What exactly is blood pressure?
The pressure or force of blood inside your arteries is measured by blood pressure. When your heart beats, it sends blood into the arteries that carry it throughout your body. This occurs 60-100 times per minute, 24 hours a day. Arteries transport oxygen and nutrients to your entire body, allowing it to function.
Heart rate vs. blood pressure
Both of these are related to your heart, but they are not the same thing. Blood pressure is the force with which your blood flows through your blood vessels. The number of times your heart beats in one minute is referred to as your heart rate.
Why does blood pressure change?
Your blood pressure does not always remain constant. It varies depending on what you're doing. When you exercise or are excited, your blood pressure rises. Your blood pressure is lower when you are resting.
Your blood pressure may also change as a result of:
- Age.
- Medications you are taking.
- Position changes.
How is blood pressure determined?
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is represented by two numbers:
Systolic pressure is the pressure created by your heart when it pushes blood out.
Diastolic pressure is the pressure in your heart when it is at rest between beats.
For example, "140 over 90" or 140/90mmHg means you have a systolic pressure of 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg.
Which number is more significant?
For people over 50, systolic blood pressure (the first number) is typically emphasized as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age in most people due to increased stiffness of large arteries, long-term plaque buildup, and an increased incidence of cardiac and vascular disease.
High blood pressure can be diagnosed using either an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading. According to recent research, every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic increase in blood pressure doubles the risk of death from ischemic heart disease and stroke in people aged 40 to 89.
As a general rule of thumb:
The ideal blood pressure is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
High blood pressure is defined as 140/90mmHg or higher; low blood pressure is defined as less than 90/60mmHg.
Why is blood pressure measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg)?
mm, Hg is an abbreviation for millimetres of mercury. Mercury was used in the first accurate pressure gauges and is still used as the standard unit of measurement for pressure in medicine today.
Blood pressure classifications
Normal
Blood pressure readings of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered normal. If your results fall into this category, maintain heart-healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Elevated blood pressure
Elevated blood pressure is defined as readings that are consistently between 120 and 129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. People who have high blood pressure are more likely to develop high blood pressure unless they take steps to control the condition.
Stage 1 hypertension
Stage 1 hypertension occurs when blood pressure consistently ranges between 130 and 139 mm Hg systolic or 80 and 89 mm Hg diastolic. Doctors will likely prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication at this stage of high blood pressure based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), such as a heart attack or stroke.
Stage 2 hypertension
Stage 2 hypertension occurs when blood pressure is consistently 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Doctors are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes at this stage of high blood pressure.
Hypertensive emergency
This stage of hypertension necessitates medical attention. If your blood pressure suddenly rises above 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes before testing again. If your readings remain abnormally high, contact your doctor right away. You could be in the midst of a hypertensive crisis.
If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing symptoms of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking, don't wait for it to go down on its own. Call emergency help in your country.
Monitoring of blood pressure
01 Emporia BPM-V20-B Digital Upper-Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Upper-Arm Cuff
About this item
- Clear, easy-to-read XL black display 90x58 mm
- Readings are classified according to a coloured scale (WHO classification)
- Very simple blood pressure measurement, 90x58 mm display
- Internal memory for 2 users with 120 measurements each
- For upper-arm circumferences of 22–40 cm
- Date and time; switches off automatically
| Brand | Emporia |
| Included components | 4 AA (1.5V) batteries, Storage case, User guide, Upper-arm cuff |
| Power source | Battery Powered |
| Band size | 40 centimetres |
| Product dimensions | 16L x 9.5W x 13.5Th centimetres |
02. Kinetik Wellbeing Fully Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor - Used by the NHS – BIHS & ESH Validated – Universal Cuff (22-42cm) – In Association with St John Ambulance
About this item
- Clinically validated by BIHS & ESH and used by the NHS
- Easy to use and fully automatic - works with the push of a button. Measures on inflation for fast accurate readings
- Easy-to-read quick reference indicator with help of colour coding, based on WHO guidelines
- Comfortable - Quick release cuff fits upper arms from 22-42cm
- In association with St John Ambulance
- Target gender: unisex
