Blood Pressure Machines

What Is Blood Pressure?
In a the most basic sense, blood pressure is a way of measuring how much force is being exerted on the walls of your blood vessels (artery) as blood flows through them. Systolic is the pressure exerted as your heart contracts or beats. This is measured as your heart sends a surge of blood through the vessels. A reading of less than120 mm Hg is considered normal. Diastolic is the pressure exerted when your heart relaxes in between heartbeats in the arteries. A reading of less than 80 mm Hg is considered normal.

According to American Heart Association, blood presure should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg for an adult. Blood pressure that stays between 120-139/80-89 is considered prehypertension and above this level (140/90 mm Hg or higher) is considered high (hypertension).

*Your doctor should evaluate unusually low readings.

There are several reasons why you may have inconsistent readings. Many factors exist that can cause a variation in blood pressure measurement values, for example, recent activities or even the time of day can alter the reading.

Additionally, the user’s technique is very important for reliable measurement results. Listed below are some of the common reasons you may get an inconsistent or inaccurate reading:

Cuff Size
Measure the circumference of your arm. Make sure the arm cuff you are using with your monitor is the correct size for you. When the incorrect cuff is used you may get an inaccurate reading at the first measurement you take or after a short period of use because the cuff bladder will be damaged. To determine your arm size, use a cloth tape measure and place midway between your elbow and your shoulder around the circumference of your upper arm. Wrap the tape measure evenly around your arm. Do not pull the tape tight.

Cuff Application
Make sure you are wrapping the cuff around your arm in the correct position. After wrapping the cuff around your arm check the location of the brachial artery marker. The air tube should run down the center of your arm. The cuff should not be wrapped too tight or too loose.

Before Taking a Measurement
Avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, exercising, and bathing for 30 minutes and rest for 15 before starting the measurement. Avoid taking a measurement during stressful times. Take the measurement in a quiet place.

Body Position
Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on a table with your palm facing upward. The cuff should be level with your heart. Do not talk or move during the measurement.

Many healthcare providers strongly recommend home blood pressure monitoring. Home blood pressure monitoring is one of the best methods of trending a person's blood pressure in their own environment. In some people blood pressure rises above its usual level when it is measured in a doctor's office or clinical setting. This condition is called white coat hypertension. It is estimated one out of every five people have this condition. When this condition is suspected, the doctor may suggest blood pressure be monitored away from the office. Home Blood Pressure monitoring provides valuable information to the doctor.