When to measure blood pressure
It is generally recommended that healthy people over 40 have their blood pressure checked at least once every 5 years. However, those at high risk of developing high blood pressure should have their blood pressure measured at least once a year. By keeping blood pressure under control, it is possible to easily avoid serious health complications and death risk.
Those who are at high risk of developing high blood pressure
- Those who have a close family member (eg father, mother, brother or sister) suffering from high blood pressure
- Those whose body weight is more than normal
- Those who don't exercise regularly or do jobs that require sitting for long periods of time
- People who don't eat enough fruits and vegetables on a regular basis
- Those suffering from kidney disease, diabetes or heart disease
Where can blood pressure be measured?
If you have a pressure measuring machine at home, you can measure blood pressure at home. Also, most pharmacies have blood pressure monitors. Blood pressure is also measured in hospitals and doctor's chambers. Apart from this, blood pressure can be measured free of cost during various health campaigns.
Correct rules for measuring blood pressure
Earlier blood pressure was usually measured using stethoscope, arm cuff, pump and dial. But now the use of automatic devices and digital displays has increased. As a result, blood pressure measurement has become much easier.
Choose a good quality blood pressure monitor of your choice to measure your blood pressure yourself. Now measure blood pressure by following 6 steps-
1. Preparation for blood pressure measurement: Before blood pressure measurement, sit quietly in a chair and rest for 5 minutes. Do not talk during this time.
2. Choose a sitting position: First, sit up straight in a chair. For chairs, choose a sturdy wooden chair that can be reclined but has a straight back. Usually dining table chairs are like this. Blood pressure should not be measured while sitting on a soft surface (eg sofa), as this may not give accurate results.
3. How to sit: While sitting, keep both feet flat on the ground. Don't sit cross-legged, this can increase blood pressure.
4. How to place the hand: Place the hand that will be measured on a table or on the arm of a chair. Arms should be along your heart.
5. Pressure measurement: The cuff should then be inflated to restrict blood flow to the arm. The cuff is the part of the device that wraps around the arm. You may feel some discomfort during deflation. Digital machines usually inflate the cuff at the push of a button. Inflate the cuff with a pump that is not automatic.
6. Assessment of results: The pressure that was built up inside the cuff is reduced by slowly releasing the air. At this time, the detector can automatically detect the pulse inside the blood vessel. Machines other than digital use a stethoscope to sense these pulses.
Blood pressure can be seen immediately on the digital machine display. If someone measures your blood pressure with an arm cuff, stethoscope, know and write down the blood pressure.
Before measuring blood pressure yourself at home, check with your doctor about two things-
1. Whether the machine to be used can be used to measure blood pressure correctly or not
2. Is the machine cuff the right size for you The size of the machine cuff will depend on the size of your hands. If the cuff is too large, the blood pressure will fall below the correct level. If the cuff is too small, the blood pressure reading will be higher than the actual reading.
How to understand blood pressure 'reading' or measurement?
When measuring blood pressure, two numbers are recorded by the sphygmomanometer—
- Systolic pressure: The larger number or higher value between the two readings is the systolic pressure. This pressure is created as blood circulates throughout the body with each beat from the heart.
- Diastolic pressure: The lower or lower number between the two readings is the diastolic pressure. This pressure is created from the blockage of blood vessels against blood circulation.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters (of mercury) or mmHg. Let's assume your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Then systolic pressure will be 120 and diastolic pressure will be 80.
Blood pressure varies from person to person. What is high or low blood pressure for one person may be normal for another. A blood pressure between 90/60 and 120/80 is considered normal.
How much pressure is called high blood pressure?
Generally, blood pressure of 140/90 or more is called high blood pressure. In medical terms, high blood pressure is called hypertension. A blood pressure of 150/90 or higher in people over 80 is called high blood pressure.
A blood pressure reading between 120/80 and 140/90 increases the risk of developing high blood pressure in the future. In this case, proper measures should be taken quickly to control blood pressure.
Once I checked my blood pressure and it was 150/90. Does this mean I have high blood pressure?
no Blood pressure can vary at different times of the day. Blood pressure also depends on mental conditions. That's why blood pressure measurement in normal physical and mental condition according to the above rules will give accurate results.
What to do to know if you have high blood pressure
Measure blood pressure at least twice a day. The ideal is to measure blood pressure in the morning and afternoon on an empty stomach.
Take two values each time. Allow 1 minute between two consecutive blood pressure measurements. In this way, you will measure blood pressure twice a day for 7 consecutive days. It is best to write down the information on a piece of paper or on the phone.
The doctor will use this information to determine your average blood pressure and determine if you have high blood pressure or not. If the blood pressure is high, it is not right to start taking medicine directly from the pharmacy without the doctor's advice.
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