Taking Blood Pressure: An Overview
Taking
blood pressure readings is quick and painless. Usually, the process involves using either a
sphygmomanometer or
blood pressure machine. Blood pressure is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers -- systolic pressure "over" diastolic pressure. For example, the doctor or nurse might say "130 over 80" as a
blood pressure reading. This is written as 130/80.
While both numbers are important when taking blood pressure, the
systolic blood pressure is especially important to be aware of as people grow older.
Using a Sphygmomanometer to Take Blood Pressure
When taking blood pressure, a doctor may use a familiar device with a long name.
As mentioned, it is called a sphygmomanometer (pronounced sfig'-mo-ma-nom-e-ter). This device has a:
When a sphygmomanometer is used for taking blood pressure readings, a cuff made of fabric is wrapped around your arm and then inflated. Then a stethoscope is used to listen to the sound of blood rushing back through the artery.
The healthcare provider then reads two numbers from a gauge attached to the cuff as the air is released. The first number is recorded when a thumping sound is first heard (systolic pressure). The second number is when the thumping sound is no longer heard (diastolic pressure).
The two numbers that measure your blood pressure are written as a fraction: one number on top and one on the bottom. For example, what many people consider
normal blood pressure is read as 120/80. The number on top is your systolic pressure. It measures the pressure inside your blood vessels at the moment your heart beats. The number on the bottom is your diastolic pressure. It measures the pressure in your blood vessels between heartbeats, when your heart is resting.
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