Blood pressure indicates the work the body does to pump blood to the organs. This value could be low (hypotension), normal or high (hypertension). Both hypotension and hypertension can cause health problems such as heart disease or reduced brain function; by regularly measuring this vital parameter you can monitor it and identify potential medical problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Taking Accurate Measurements
Step 1. Measure your blood pressure at the same time every day
This way you get the most accurate values.
Proceed when you are most relaxed, in the morning or in the evening; you should also ask the doctor when is the best time
Step 2. Prepare to monitor blood pressure
There are several factors that can influence it; preparing for measurement you make sure that the values are as accurate as possible. Before proceeding:
- Make sure you have woken up and got out of bed for at least half an hour;
- Do not drink or eat for 30 minutes before the measurement;
- Do not consume caffeine and tobacco for 30 minutes before the test;
- Avoid doing any kind of physical activity or exercises in the previous half hour;
- Remember to empty your bladder;
- Read the instructions in your meter manual before proceeding.
Step 3. Sit right
It is important to maintain the correct position of the arm and body before and during the test. Sitting with your back straight and well supported you can get the most accurate results; in addition, you should sit and relax for a few minutes to stabilize the pressure and prepare for the procedure.
- Avoid moving or talking when you are taking your blood pressure; check that your back is supported and place your feet on the ground without crossing your legs.
- Put the cuff directly over the crook of the elbow. Rest your arm on the table, desk or armrest of the chair; keep it at heart level by supporting it with a pillow or stuffing.
Step 4. Inflate the cuff
When you are comfortable and have sat quietly for a few minutes, start the measurement procedures; turn on the device and start the test calmly so as not to accidentally raise the pressure.
Stop the exam and remove the cuff if it is too tight, uncomfortable or you feel dizzy
Step 5. Stay calm
During the test, avoid moving or talking in order to remain as calm as possible and thus obtain more precise values. Do not change position until the end of the test, until the cuff deflates or the monitor shows blood pressure.
Step 6. Remove the cuff
Wait for it to deflate and take it off your arm. Remember not to move quickly or suddenly; you may experience some slight dizziness, but the feeling should go away rather quickly.
Step 7. Run other exams
Repeat the test once or twice after the first reading; this allows you to get more accurate data.
Wait a minute or two between each exam, following the same procedure for each survey
Step 8. Write down the results
At the end of the exam it is important to report them together with all other relevant information; you can write them in a notebook or save them directly to your device if possible. The results allow us to understand which is the most accurate reading and identify potentially problematic fluctuations.
Remember to also include the date and time of the measurement; for example: "January 5, 2017, 7:20 110/90"
Part 2 of 2: Interpreting the Results
Step 1. Recognize the characteristics of the data
Blood pressure is expressed with two numbers, one placed in the numerator and the other in the denominator. The first corresponds to the systolic pressure and indicates the force exerted by the blood on the arterial walls during a heartbeat; the second refers to the diastolic pressure, that is the force exerted by the blood when the heart rests between one beat and another.
- The numbers read as "110 out of 90". You may notice the "mmHg" symbol right after the numbers, indicating millimeters of mercury (a unit of pressure).
- Know that most doctors pay more attention to systolic blood pressure (the first value), as it is a better indicator of the risk of cardiovascular disease in people over 50. Systolic blood pressure typically increases with age due to factors such as hardening of major arteries, plaque buildup, and increased frequency of cardiovascular disease.
Step 2. Identify the mean systolic value
You may need to measure your blood pressure every day over time, perhaps because your doctor is concerned about this parameter related to heart or vascular disease. Finding the normal range of your systolic blood pressure helps you recognize potentially dangerous fluctuations and health problems. Here are the different categories:
- Normal: less than 120;
- Prehypertension: 120-139;
- First stage of hypertension: 140-159;
- Second stage of hypertension: equal to or greater than 160;
- Hypertensive crisis: greater than 180.
Step 3. Determine the mean diastolic value
Although doctors pay slightly less attention to this parameter, diastolic blood pressure is still important; measuring the normal range can help recognize possible problems such as hypertension. Here are the various categories:
- Normal: below 80:
- Prehypertension: 80-89;
- First stage of hypertension: 90-99;
- Second stage of hypertension: equal to or greater than 100;
- Hypertensive crisis: greater than 110.
Step 4. Go to the emergency room immediately if you have a hypertensive crisis
Although most individuals constantly measure their blood pressure, there are occasions when a rapid spike in systolic or diastolic reading occurs that needs to be treated immediately by a doctor. In this way, the parameter is promptly returned to normal levels, minimizing the risk of serious consequences such as heart attack and organ damage.
- Perform a second detection if the first one reports high data. Seek medical attention immediately if even from the second measurement you detect a systolic data greater than 180 or a diastolic reading greater than 110. The values could be both high or only one of the two; in any case, it is essential to promptly contact a health facility.
- Be aware that if you have systolic or diastolic hypertension you may experience physical symptoms such as intense headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and severe anxiety.
Step 5. Don't overlook very low values
Most doctors do not consider hypotension (such as a reading of 85/55) to be a problem unless it is accompanied by obvious signs and symptoms. Just like with hypertensive crises, take two measurements when you find values that are too low. If two consecutive measurements confirm hypotension and you suffer from the symptoms listed below, contact your doctor as soon as possible:
- Vertigo or dizziness;
- Fainting or syncope
- Dehydration and abnormal thirst;
- Lack of concentration;
- Blurred vision
- Nausea;
- Cold, clammy, pale skin
- Fast, shallow breathing;
- Fatigue;
- Depression.
Step 6. Track your results over time
In most cases, it is necessary to constantly detect this parameter over a long period; by doing so, you have a clear idea of what the normal values are and what are the factors that alter them, for example stress or physical activity. Keep the doctor informed as needed or provide a copy of the findings. By checking this data over time, you can also identify possible problems that require medical attention.
Remember that abnormal readings are not necessarily a sign of hypertension or hypotension; however, if the values remain too high or too low for several weeks or months, it is essential to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying disease. Remember not to wait too long before going to the doctor to minimize the risk of serious health problems
Step 7. Go to the doctor
Regular visits are important for the health and well-being of each individual. If you have a problem with your blood pressure or notice some weird fluctuations, the doctor's involvement is even more crucial. If you find data that is too high or too low during several measurements, make an appointment with your primary care physician to reduce the risk of developing diseases that damage the heart or brain.
