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ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the measurement of the force exerted on the artery walls
while blood flows through the arteries. The pressure measured when the
heart contracts and sends blood out of the heart is systolic (highest) blood
pressure. The pressure measured when the heart dilates with blood flowing
back into the heart
is
called diastolic (lowest) blood pressure.
Why measure your blood pressure?
Among today's various health problems, those associated with high blood
pressure are very common. High blood pressure dangerously correlates with
cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, blood pressure monitoring is important
for identifying those at risk.
Why do my readings vary?
Blood pressure is a body parameter that is subject to normal variations
throughout the day. A single reading that
is
different from yours or your
doctor's readings are not necessarily inaccurate. The average of several
readings, taken under similar conditions, using the same arm is preferred for
accurate blood pressure readings. Medical physicians generally recommend
the
"Rule
of 3," where you are encouraged to take your blood pressure three
times in a row (at 3 - 5 minute intervals), three times a day for three days. After
three days you can average all the results and this will give you an accurate
idea of what your blood pressure really is.
Why are my readings different than those taken at my doctor's office?
Many experience a phenomenon called "White Coat Hypertension" when
measured by a doctor. White Coat Hypertension refers to blood pressure
that rises above its usual level when measured in a clinical setting, such
as a doctor's office.
BLOOD PRESSURE STANDARD
The table below contains defined levels for hyRertension that are publicly
available from the American Heart Association®
(AHA
2017).
Users can compare their own blood pressure readings against these defined
levels to determine if they may be potentially at increased risk.
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