Top Best Ways to Check Your own Blood Pressure in 2019 - Duniya Health
Blood pressure is one of the four major vital signs, in others heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature. These vital signs can help give a general idea of how well the body and its organs are performing.
Changes in a person's vital signs may indicate an underlying health problem or a need for a lifestyle change.
Blood pressure is usually measured using blood pressure cuffs. People who do not have the proper equipment still want to measure their blood pressure, but this is difficult to do accurately. In most cases, it is better to buy a blood pressure machine or visit a doctor or pharmacy for testing.
Blood pressure measures the amount of force places on the blood vessels in the body. A blood pressure reading includes two numbers that indicate the pressure inside the arteries as blood flows from the body.
The upper number, called systolic pressure, measures the pressure inside the arteries as the heart contracts to pump blood. The lower number, called diastolic pressure, is the pressure inside the artery because the heart resides between each heartbeat.
According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. If these numbers exceed 120/80 mm Hg, it is often an indication that the heart is working too hard to pump blood through the arteries.
High blood pressure can be caused by many factors, including:
Doctors use electronic or mechanical machines to measure blood pressure in the clinic. In some cases, they may recommend monitoring and recording blood pressure at home.
Monitoring of blood pressure at home usually requires a machine that may or may not cover insurance. For reasons a doctor may recommend blood pressure monitoring at home, which requires blood pressure at certain times of the day or after taking certain medications.
However, it is possible to take blood pressure without using a machine.
Changes in a person's vital signs may indicate an underlying health problem or a need for a lifestyle change.
Blood pressure is usually measured using blood pressure cuffs. People who do not have the proper equipment still want to measure their blood pressure, but this is difficult to do accurately. In most cases, it is better to buy a blood pressure machine or visit a doctor or pharmacy for testing.
Measuring of Blood Pressure
The upper number, called systolic pressure, measures the pressure inside the arteries as the heart contracts to pump blood. The lower number, called diastolic pressure, is the pressure inside the artery because the heart resides between each heartbeat.
According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. If these numbers exceed 120/80 mm Hg, it is often an indication that the heart is working too hard to pump blood through the arteries.
High blood pressure can be caused by many factors, including:
- Tension
- Fear
- high cholesterol
- Plaque buildup in the arteries
Doctors use electronic or mechanical machines to measure blood pressure in the clinic. In some cases, they may recommend monitoring and recording blood pressure at home.
Monitoring of blood pressure at home usually requires a machine that may or may not cover insurance. For reasons a doctor may recommend blood pressure monitoring at home, which requires blood pressure at certain times of the day or after taking certain medications.
However, it is possible to take blood pressure without using a machine.
Blood Pressure Check Manually
The easiest and most accurate way to measure blood pressure at home is to purchase an automatic blood pressure monitor with an upper arm cuff.A stethoscope, blood pressure cuff and anroid monitor are required to measure blood pressure correctly.
To check blood pressure without the aid of an automated machine, a person will need several medical items. Here are:
- A stethoscope
- A blood pressure cuff with a squeezing balloon
- Aneroid monitor with a numbered dial for reading measurements
To manually check blood pressure, sit on a table in a relaxed position with the arm resting. Secure the cuff on the bicep and squeeze the balloon to increase the pressure.
Look at the aneroid monitor and raise the pressure to about 30 mm Hg of normal blood pressure, or if it is not known, to 180 mm Hg. When the cuff is inflated, place the stethoscope inside the elbow crease below the cuff.
Gently remove the balloon and listen through the stethoscope. When the first beat is hit, note the number on the aeroid monitor. This is systolic pressure.
Continue listening until the steady heartbeat stops and record the number from the Enroid monitor again. This is the diastolic pressure. These two numbers are blood pressure reading.
When checking blood pressure at home, it is important to remember:
- Manual cuffs come in different sizes, depending on the size of the hand. The use of the correct size ensures the most accurate reading.
- The phlegm should always sit upright on bare skin.
- Take a few deep breaths and rest for 5 minutes before measuring blood pressure.
- Avoid talking during the test.
- Keep the feet flat on the floor and sit upright, measuring blood pressure.
- Avoid checking blood pressure in cold rooms.
- Support the hand as close to heart level as possible.
- Measure blood pressure at different times during the day.
- Avoid smoking, drinking and exercising for 30 minutes before taking blood pressure.
- Empty the bladder before taking a blood pressure test. A full bladder can give an incorrect blood pressure reading.
Automatic Blood Pressure Machines
Instructions for use may vary with each machine, and one must follow them carefully to ensure proper operation. If the instructions are difficult to understand, a local pharmacy or doctor's office will be able to show someone how to operate the machine properly.
Doctors may ask a person to bring a machine to their home during their next visit to test accuracy compared to a doctor's readings.
It is important to use a high-quality machine, as incorrect readings can lead to unnecessary or harmful changes in medications or treatments.
A variety of blood pressure monitors are available to buy online and at most drug stores. A person may want to talk to a doctor about which brand they recommend.
Using Blood Pressure Apps
There are apps and wrist devices that claim to measure blood pressure, but these results are often inaccurate and not a reliable way to monitor a person's health.
However, blood pressure control logging apps can be helpful for those who need to take blood pressure tests regularly.
Recording a set of readings in these apps can help doctors identify trends in blood pressure and recommend treatments.
However, blood pressure control logging apps can be helpful for those who need to take blood pressure tests regularly.
Recording a set of readings in these apps can help doctors identify trends in blood pressure and recommend treatments.
Result
Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg. However, a healthy number can vary from person to person.
The number may change depending on factors such as:
- Age
- Weight
- Gender
- physical activity
- Underlying medical conditions
Anyone unsure of their target blood pressure should go to the doctor for guidance.
If the reading in one house is higher than normal, it is important to do another reading after 5 minutes to ensure that it is accurate.
Anyone experiencing a systolic pressure at 180 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure greater than 120 mm Hg should seek emergency medical care, as this is a sign of hypertensive crisis.
Outlook
Blood pressure can vary depending on many factors, so it is necessary to take more than one reading for accuracy.
Tests taken at home may not be as accurate as those offered in a doctor's office, but automated blood pressure monitors are often accurate.
Anyone concerned about their blood pressure readings should consult a doctor for the best way to monitor and manage their blood pressure.
Lifestyle changes are often necessary and may include things like reducing salt intake and exercising regularly.
Medications may also be recommended in some cases. Blood pressure monitoring at home can help a doctor determine whether the dose is adequate or needs to be changed.
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