YOUR PRELIMINARY GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS

Have you ever wondered what your blood pressure numbers signify? Do you ever wonder why there are two blood pressure numbers given when the doctor reads out your blood pressure readings? Well, you are not alone! Knowing and understanding your blood pressure readings is essential to a healthy heart and a healthy life. 

Now, let us delve into understanding the blood pressure readings using an example. Let's say Mary has a blood pressure reading of 118/77mmHg. This means that her systolic pressure is 118, while her diastolic blood pressure is 77. The systolic blood pressure is defined as the force exerted on the walls of the arteries every time the heart beats, while the diastolic blood pressure is defined as the force exerted on the walls of the arteries when the heart rests between heartbeats

According to the American Heart Association, there are five blood pressure ranges. They include Normal blood pressure, elevated blood pressure, Hypertension Stage 1, Hypertension Stage 2, and Hypertensive crisis. The different readings are displayed in the table below.

Source: American Heart Association

Individuals with elevated blood pressure readings are most likely to develop hypertension unless steps are undertaken to manage the situation. Elevated systolic or diastolic readings alone are more than enough to diagnose high blood pressure. For example, a reading of 140/77 mmHg still raises significant alarms and could be used as a diagnosis of high blood pressure, even though the diastolic pressure reading is within normal range. 

How is the blood pressure measured?

The blood pressure is usually measured with a gauge attached to an inflatable cuff. The cuff is wrapped around the individual's arm, while the doctor or nurse uses a stethoscope to listen to the blood moving through the artery. When the pressure surpasses the systolic blood pressure, the cuff tightens the arm. Then, the medical professional releases. As the cuff deflates, the first 'whooshing' sound heard through the stethoscope is recorded as the systolic blood pressure. At the point when the sound disappears, the diastolic blood pressure is recorded. 

It is important to note that nowadays, there is medical equipment that measures blood pressure readings without the use of a stethoscope. 

Source: Health Freedoms