Blood Pressure Readings in BP Machine

Just as the term suggests, blood pressure is the force with which the blood in our body moves through the circulatory system. Without blood pressure, the tissues and organs in our body cannot be nourished as the force is responsible for pushing the nutrients and oxygen around the circulatory system. In addition to this, blood pressure also delivers antibodies and white blood cells for hormones and immunity. Along with the delivery of these vital elements around the body, blood pressure also helps clean the toxins in our body and flush them out through the liver and the kidneys.

If you are wondering what exactly is creating this “pressure,” the answer is simple: your beating heart. With every heartbeat, when the heart contracts, the heart creates blood pressure by forcing the blood out. However, the heart is not solely responsible for creating blood pressure.

One confusing aspect of blood pressure reading is understanding what the two numbers on the display of the device mean. Here is what those two numbers mean:

• Systolic Blood Pressure: This is the first number on display, and it is an indicator of how much pressure the blood exerts against the walls of your arteries when your heart beats. For a normal reading, your systolic pressure has to be above 90 mm Hg and less than 120 mm Hg.

• Diastolic Blood Pressure: This is the second number on your blood pressure machine, and it indicates how much pressure the blood exerts against the walls of your arteries when your heart is resting between beats. For a normal reading, your diastolic pressure has to be between 60 mm Hg and lower than 80 mm Hg.

If you are wondering what’s normal blood pressure reading, it ranges between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg, and ideally, your display should reflect it.

Once you understand how to read the BP machine, it becomes easier to check your blood pressure at home. Simply follow the below-mentioned steps:

• Carefully read through the instructions manual that comes with your BP machine and ensure that your arm cuff is secured as described in the instructions

• The arm cuff should be slightly above your elbow

• Ensure that you are calm and relaxed when the machine is taking the reading, and don’t cross your legs

• Take about two or three readings two minutes apart to get an average

• Keep track of your reading so you can share them with your doctor

It is important to check the blood pressure machine before buying so you know that the machine does not mess up the readings. If the numbers on the display confuse you, it is always good practice to check with your doctor to know what the normal range is, or you can also check it through an online blood pressure reading checker. With the help of an online blood pressure reading checker, you can know the normal range for blood pressure.

To understand what’s normal blood pressure reading, it is important to first understand the categories that are separated by the range of blood pressure as recognised by the American Heart Association:

• Normal: The normal BP reading is when your BP machine reading shows the number: 120/80 mm Hg. If your blood pressure reading falls within this category, you are advised to continue with heart-healthy habits such as eating a nutritious and balanced diet and exercising regularly.

• Elevated: When your blood pressure reading consistently falls within the range of 120-129 systolic and lower than 80 mm Hg diastolic, your blood pressure is considered to be elevated. Individuals who fall within this category may develop high blood pressure if they don’t take the necessary measures at the right time to get their blood pressure back to the normal range.

• Hypertension Stage 1: When the blood pressure reading is consistently in the range of 130-139 and 80-89 mm Hg, the individual belongs to the hypertension stage 1 category. In such a case, the doctors will most likely recommend lifestyle changes. They may even consider blood pressure medication if the individual is at risk of any atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or ASCVD, such as a heart stroke or a heart attack.

• Hypertension Stage 2: If the blood pressure reading of a patient is 140/90 mm Hg or higher in a consistent manner, they are in stage 2 of hypertension and the doctor will prescribe a combination of lifestyle changes along with medication.

• Hypertensive Crisis: In this phase, the patient needs medical attention. If the blood pressure readings exceed 180/120 mm Hg, then the individual is advised to wait for about five minutes and re-check the readings. If similar numbers are displayed, then it is advised to immediately reach out to your doctor. Conversely, if the initial reading is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, etc., then you need not wait. Call your doctor immediately without sparing a single minute for a second reading.

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