What the Numbers Mean - How Blood Pressure is Measured - Copyright © Frank Mangano

A check up at the doctor quickly reveals many important facts about
your health. One very important test is the blood pressure reading. The test is routine and simple. You don't even need to undress or be stuck with a needle to get a clear picture of what is going on with your blood pressure. The end result is vital information about how much pressure or force is put on your blood vessels as the heart muscle pumps and then again as it relaxes.

The two numbers related to blood pressure are officially known as the systolic and diastolic readings. The systolic, or top number, measures the pressure of the blood as it leaves the heart and surges through the blood vessels. The diastolic number on the blood pressure reading is what kind of force is on the artery walls in between heart beats.

A blood pressure reading is written with the systolic number on top and diastolic number on the bottom and is expressed as "x over y." A normal blood pressure may be 120 over 80 or written as 110/70. The value of the numbers refers to milligrams of mercury (mmHg).

The following chart shows what normal blood pressure ranges are and when you need to be concerned about lowering your blood pressure:

 

Not only is high blood pressure measured, but a reading of 90/25mmHg is considered very low blood pressure and warrants specific kinds of treatments.

Blood pressure is measured using a cuff that goes around the upper arm. It is pumped with air to make it tighten around the arm so that a pulse can be heard through a stethoscope. The medical professional listening is recording when they hear a pulse as the band tightens and then when they can no longer hear it as the pressure is released. This gives them the systolic and then the diastolic readings.

There are many times throughout the day when blood pressure readings are affected which does not necessarily mean you have the condition of high blood pressure. A temporary rise in blood pressure is often seen after consuming certain foods or beverages or if you have taken specific kinds of medications. The concern doctors have is when blood pressure is in the stage 1 range consistently.

On the other hand, low blood pressure readings may indicate there is an infection present or that you are dehydrated. It can also signal more serious conditions such as heart disease.

It is important to have blood pressure readings at every annual physical. Often if you visit the doctor when you are sick they will routinely measure blood pressure. If you have had high readings in the past, you doctor may want to monitor your condition more closely. He or she may recommend testing each week or even everyday at your local pharmacy or using a home testing device.