What is a blood pressure measurement?

The blood pressure measurement is a simple and risk-free inquiry by which to find information about the function of heart and circulatory system receives. When blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries (arteries) of the body cycle described. With every heartbeat, it varies between a maximum (systolic) and minimum (diastolic)
The blood pressure measurement is usually indirectly using an inflatable cuff on the arm or leg. Modern appliances are working in part with electronic pressure customers. The indirect measurement of developed outside the Italian physician Scipione Riva-Rocci in 1896, even today it is named with the initials RR after him. For specific questions of blood pressure via a needle lying in the blood stream or with specially designed equipment is determined (direct blood pressure measurement). It is used only in the intensive therapy on specially-equipped clinics and operating room.

The measurement is traditionally given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), the current SI unit (Systeme Internationale) for pressure is Pascal (Pa, kPa).
How does the blood pressure measurement?

The indirect blood pressure measurement is performed with a blood pressure meter, and it consists of an inflatable rubber cuff, which is associated with a pressure gauge. The cuff on the upper arm about two inches above the elbow and applied while inflated until the upper arm can by no more blood. By discharging the air decreases the pressure in the cuff, and the heart squeezed blood from a certain pressure again in the compressed artery. With a stethoscope, you can set up the inside of the elbow over the artery, flow noise now be tapped. They arise due to the acceleration of blood flow to the narrowing of the artery by the cuff.

The first audible sound is the upper value (systolic value). He is heard when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the vessels thereby. These waves can be felt as a pulse at the wrist.
The disappearance of sound marks the minimum (diastolic). From this value, the blood flowing again without any hindrance from the artery. Thus, no flow noise is inaudible. The diastolic pressure value corresponds to the rest of the vessels during the relaxation phase of the heart. It gives information campaign about legal issues, such as the vessels are elastic.
For example, a systolic blood pressure with a value of 120 mm Hg (16 kPa) and diastolic value of 80 mm Hg (10.7 kPa) measured, this is specified as follows: 120 to 80 (120/80) mm Hg (16 to 10.7 kPa).
What is the blood pressure measurement?

The ideal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. The blood pressure measurement can produce both low and high blood pressure identified. high blood pressure (hypertension) is a pathological increase in pressure in the arteries at a value of systolic over 140 mmHg and a diastolic mmHg above 90.

Too low blood pressure readings should also be monitored by measuring blood pressure and then treated if necessary.
What should be considered prior to the blood pressure measurement?

The unique, pathological measurement says nothing about one in need of treatment for high blood pressure. Nervousness due to the current study, for example, temporarily raise blood pressure (white coat syndrome). Therefore, blood pressure should be measured several times.
As the blood pressure measurement is performed?

For self-measurement of blood pressure, various devices are available. Of experts devices for upper arm measurement is recommended because it is rare in its operation to measurement errors. But also devices for blood pressure measurement at the wrist to determine reliable values ​​when used correctly.

"Measurement on the upper arm: the upper arm cuff is about two inches wide placed above the elbow and inflated. Newer devices work with electronically controlled cuffs and stethoscope not need an additional (old appliances with stethoscope, which is placed above the elbow). During the draining of the air flow noise is bugged.

"Measuring the Wrist: This blood pressure measuring devices are used, like a wristwatch attached to the wrist. For the measurement at home, they are popular. But it is important that they be applied correctly so that the blood pressure values ​​are also meaningful. Before applying you should feel on the inside of the wrist above the pulse to the device (with the tag on the inside of the cuff) to place precisely at this point. Lift the device during the measurement at heart level, so the only measurement that is comparable to the doctor.

The doctor will only be too high or too low blood pressure diagnosed, if the values ​​differ by several measurements at rest or under stress and on different days of the standard. Blood pressure fluctuates within a day, because it depends inter alia on sleep and physical and mental exertion.

In some cases, a blood pressure daily profile is necessary. It gets the patient is a 24-hour blood pressure measuring device, which he wears on his belt in a small bag. This device automatically at certain time intervals before blood pressure measurements. So blood pressure values ​​in everyday life can be determined and stored. The doctor then evaluates it.

A direct measurement of blood pressure may reflect circulatory function continuously. But it is rarely performed to clarify very specific questions.
How to measure

In many cases it makes sense to measure blood pressure at home and even write down the values ​​in a blood pressure log. There are specially designed devices for patients. The values ​​are measured at the upper or lower arm, the device displays them automatically.

Ask for advice in choosing the right equipment. Make sure that the cuff can be attached easily, the blood pressure value of the display is easily readable and can easily replace the batteries. Devices that measure blood pressure on the finger is not suitable. Your results depend too much on the circulation of the finger.

In self-control can sneak some errors. Therefore provide some training to doctors or pharmacies for blood pressure self-monitoring. You should observe the following rules, so there are no false values:

The measurement should be made after three-to five-minute rest in a quiet room, because any effort and excitement of the blood pressure can quickly escalate.
The first time, the pressure measured in both arms in the future and choose the arm with the higher value.
If you are taking tablets for high blood pressure: Measure the blood pressure in the morning before taking the tablet before acting drugs. High morning values ​​are especially dangerous. Discuss with your doctor which activities are meaningful.
The cuff should be located in the measurement at the level of the heart. With wrist cuffs measure that is not hanging on the arm.

• Drain the air from the cuff slowly (not automatic devices).

• Make sure that pushed up the clothes must not arm pinches.

• Talk cough, or laugh during measurement - this may affect the result.

• Let's not let themselves get out of single high values ​​of peace, or to measure the time. This creates stress and the levels rise further. If blood pressure is too high, wait at least a minute and then measure it first.

For some devices, there are different cuff widths. To get accurate measurements, the cuff width must be adjusted to the arm circumference.
Enter values ​​measured in a blood pressure Pass.
Blood pressure measuring devices must be serviced regularly. All equipment is a label that warns of imminent TUV is due.