How to Read Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is one of the vital signs, which is measured to ensure normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Abbreviated as BP, it is defined as the pressure or force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels. While reading blood pressure is not difficult at all, many people do not have the slightest idea about how to read blood pressure. Learn the basic tips for blood pressure reading and measurement, so that you can predict whether your BP falls in the healthy range or not.

Blood Pressure Chart: What do the Readings Mean?

So, you got your blood pressure tested in the doctor's clinic but are confused with the numbers? Analyze the result carefully; BP is represented by two numbers, arranged one upon the other (for example X/Y) with the unit millimeter of mercury (mmHg). Over here, the higher number 'X' refers to systolic blood pressure measured during heart contraction, while the lower number 'Y' indicates diastolic blood pressure measured at rest (between two heartbeats). For understanding how to read blood pressure, refer to the following points.

• Normal Blood Pressure Reading: If the result indicates below 120 systolic pressure and below 80 diastolic pressure, it is considered normal or healthy BP.
• Prehypertension Reading: In case of prehypertension, the systolic number falls between 120 - 139 and diastolic number comes between 80 - 89.
• Stage 1 Hypertension Reading: For stage 1 hypertension, the diastolic pressure is anywhere between 140 - 159, while the diastolic reading is between 90 - 99.
• Stage 2 Hypertension Reading: When systolic number is more than 160 and diastolic number is higher than 100, then the blood pressure reading suggests stage 2 high blood pressure.

This data about blood pressure readings is exclusively for adults. The readings differ slightly according to age group, with children and teenagers having lower BP ranges for the above mentioned criteria.

How to Check your Blood Pressure?

As you have seen how to read blood pressure, let's take a brief look at home BP test. There are two choices of devices, digital monitor (automatic device) and aneroid monitor or sphygmomanometer (manual device). The former is easier to use, and is more popular than the manual monitor. For taking blood pressure correctly, it is measured in a seated position, with the arm in a similar level as the heart. The following is a step-by-step procedure adopted to measure blood pressure with a manual device.

• Take the blood pressure monitor and wrap the inflatable cuff around the upper arm (a little above the arm crease, or heart level). Place the stethoscope over the brachial artery. Then, squeeze the arm slightly, and inflate the cuff using the hand bulb provided with the device.
• As the reading in the pressure gauge raises to a peak level, gently deflate the cuff by releasing the hand bulb. This allows normal blood flow to the arteries. You will notice gradual decrease in the pressure gauge.
• Give attention to the stethoscope, and the first tapping sound indicates return of blood flow to the arteries. This is nothing but the systolic pressure, and is the peak BP reading, resulted due to contraction of the heart.
• Diastolic blood pressure is recorded as the reading in the pressure gauge, when you can no longer hear the tapping sound. This is the lowest BP reading, resulted when the heart relaxes.

Well, this was an overview on how to read blood pressure. As you now have a brief knowledge regarding reading and checking BP on your own, consider monitoring your blood pressure regularly. This helps in keeping track of your BP levels for early identification of abrupt changes from the healthy blood pressure range. For accuracy purpose, compare readings provided by your home BP equipment with that of a professional's sphygmomanometer. If there is any difference in the readings, get the equipment checked by a servicemen, or purchase a new one.