High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure, one of the most common health measurements, is the force against the walls of blood vessels during circulation which is also the principal sign of life. There are two states of blood pressure measurement - systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is when the heart beats and diastolic pressure is when the heart is at rest. The pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury also known as mmHg. Pulse pressure is the difference between the maximum and minimum pressures that are measured.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is defined by a blood pressure greater than 140mmHg systolic or greater than 90mmHg diastolic. This is commonly spoken as "140 over 90". Levels between 120 and 140 systolic and 80 to 95 diastolic are considered to be prehypertensive. Prehypertension often progresses to hypertension if no steps are taken to correct it.
High blood pressure is a direct risk factor of coronary heart disease and stroke. The reason it can be a problem is that the higher pressures put stress on the arterial walls and increase the heart workload. This causes unhealthy tissue growth inside the artery walls causing the path of blood to decrease. This cycle is repeated due to it increasing the blood pressure even more.
High blood pressure is common among African Americans, elderly people, obese people, binge drinkers, and women taking birth control. Family history of hypertension does not necessarily increase the chance of having it.
Taking Blood Pressure Measurements
There are several ways to take your blood pressure. The most common is the auscultatory method which uses a stethoscope and a sphygmomanometer more commonly known as the cuff. The cuff is fitted around the arm and inflated manually by squeezing a rubber bulb. The examiner then slowly releases the pressure carefully listening for the first beat and notes the pressure at this point which is systolic. The examiner continues to release pressure until no sound can be heard and the pressure is noted as diastolic at this point.
The next method is oscillometric which is found by an electronic pressure sensor fit in to detect blood flow. This method requires a lot less skill to perform than auscultatory and is generally used as a home monitoring system. Home measurements should be taken at the same time of the day for accuracy and can prevent what is known as the "white coat effect" or "white coat hypertension", where individuals have a higher blood pressure reading in a clinical setting.
The final method is called invasive measurement. This is done by an anesthesiologist or surgeon in a hospital setting by putting a cannula needle into an artery. This is the most accurate method of measurement.
Low Blood Pressure
Also be aware of hypotension, which is abnormally low blood pressure. Your doctor needs to evaluate and consult with you when you have unusually low levels. It could be a sign of severe disease and should be addressed quickly. Symptoms of hypotension are dizziness, light headedness, and fainting.
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