880′s. Early forms of the machine made use of a mercury barometer and were read in terms of how far the mercury rose in a column. Modern devices still use the same scale which is why the readings are given in terms of millimetres of mercury or mmHg.
Most forms of sphygmomanometer make use of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the arm. The cuff is inflated until the pressure is high enough to stop the flow of blood in the main artery of the arm. The pressure in the cuff is then slowly released until the sounds of blood rushing through the artery is detected, either by use of a stethoscope or electronic means in the case of a digital monitor. The pressure at which sounds are first heard is the systolic pressure and indicates the pressure in the artery while the heart is beating.
The pressure in the cuff is continued to release until no more sounds are heard. This is the point at which the blood is able to flow freely in the artery and is known as the diastolic pressure. The diastolic pressure indicates the pressure in ther artery beween heart beats when the heart is relaxed. The two pressure readings are recorded in the form systolic/diastolic, eg, 120/80, which is read as “one twenty over eighty”
Blood pressure readings vary throughout the day depending on activity and stress level and can be affected by many other factors as well, such as caffeine or tobacco intake. It’s best to actually measure blood pressure at a time when you are relaxed. Wait until at least 30 minutes after strenuous activity or consumption of caffeine. Try to sit in a relaxed position for 10-15 minutes before the pressure is measured.
Your resting blood pressure is a good indicator of the health of your circulatory system. If your readings are repeatedly at a high level it means extra stress is being placed on your heart and blood vessels. this condition puts you at high risk of serious damage to major organs. Your blood vessels may harden, a condition known as artheriosclerosis. Your blood vessels narrow and there is a greater risk of clotting. This can also lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart failure, stroke or kidney failure.
Generally speaking, blood pressure readings below 120/80 are considered to be normal. Between 120/80 and 140/90 is known as a high normal or pre-hypertension (pre-high blood pressure) range. Above 140/90 is a state of high blood pressure and above 180/110 is considered to be extremely high.
Your doctor would need to measure your pressure a few times over subsequent visits before confirming a diagnosis of high blood pressure readings. They will then suggest a course of treatment which will most likely include a healthier lifestyle and in more severe cases medication may also be required.
