How is blood pressure measured?

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How is blood pressure measured?

A special cuff is used to measure your blood pressure. The cuff inflates and deflates, and during the process, your pressures are measured. Many times, a stethoscope is also used.

Blood pressure readings

Blood pressure is recorded as two measurements: systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the top/first number, and diastolic blood pressure is the bottom/second number. The numbers are expressed as millimeter of mercury (mmHg)

Systolic blood pressure
The pressure in the arteries when the heart is beating and the arteries are filled with blood

Diastolic blood pressure
The pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats

What do the numbers mean?
Your blood pressure can be normal, elevated, or you may have Stage 1 or 2 hypertension (high blood pressure).
Normal blood pressure is <120/<80 mmHg
Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/<80 mmHg
Stage 1 hypertension is 130-139 (top number) OR 80-89 (bottom number)
Stage 2 hypertension is 140 or higher (top number) OR 90 or higher (bottom number)

Two or more readings are needed to determine if you have high blood pressure.

GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION!
IF YOUR TOP NUMBER IS EVER 180 OR HIGHER AND/OR YOUR BOTTOM NUMBER IS EVER 110 OR HIGHER, GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT OR HAVE SOMEONE TAKE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL RIGHT AWAY!

Your blood pressure does not stay the same at all times. When you are exercising or excited, your blood pressure goes up. When you are resting, your blood pressure is lower. Your blood pressure can also change due to age, medications you take, and changes in position.

Tips for measuring your blood pressure

  • Sit for at least 5 minutes before your blood pressure is measured.
  • Do not smoke or drink caffeine 30 minutes before you measure your blood pressure.
  • If you are nervous when you go to the doctor, you could have a false high blood pressure reading. This is called “white coat syndrome.” If this happens, your doctor may ask you to: Use a blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure throughout the day. You can bring a record of your readings to your appointments.

Some people are asked to wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. The monitor is usually set to take blood pressure every 15 to 30 minutes as you go about your normal activities.

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