Measurement

What is blood pressure
Blood pressure (BP) - is the blood pressure in the large arteries of man. There are two indicators of blood pressure: systolic (upper) blood pressure - is the level of blood pressure in the moment of maximum contraction of the heart, the diastolic (bottom) blood pressure - is the level of blood pressure at the moment of maximum relaxation of the heart. BP is measured in millimeters of mercury and is denoted: mm Hg. Art.

Why do I need to know the value of blood pressure

Increased blood pressure for every 10 mm Hg. Art. increases the risk of cardiovascular brand name viagra disease by 30%. In people with elevated blood pressure significantly more likely to develop ischemic attacks (particularly stroke), coronary heart disease, vascular legs, kidney failure. It is a measurement of blood pressure should start looking for reasons for such frequent symptoms include headache, weakness, dizziness. In many cases, requires constant monitoring of blood pressure, and measurements should be performed several times a day.
How to assess the level of BP
To assess the level of blood pressure using WHO classification, adopted in 1999
Classification of hypertension by blood pressure level

The terms "soft", "Border", "heavy", "reasonable" given in the classification, describe only the level of BP rather than the severity of the disease itself.

How to measure blood pressure

To measure blood pressure using two methods.
Method developed by Russian surgeon Korotkova.On NS Korotkov in 1905 and provides for a simple device consisting of a mechanical pressure gauge, cuffs and pear phonendoscope. The method is based on full compression of the brachial artery cuff and listening to tones, resulting in slow release of air from the cuff.
Oscillometric method. It is based on the detection of a special electronic instrument air pressure fluctuations that occur in the cuff during the passage of blood through the compressed portion of the artery.

General recommendations for BP measurement

BP level is not constant, it continuously varies depending on the condition of the body and actions by various factors. Fluctuations of blood pressure in hypertensive patients is significantly higher than in people without the disease. BP can be measured at rest, during physical or psycho-emotional stress, and in the intervals between the different types of activity. Most often, blood pressure measured in the upright position, but in some cases, its measurement in the "lying" or "standing".

To perform the measurements at rest to ensure comfort for the patient and meet the following requirements:
- 30 minutes before the measurement to exclude food intake, smoking, physical stress and exposure to cold;

- Prior to the measurement of blood pressure sit quietly or lie down (depending on the position of the body, which will be measured) and relax;

- The measurement starts in 5 minutes after resting in the above position;
- The measurement of blood pressure in the upright position of the spin and the arm should be supported, since any form of isometric exercises cause an immediate increase in blood pressure, the middle point of the shoulder must be at heart level (fourth intercostal space);

- In the "lying" hand should be placed along the body and be slightly raised to the level corresponding to the middle of the chest (under shoulder and elbow should put a small cushion);

- At the time of measurement can not talk or make any sudden movements;
- If you are running a series of measurements, it is recommended to change its original position, the interval between measurements must be at least 15 seconds; recorded average measurements;
- Because the difference in blood pressure on the hands can be quite substantial, it is recommended to measure the arm with the higher its value.

BP measurement technique

Hand completely free from wear and tight cuff at the shoulder region. Then quickly pump the air into the cuff to a level of 20 mm Hg. Art. exceeding the systolic blood pressure (determined by the disappearance of the pulse), and then slowly reduce the pressure in the cuff at a rate of 2-3 mm Hg. Art. / sec. BP levels at which the first tone appears corresponds to the systolic blood pressure, and the level at which the disappearance of tones - diastolic blood pressure. Should not be greatly compress the artery membrane phonendoscope.

Measuring blood pressure in children

To control blood pressure in children should get detailed advice pediatrician, who will determine the time of measurement, the ceiling air to the cuff and the allowable ranges of values of blood pressure in children. To measure blood pressure in children is mainly used aneroid or semi-meters with a special children's cuff.

Measuring blood pressure in elderly people

Older people's blood pressure is less stable (due to progressive atherosclerosis, lowering the elasticity of vessel walls and irregularities in the operation of the regulation of blood flow), so they especially important to perform several consecutive measurements and record their average value. Instability must be considered when making a diagnosis and prescribed treatment. Because the elderly often noted postural hypotension (a sharp decrease in blood pressure during the transition from a state of "lying" in a state of "sitting" or "standing"), they need to perform measurements in the upright position and "standing up" (especially for those who is hypotensive or receives drugs that reduce blood pressure).

Measuring blood pressure in people with cardiac arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia - a violation of the frequency, rhythm and sequence of contractions of the heart. In these patients, systolic blood pressure can vary considerably. To assess the level of blood pressure is necessary to perform multiple measurements, discarding obviously incorrect results (systolic blood pressure less than 40 mm Hg. Art. And diastolic blood pressure below 15 mmHg. Cent.), And then calculate the average value of the remaining measurements. When using a mechanical gauge to release air from the cuff to be more slowly.

Measuring blood pressure in people with large arm circumference

In the presence of a human large arm circumference (obese, well-developed muscles) or arm conical shape is recommended to use devices with a cuff at the wrist, and should take into account the possible difference of blood pressure on the shoulder and wrist.

Measuring blood pressure in pregnant women

BP, which affects the overall and uterine blood flow is an important indicator of pregnancy. Modern methods of blood pressure control, including the obligatory (and repeated during pregnancy) and self-monitoring of blood pressure measurements, allows to approach the normalization of this index during the treatment, and thus minimize the likelihood of complications in mother and child.

Blood pressure in pregnant women should be measured in the "recline." Upon receipt of the high values (especially for diastolic blood pressure over 90 mmHg. Cent.) Or too low levels is an urgent need to inform the physician.

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