How to measure blood pressure

Blood pressure on the blood vessels is not just two digits by a slash, but a reflection of the entire cardiovascular system. That the indicators were reliable, it is necessary to know how to correctly measure blood pressure.

The choice of apparatus

A tonometer (a device for measuring pressure can be mechanical and electronic. Mechanical more precisely, more reliable and cheaper. But without assistance to conduct accurate measurement quite difficult. It is also important phonendoscope or a stethoscope, which is often not provided in the kit.

The electronic device is simple and convenient to use at home. He pumped the cuff correctly measure all the indicators and displays on the screen.

The numbers will be more accurate if you follow a few conditions before the planned pressure measurement:

• per hour not to consume drinks with caffeine (tea, coffee, Cola);
• an hour and a half to refrain from Smoking;
• a day, when do you plan to measure pressure, not to drink alcohol;
• to empty the bladder because the full distorts the performance of up to 10 mm;
• for a few minutes before the procedure to come to a state of complete rest and stabilize breathing.

Which arm measures the pressure

Often this question baffled in front of the first independent dimension. Remember in which hand Meryl was the last time a doctor.

If done right, it is first necessary to carry out the procedure of the definition of "their" hands. You will have to spend a bit of time, but it is essential for future accurate results.

The process consists of the following:

• Measured pressure on each hand 10 times with an interval of three minutes. All results are recorded;
• Calculates the average for each hand;
• By comparing data of the detected hand with higher values. It continue and we need to measure the pressure.

But it may be that the numbers will be about the same. Then the algorithm is as follows: left-handed measure on the right, righties on the left.

What pressure is considered the norm

So, the pressure measured, the indicators recorded. But how to respond if they deviate from the traditional standard of 120/80? There is a special formula that can calculate their individual physiological norm. After all, even a perfectly healthy human figures can deviate from the ideal values.

The calculation for the top pressure: 102+*0,6

To bottom: 63+In*0,4

In both cases "b" is the age.

For example, for a 35-year-old person will be considered to be normal pressure 102+35*0,6=123 and 63+35*0,4=77. That is 123/77 is the norm for a particular age. But this is roughly. Because there are nuances that depend on sex, hormonal levels, fitness level and other featuresbody.

However, a number of studies have shown that when considered normal pressure of 130-139/85-89 mm, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases by 2 times.