A sphygmomanometer, which is a monitor with a measuring unit and cuff, is necessary to take a blood pressure reading. Blood pressure can also be checked without an automated device.
The force that the blood exerts on the body's blood vessels is known as blood pressure. Two numbers are included in a blood pressure reading. reliable source that shows the artery pressure as blood passes through the body.
The pressure inside the arteries as the heart contracts to pump blood is measured by the top number, which is known as the systolic pressure. As the heart rests between beats, the lower figure, known as the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure inside the arteries.
Anything below 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) is considered normal blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association (AHA) Trusted Source. Increased readings frequently suggest that the heart is exerting excessive effort to pump blood via the arteries.
Numerous factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including: Trusted Source:
- elevated cholesterol, which can cause artery-clogging plaque, and tobacco use
- Drinking alcohol
- low levels of physical exercise
- diseases including diabetes and obesity
- eating a lot of salt
- stress
Since high blood pressure frequently has no symptoms, accurate blood pressure readings are crucial. If blood pressure hits or is above 180/120 mm Hg, some symptoms, including a headache, may appear (Trusted Source). The individual may be having a hypertensive crisis at this time, which is characterized by extreme hypertension that necessitates immediate medical attention. In a clinic, doctors take blood pressure readings using mechanical or electronic devices. In certain situations, they could advise taking a home blood pressure reading and recording it.
A machine is typically needed for at-home blood pressure monitoring, which insurance may or may not cover. If a patient needs to know their blood pressure at particular times of the day or after taking certain drugs, a doctor might advise doing it at home. Although it is more challenging, taking blood pressure without a machine is doable.
