How is hell measured? Arterial and blood pressure: types, norm and correct measurement. Avoid common mistakes when measuring blood pressure
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Blood pressure parameters are the sum of two numbers. The upper one is called the systolic value, and the lower one is called the diastolic value. Each of them is consistent with a certain norm, depending on the age category of the person. Like any physical phenomenon, the force of the blood flow pressing on the muscle layer of blood vessels can be measured. These indicators are recorded using a scale with divisions on the pressure gauge. The marks on the dial correspond to a certain measure of calculation. In what units is blood pressure measured? To answer this question, we need to look at the history of the first tonometers.
Pressure is a physical quantity. It must be understood as a certain force that acts on a certain area of a certain area at a right angle. This value is calculated according to the International System of Units in pascals. One pascal is the effect of a perpendicularly directed force of one newton per square meter of surface. However, when using a tonometer, different units are used. How is blood pressure measured in blood vessels?
The readings on the scale of a mechanical pressure gauge are limited to digital values from 20 to 300. There are 10 divisions between adjacent numbers. Each of them corresponds to 2 mmHg. Art. Millimeters of mercury are the units for measuring blood pressure. Why is this particular measure used?
The first sphygmomanometer (“sphygmo” means “pulse”) was mercury. He studied the force of blood pressing on blood vessels using a column of mercury. The substance was placed inside a vertical flask, graduated with millimeter notches. Under the pressure of the air flow pumped by a rubber bulb into a hollow, inelastic cuff, the mercury rose to a certain level. Then the air was gradually released, and the column in the flask descended. Its position was recorded twice: when the first tones were heard, and when the last pulsations disappeared.
Modern tonometers have been working for a long time without the use of a dangerous substance, but blood pressure is measured traditionally, in millimeters of mercury, to this day.
What do the numbers determined by the tonometer mean?
The blood pressure value is represented by two numbers. How to decipher them? The first, or top, reading is called systolic. The second (lower) is diastolic.
Systolic pressure is always higher and indicates the force with which the heart pumps blood from its chambers into the arteries. Occurs at the time of myocardial contraction and is responsible for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the organs.
The diastolic value is equal to the resistance force of the peripheral capillaries. It is formed when the heart is in the most relaxed state. The force of the vascular walls acting on red blood cells allows them to return to the heart muscle. The force of capillaries pressing on the blood flow, which occurs during diastole (rest of the heart), largely depends on the functioning of the urinary system. Therefore, this effect is often called renal.
When measuring blood pressure, both parameters are very important; together they ensure normal blood circulation in the body. To ensure that this process is not disrupted, the tonometer values must always be within acceptable limits. For systolic (heart) pressure, the generally accepted norm is 120 mmHg. Art., and for diastolic (renal) - 70 mm Hg. Art. Minor deviations in one direction or another are not recognized as pathology.
Normal pressure limits:
- Slightly underestimated: 100/65-119/69.
- Standard rate: 120/70-129/84.
- Slightly high: 130/85-139/89.
If the tonometer produces an even lower value (than in point one), this indicates hypotension. If the numbers are persistently elevated (above 140/90), a diagnosis of hypertension is made.
Based on the identified pressure parameters, the disease can belong to one of three degrees:
- 140/90-159/99 are 1st degree values.
- 160/100-179/109 – 2nd degree indications.
- Anything above 180/110 is already the 3rd degree of the disease.
The easiest of them is considered to be the first degree. With timely treatment and compliance with all doctor’s recommendations, it is cured. The third poses the greatest danger; it requires constant use of special pills and threatens human life.
Blood pressure indicators: depending on age
Standard figures are averages. They are not very often found in their generally accepted form. The tonometer values of a healthy person constantly fluctuate because the conditions of his life, physical well-being and mental state change. But these fluctuations are insignificant for the full functioning of the body.
Indicators of pressure in the arteries also depend on what age category the man or woman belongs to. From the newborn period to old age, the needles of the measuring instrument tend to show increasingly higher numbers.
Table: norms of systolic and diastolic pressure corresponding to a certain age and gender.
Number of years | 0-1 | 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | 41-50 | 51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Systolic indicators, women | 95 | 103 | 116 | 120 | 127 | 137 | 144 | 159 | 157 | 150 |
Diastolic indicators, women | 65 | 70 | 72 | 75 | 80 | 84 | 85 | 85 | 83 | 79 |
Systolic options, male | 96 | 103 | 123 | 126 | 129 | 135 | 142 | 145 | 147 | 145 |
Diastolic indicators, male | 66 | 69 | 76 | 79 | 81 | 83 | 85 | 82 | 72 | 78 |
As can be seen from the table, gender also matters. It has been noted that women under 40 years of age have lower blood pressure than men. After this age, the opposite phenomenon occurs. This difference is explained by the action of specific hormones that maintain the good condition of the circulatory system of the fair sex during the childbearing period. With the onset of menopause, hormonal levels change and vascular protection weakens.
The parameters of measured pressure in older people also differ from the generally accepted norm. They are usually taller. But at the same time, people feel good about these indicators. The human body is a self-regulating system, and therefore a forced decrease in usual values can often lead to deterioration in health. Vessels in old age are often affected by atherosclerosis, and in order to fully supply the organs with blood, the pressure must be increased.
You can often hear a combination such as “working pressure”. This is not synonymous with the norm, simply due to physiological characteristics, age, gender and health status, each person requires “their own” indicators. With them, the body’s vital functions proceed in optimal conditions, and a woman or man feels cheerful and active. The ideal option is when the “working pressure” coincides with generally accepted standards or does not differ much from them.
To determine the optimal tonometer indicators, depending on age and weight, you can use special calculations called the Volynsky formula:
- 109+(0.5 *number of years)+(0.1*weight taken in kg) – systolic value;
- 63+(0.1*years lived)+(0.15*weight in kg) – diastolic parameters.
It is advisable to carry out such calculations for people from 17 to 79 years old.
People have been trying to measure blood pressure since ancient times. In 1773, Stephen Hales, an Englishman, attempted to study the pulsation of blood in the artery of a horse. The glass test tube was connected through a metal tube directly to the vessel clamped with a rope. When the clamp was removed, the blood entering the flask reflected pulse fluctuations. She moved up and down. So the scientist was able to measure blood pressure in different animals. For this purpose, peripheral veins and arteries were used, including the pulmonary one.
In 1928, the French scientist Jean Louis Marie Poiseuille first used a device that showed the level of pressure using a mercury column. The measurement was still carried out directly. Experiments were carried out on animals.
Karl von Vierordt invented the sphygmomgraph in 1855. This device did not require direct insertion into the vessel. With its help, the force that had to be applied to completely stop the movement of blood through the radial artery was measured.
In 1856, surgeon Favre, for the first time in the history of medicine, measured blood pressure in a person using an invasive method. He also used a mercury device.
The Italian doctor S. Riva-Rocci invented a pressure meter in 1896, which became the progenitor of modern mechanical tonometers. It included a bicycle splint to tighten the upper arm. The tire was attached to a pressure gauge that used mercury to record the results. A kind of cuff also communicated with a rubber bulb, which was supposed to fill the tire with air. When the pulse in the arm was no longer palpable, the systolic pressure was recorded. After the resumption of pulsating impulses, the diastolic value was noted.
1905 is a significant date in the history of the creation of tonometers. N. S. Korotkov, a military physician, improved the principle of operation of the Riva-Rocci sphygmomanometer. He was responsible for the discovery of the auscultatory method of measuring blood pressure. The essence of it was to use a special device to listen to noise effects occurring inside the artery just below the cuff compressing the shoulder. The appearance of the first knocks when air was released indicated the systolic value, the resulting silence marked the diastolic pressure.
The discovery of the existence of blood pressure in humans, as well as the discoveries of scientists in the field of its measurement, have significantly advanced the development of medicine. The values of systolic and diastolic indicators will help an experienced doctor understand a lot about the patient’s health status. That is why the first tonometers contributed to the improvement of diagnostic methods, which inevitably increased the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.
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Methods for measuring blood pressure: advantages and disadvantages
Not all people know how blood pressure is measured. There are two types of indicators, which are indicated in millimeters of mercury. This is a generally accepted measure of measurement; there are no others. The general condition of the body depends on the level of load on the arteries.
What is pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in a person's large blood vessels. There are two main indicators: systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower). The first number indicates the pressure level at the time of heart contraction. The second is with complete relaxation of the heart.
Pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). During the period of contraction of the heart muscle, 120 mmHg is recorded, and when the blood returns to the heart again - 80 mmHg. This is why fluid circulates in the body. Gradually this indicator decreases, significant changes are recorded in small arteries. It is correct to measure on your left hand. This is due to the fact that the pressure in it is similar to that observed in the aorta leaving the heart.
To summarize, it should be noted:
- pressure is measured in mmHg;
- its indicators depend on the person’s age;
- its level is affected by stressful situations.
In the modern rhythm of life, deviations from the norm are often observed. People are often exposed to stress and nervous tension, as a result of which blood pressure increases. This is due to the intense effect on the heart muscle, which begins to work in an enhanced mode. Which entails tension in the blood vessels and can lead to serious consequences.
Basic indicators
In what units is blood pressure measured? As mentioned several times above, these are millimeters of mercury. This figure may vary depending on the person's age. There are certain limits that doctors consider safe for health. This is 110/70-130/85 mmHg.
If a person registers 110/70-110/160, then he has hypotension. A similar conclusion is appropriate in the case of obtaining figures such as 110/60 and below. If the indicators are 130\85-139\89, this is the norm. Hypertension is observed at 140\90 and higher.
Indicators depend on the person’s age and lifestyle. As you get older, the numbers get larger and this is not considered an abnormality. At the age of 16-20 years, 100\70 - 120\80 mm is usually recorded. rt. Art. In people over 20 years old and up to 40 - 120\70-130\80. After 40 and up to 60 - 140\90. When a person’s age exceeds 60, the value reaches 150\90 mm. rt. Art. Unfortunately, high blood pressure is normal in people over 60 years of age.
This is due to changes in the blood vessels as the body ages. The only thing a person can do is maintain his own condition with the help of medications.
If the value differs from the acceptable value, this may indicate the presence of hypotension or hypertension. These diseases do not occur on their own. If deviations are noticed as a result of measuring blood pressure, it is necessary to identify their root cause.
Measuring rules
When measuring blood pressure, certain rules must be followed. Any deviations from them may lead to unreliable results. And this can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of a person’s condition.
Today, there are several ways to measure the indicator. All of them, without exception, are measured in mmHg. The simplest method is to use a cuff and a blood pressure monitor. Here it is necessary to follow the correct sequence of actions. The main thing is to apply the cuff and listen to the heart sound. It is not so easy to carry out the procedure on your own; for this, a person must have certain experience and special training.
The easiest way to determine blood pressure is to use an electronic tonometer.
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Content
As long as blood pressure parameters are within normal limits, a person does not think about health problems. But as soon as the indicators deviate from the norm, dizziness sets in and the disease progresses. How to measure pressure with a tonometer to get the correct result? Let's try to figure it out together.
Why is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure is an important indicator of the functioning of the cardiovascular system, different for each category - it differs in children, in the elderly, in pregnant women. If a person is healthy, then blood pressure readings are always approximately the same, but an unhealthy lifestyle, stressful situations, fatigue and many other external factors change its readings. As a rule, they change slightly during the day. If pressure surges do not exceed 10 mm for diastolic (lower), 20 mm for systolic (upper), this is considered normal.
Blood pressure is measured in order to promptly reduce elevated levels or raise decreased readings. You need to understand that persistent changes in blood pressure that go beyond the normal range may indicate illness, for example, they occur with cardiac arrhythmia. Persistently low or persistently high blood pressure should be treated by a specialist. Hypertension may be hidden behind pressure disturbances, and behind it hypertension with its dire consequences. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to take measurements yourself for people with problematic blood pressure.
How is blood pressure measured?
If a person is faced with determining his blood pressure for the first time, he may not know how to use the automatic device, and what the mysterious letters “mm Hg” mean. st." Meanwhile, these are millimeters of mercury in which blood pressure is measured. The device was invented several decades ago, but it is still relevant today. The device operates very simply. Under the influence of the force of blood pressure, the mercury column in it releases or rises, showing the unit of pressure in millimeters.
Blood pressure measurement algorithm
If after measuring the result is higher than normal, do not panic. For accuracy, the pressure should be measured three times: the second time after 20 minutes, the third time after 3 hours. In addition, in order to get the most accurate results, you will have to follow a certain algorithm for measuring pressure:
- You should measure in a comfortable position: sitting and placing your hand on the table, palm up.
- Place your elbow so that it is at heart level.
- Wrap the cuff around your arm three cm above the elbow.
- To correctly determine the pressure, you cannot speak during the procedure.
- After 5 minutes, you need to measure your blood pressure again.
- Measuring blood pressure on both arms will help you avoid mistakes.
- To track the dynamics, you need to measure blood pressure before meals three times a day.
Blood pressure measurement technique
Measuring a person's blood pressure must follow a specific plan. Measurement accuracy is guaranteed by the following actions:
- Measurements should be taken 2 hours after eating to eliminate errors.
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol or coffee before the procedure.
- Do not use nasal or eye vasoconstrictor drops.
- You should not exercise or play sports before this.
Leg pressure measurement
Pressure measurements in the legs are carried out in patients during functional tests. Regardless of the person’s position, the forearm and the apparatus are placed at the same level. Air is forced into the cuff quickly until the pulse disappears in the radial artery. The phonendoscope is placed at the pulsation point of the artery, after which air is released. This must be done slowly. The appearance of pulse beats will be systolic pressure, the point of disappearance of pulses will be diastolic pressure. As you can see, measuring blood pressure without the help of a specialist is very simple.
Blood pressure measurement while lying down
Measurement of pressure while lying down should be done correctly. The arm should lie along the body and be raised to the middle of the chest. For this purpose, you need to place a small pillow under your shoulder and elbow. It is necessary to measure the indicators three times, so each subsequent measurement is carried out in a different body position. The interval between procedures is 5-10 minutes. At this time, the cuff on the arm is loosened.
Rules for measuring blood pressure
There are certain rules for measuring pressure that allow you to track the daily state of a person’s blood pressure. They give more accurate indicators. We have already written above what you should not do before the measurement procedure. The first time you need to measure it is in the morning, an hour after waking up. The second time - an hour after lunch. The third - in the evening, as necessary, if there is weakness, headache or other ailment.
Blood pressure meters
There are three types of methods for measuring blood pressure. Indirect method - mechanical method according to Korotkov. It is also called the auscultatory method. The measurement is carried out using a pressure gauge, a cuff with a bulb and a phonendoscope. Another sister method is oscillometric. It involves the use of electronic tonometers. The third is an invasive method, carried out by catheterizing one of the arteries and then connecting it to a measuring system. It is used by doctors for major surgical interventions.
How to measure blood pressure correctly
Correct blood pressure measurement is carried out strictly according to the above rules. However, often when blood pressure is measured by a doctor, the values are 20-40 mm Hg higher. Art. This is explained by the stress that the body receives when the nurse takes measurements. In some patients, this is also observed during home measurements. For this reason, it is recommended to carry out repeated measurements at intervals of several minutes.
How to measure blood pressure correctly with an electronic tonometer
Pressure measurement with a tonometer is carried out according to a certain scenario. The electronic device must be used according to the instructions, and even a child can handle it. It is important to wear the sleeve cuff correctly. It should be placed 3 cm above the elbow at heart level. The automatic device will do the rest itself. When the measurement is completed, the results will appear on the screen. Improved devices remember previous readings, which helps compare the dynamics of changes in blood pressure.
How to measure blood pressure with a manual tonometer
A mechanical blood pressure meter requires little effort and is easy to do at home. It is necessary to put on the cuff, pump air into it using a pear-shaped pump, squeezing and unclenching it in your hand. The device should show 40 mmHg. Art. higher than the planned result. Slowly release the air from the cuff and blood flow through the artery will be restored. Write down the results obtained as a fraction on a piece of paper, and after 15-20 minutes repeat the procedure and compare. That's all, you know how to measure blood pressure correctly.
Many patients complain about their automatic devices, believing that they give incorrect readings. However, according to experts, the problem lies not in tonometers, but in the correctness of blood pressure measurements, which is why it is so important to start preparing for the procedure a few hours in advance. You need to calm down and do everything strictly according to the instructions. Doctors recommend purchasing a semi-automatic device from omron or another brand for home use with a cuff on the shoulder and not on the wrist. You need to try on the cuff before purchasing.
Video: how to correctly measure pressure with a mechanical tonometer
Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.
Found an error in the text? Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we will fix everything!Any person has measured their blood pressure at least once in their life, but often people do not understand what this or that number on the tonometer means. These indicators, like heart rate, are important factors in determining the state of the body. Therefore, everyone should be able to measure blood pressure at home and understand the results obtained in order to monitor their health.
What is blood pressure?
Blood circulating through the aorta continuously presses on the inner surface of the vessels. This pressure is called arterial pressure. Its strength depends on the pumping function of the heart and the elasticity of blood vessels. A healthy heart beats 60-80 times per minute, pumping blood into the arteries. allows oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to internal organs.
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What are the types of blood pressure?
When measuring blood pressure, 2 indicators are displayed on the tonometer: the upper systolic blood pressure, the lower diastolic. The first shows the maximum force of blood flow at the moment of compression of the heart muscle, and the second, on the contrary, indicates the minimum value when the heart muscle relaxes. Thus, systolic pressure depends on the strength of cardiac contraction, and diastolic pressure shows the resistance of peripheral vessels.
The human heart spends the same amount of energy per contraction as it would take to lift a 400 g load to a height of 1 meter.
In what units is human blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury or abbreviated as mmHg. Art. 1 mmHg is equal to 0.00133 bar. Measurements in this unit began due to the fact that the first devices measuring blood pressure looked like a scale with a mercury column. Such tonometers have not been used for several decades, but the measurement measure has remained the same.
Norms of indicators
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A person’s blood pressure depends on many factors:
- Time of day when the measurement is taken.
- The physical and psychological state of a person. For example, with strong excitement or after intense physical activity, the readings will be higher.
- The presence of pathologies of internal organs.
- Taking stimulants or medications.
The norm defines the indicators that doctors consider safe for humans. For healthy people over 17 years of age, the standard values are considered to be 110-130/70-85 mmHg. Art. With age, blood pressure physiologically increases, which is not a deviation from the norm. Normal blood pressure values depending on age and gender are shown in the table:
Average indicators are indicated. For example, if a person has hypotension due to hereditary factors or the physiological structure of the body, then the normal readings for him will be 100/60 mmHg. Art. A hypertensive patient can feel well with a pressure of 140/70 mm. The pressure at which a person feels normal is usually called “working”.
How to measure blood pressure?
To determine the “working” blood pressure accurately, you need to adhere to the following simple rules:
- Measurements should be carried out in a calm state.
- Before taking measurements, you should refrain from smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages or taking medications that affect blood pressure.
- Blood pressure measurements should not be taken after exercise or excitement.
- Blood pressure should be measured 2-3 times during the day for several days at the same time, and the results should be recorded in a notebook.
- It is possible to take measurements on both hands. If the data on both hands is the same, then in the future you can take measurements only on the left hand.
The easiest way to measure blood pressure at home is with electronic tonometers, which come in two types: semi-automatic and automatic. Electronic blood pressure monitors provide the most accurate readings; they also measure heart rate. It is better to take measurements in a sitting position. The left hand is placed on the table in a relaxed state. If you need to measure pressure in a supine position, then the arm is positioned along the body and something is placed under it so that it is not lowered below the body. Depending on the type of tonometer, the cuff is placed on the wrist or forearm and is tightly fixed. It is important that the cuff does not pinch your arm too tightly.
Regardless of body position, the arm should be positioned so that the cuff is in line with the heart.
When taking measurements, the hand should not strain or move. After this, air is pumped into the cuff. In semi-automatic machines, air is pumped manually with a rubber bulb to 180 mmHg. Art., after which it gradually descends. On automatic ones, air injection and deflation occurs programmatically. As soon as the measurement is completed, the numbers appear on the display.
Blood pressure level is a vital indicator that indicates the functional abilities of the human heart and blood vessels. Doctors recommend regularly monitoring it, since this approach helps prevent serious complications. For this purpose, patients purchase automated and mechanical tonometers. Using such devices, you can measure blood pressure and find out your pulse at home.
It is important to correctly decipher the numbers that are displayed on the device screen. To do this, you need to know the norms of indicators. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury. These units are used in devices all over the world. After the procedure, two numbers are displayed on the devices - the pressure at systole and the value at diastole. They are the ones that indicate the health of the heart and blood vessels. Regular tonometry is of great importance in the timely treatment and prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
Millimeters of mercury have been used in physics for a long time. They are used not only in medicine, but also in meteorology and aviation. Pressure is measured using various instruments with corresponding scales. This allows the process to be standardized, which facilitates further evaluation of the result. Mercury was not chosen by chance. This substance has a high density, but is characterized by a low vapor pressure at room temperature. This is why this substance has historically been used in many devices. Blood pressure units are sometimes converted to millimeters of water, but this technique is not popular.
The tonometry procedure using modern devices is simple, so it is performed at home. The manipulation is recommended for both elderly patients and some newborns suffering from intrauterine heart pathologies, and is also performed in adolescence for diagnostic purposes. To measure pressure correctly, several recommendations must be followed:
- During the procedure, the left hand should be relaxed. The elbow rests on the surface of the table to eliminate involuntary trembling, which can lead to false results.
- It is not recommended to smoke, eat or drink alcohol before measuring indicators.
- There is a direct relationship between the intensity of physical activity and blood pressure levels. Therefore, tonometry is carried out in a calm state, preferably in the morning or evening.
- Indicators should be measured before taking medications. This applies to both drugs for the treatment of hypertension and sedatives, antispasmodics and other medications.
The direct measurement algorithm depends on the type of device used. Automatic devices independently pump air into the cuff placed on the arm and emit sound signals that allow you to control the work process. If the tonometer is mechanical, a phonendoscope will be required. Such devices are rarely used at home; they are used by doctors. The pressure is measured within 1–2 minutes. The device spends some time processing the data, after which several numbers are displayed on the screen.
The measurement procedure consists of the following steps:
- A cuff is placed on the patient's left arm. It is fixed a few centimeters above the bend of the elbow. It is important that the device is approximately at the same level as the heart. This will ensure maximum reliability of the results.
- Air is pumped into the cuff either automatically or using a bulb. It all depends on the type of device and its model. The pressure in the sleeve should reach 200–220 mmHg. Art.
- Gradually, the cuff deflates, and the device records blood pressure readings. If air is released manually, this must be done slowly and gradually so as not to disrupt the measurement process.
- The systolic indicator is recorded at the moment of the first heartbeat, which is captured either by a tonometer or a stethoscope. When the pulsation disappears, diastolic pressure is noted.
It is recommended to take several consecutive measurements. This approach eliminates the possibility of false testimony. Breaks between procedures should be 4–5 minutes. From the results obtained, it is better to calculate the arithmetic average.
According to available medical research, international associations recommend regular screening for patients over 18 years of age. This is primarily due to the widespread prevalence of cardiac diseases and arterial hypertension. Doctors recommend tonometry every two years for people whose normal values are close to the ideal value of 120/80 mmHg. Art. This tactic ensures timely detection of diseases affecting the cardiovascular system. If the patient's upper pressure is between 120 and 139, and the diastolic value ranges from 80 to 89 mm Hg. Art, doctors recommend getting checked more often.
For people who have no health complaints or signs of arterial hypertension, tonometry should be performed in medical institutions. Moreover, it is difficult to talk about pathology after one visit. At least two visits to a therapist and a cardiologist will be required, during which a persistent increase in blood pressure should be recorded. Only in such cases do doctors suspect a problem and advise patients to purchase automated devices for regular monitoring of the condition at home.
Interpretation of the obtained indicators
Special attention is paid to the interpretation of the data displayed by the device. On the device you can see two numbers - upper and lower. The systolic indicator means the tension in the blood vessels at the moment of contraction of the heart. This parameter indicates both the contractility of the main muscle of the human body and the condition of the vascular wall. The number indicating this indicator is located at the top. Under this number, diastolic pressure is displayed, which is recorded in the arteries when the myocardium relaxes. It indicates the resistance that peripheral vessels provide in response to blood flow. On many devices you can see a separate value - pulse.
Blood pressure norms
Deciphering tonometry results is not difficult even for people ignorant of medicine. It is important to understand how physiological the indicators are. The pressure is measured in order to record its deviation from the norm, which is considered to be 120/80 millimeters of mercury. This figure is conditional, since each person’s indicators are individual. Some patients with hypertension feel comfortable at 140/90 mmHg. Art, and at lower values they complain of malaise.
It is important to understand that blood pressure levels also change depending on age. For example, newborns have lower values than mature people. In old age, the risk of arterial hypertension increases, which is associated with atherosclerotic changes and loss of vascular tone. In order to interpret the tonometry results as correctly as possible, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Only a doctor, taking into account the patient’s condition and his individual characteristics, will be able to correctly interpret the numbers obtained when measuring blood pressure.