What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls during contraction and relaxation
of the heart. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. It results in the highest blood pressure as
the heart contracts. When the heart relaxes, the blood pressure falls.
Two numbers are recorded when measuring blood pressure. The higher number is called systolic pressure.
It refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the body. The lower
number is called diastolic pressure. It refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart is at rest and is filling
with blood. Both pressures are recorded as "mm Hg" (millimeters of mercury).
High blood pressure directly increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. With high blood
pressure, the arteries may have an increased resistance against the flow of blood. This causes the heart to work
harder to circulate the blood.
Blood pressure is categorized as normal, elevated, or stage 1 or stage 2 high blood pressure:
1. Normal blood pressure is systolic of less than 120 and diastolic of less than 80
2. Elevated blood pressure is systolic of 120 to 129 and diastolic less than 80
3. Stage 1 high blood pressure (called stage 1 hypertension) is systolic is 130 to 139 or diastolic between 80 to 89
4. Stage 2 high blood pressure (called stage 2 hypertension) is when systolic is 140 or higher or the diastolic is 90
or higher
These numbers should be used as a guide only. A single blood pressure measurement that is higher than
normal does not necessarily mean there is a problem. Your healthcare provider will want to see multiple blood
pressure measurements over several days or weeks before making a diagnosis of high blood pressure and starting
treatment. Ask your provider when to contact them if your blood pressure readings are not within normal range.
Why should I monitor my blood pressure at home?
For people with high blood pressure, home monitoring allows your healthcare provider to monitor how
much your blood pressure changes during the day, and from day to day. This may also help your provider
determine how effectively your blood pressure medicine is working.
What special equipment do I need to measure blood pressure?
You can use either an aneroid monitor, which has a dial gauge and is read by looking at a pointer. Or you
can use a digital monitor, in which the blood pressure reading flashes on a small screen. Whichever device you use,
make sure the cuff fits your arm. Having a cuff that is too large or too small can lead to inaccurate readings.
NOTE: Don't take your blood pressure on an arm or leg that has been severely injured, has had surgery on the blood
vessels, or has injury to the tissue.
Before you measure your blood pressure
The American Heart Association recommends the following guidelines for home blood pressure monitoring:
➢ Don't smoke, have caffeinated drinks, or exercise for 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
➢ Go to the bathroom before the test.
➢ Relax for 5 minutes before taking the measurement.
➢ Sit with your back supported (don't sit on a couch or soft chair). Keep your feet on the floor uncrossed. Place
your arm on a solid flat surface (like a table) with the upper part of the arm at heart level. Place the middle of
the cuff directly above the bend of the elbow. Check the monitor's instruction manual for an illustration.
➢ Take multiple readings. When you measure, take 2 to 3 readings 1 minute apart and record all the results.
➢ Take your blood pressure at the same time every day, or as your healthcare provider recommends.
➢ Record the date, time, and blood pressure reading.
➢ Take the record with you to your next medical appointment. If your blood pressure monitor has a built-in
memory, simply take the monitor with you to your next appointment.
➢ Call your provider if you have several high readings. Don't be frightened by a single high blood pressure reading,
but if you get several high readings, check in with your healthcare provider.
➢ If your blood pressure reaches a systolic (top number) of 180 or higher OR diastolic (bottom number) of 120 or
higher, seek emergency medical treatment now.
➢ Ask your healthcare provider to teach you how to use your blood pressure monitor correctly. Have the monitor
routinely checked for accuracy by taking it with you to your healthcare provider's office. It's also important to
make sure the tubing is not twisted when you store it and keep it away from heat to prevent cracks and leaks.
Monitors will have to be replaced now and then. Check that your device is working correctly.
➢ Proper use of your blood pressure monitor will help you and your healthcare provider in monitoring your blood
pressure.
