CLINICAL COMMUNICATION
Blood Pressure
The heart pumps blood throughout your body via blood vessels (arteries). Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure or force inside your blood vessels with each beat of the heart. Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first number is the systolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills the arteries with blood. The second number or bottom number is the diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
What is a Normal Blood Pressure Reading?
We want our blood pressure to be less than 120/80. If the systolic pressure is 120-139, then prehypertension is considered and if over 140, then hypertension is considered. If the diastolic pressure is 80-89, then prehypertension is considered and if over 90, then hypertension is considered.
How do we measure an accurate Blood Pressure?
The patient should roll their sleeve up at least 5 inches above the bend of the arm. Position the patient so that the arm is supported on a flat surface and the arm is relaxed. The part of the arm where blood pressure is measured must be at the same level as the heart. Select the appropriate size cuff for the patient. A cuff that is too small could result in an elevated reading and a cuff that is too large could result in a low reading. Place the BP cuff on the arm with the section of the cuff containing the rubber bladder centered over the brachial artery. Inflate the BP cuff. The most accurate reading is obtained when the cuff is inflated to about 30mm Hg higher than the systolic pressure. Immediately open the control valve slightly so that the blood pressure indicator decreases about 2-4mm Hg per second. Note the exact level when you hear the first sharp tapping sound. This is the systolic pressure. Continue to deflate the cuff at 2-4mm Hg per second. Listen as the Korotkoff sounds continue and change. Note the exact level at which the sound disappears. This is the diastolic pressure. Wait one full minute before attempting to take another blood pressure to allow the artery to recover. Never pump the cuff back up during a measurement.
Who is likely to have High Blood Pressure?
- People who have family members who have high blood pressure or a history of heart disease or diabetes.
- African Americans.
- Women who are using birth control medication.
- Women who are pregnant.
- People over 60.
- People who are overweight.
- People who drink a lot of alcohol.
- People who smoke.
- People who are not active.
- People who eat too many fatty foods or foods with too much salt.
What can happen if High Blood Pressure is not treated?
- Stroke.
- Heart failure.
- Heart attack.
- Kidney disease.
- Enlarged heart.
- Hemorrhages in the eye blood vessels.
- Peripheral vascular disease.
- Aneurysm.
How is High Blood Pressure Treated?
- Eat healthy foods that are low in salt and fat.
- Limit alcohol to no more than 1 drink each day. (5 ounce serving)
- Lose weight, if you are overweight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Quit smoking.
- Take high blood pressure medicine as prescribed by your doctor and follow your doctor’s directions carefully.
- Have regular blood pressure checks.
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