Reading Blood Pressure Results. The Up and Down Numbers Have Different Meanings

Blood pressure measurements are often carried out by medical personnel when someone wants to check their health status. Most of the medical workers will only tell that the resulting blood pressure numbers include normal, high, or low. But, do you know how to read the measured numbers and categorize their status (normal, high, or low)?

You should not only know the results of the tension measurement without being able to read the numbers. Be grateful if you can understand how to read your own blood pressure results without medical help.

In the automatic blood pressure machine, you will find the numbers listed in the first and second lines, each of which has a meaning

The two numbers that appear on the results of the blood pressure measurement are not just numbers, but describe the condition of blood flow and heart function at that time. There are 2 processes that the heart does when it beats, namely contracting and pushing blood to flow throughout the body and relaxing accompanied by the return of blood flow from all over the body to the heart.

The number in the first row is called the systolic number

The systolic number is the result of the heart's activity as it pushes and circulates blood throughout the body. Normally, the systolic number is between 90-119 mmHg, if this number is more or less than the limit, it means you have a health problem.

In addition to the systolic number, there is a diastolic number in the second row

The diastolic number indicates the pressure when the heart is at rest where the heart will receive all the blood from the lungs which contains oxygen. This blood will flow throughout the body when the systolic pressure occurs. Diastolic pressure is said to be normal when it is in the range of 60-79 mmHg.

In order to check your blood pressure more accurately, there are several things that must be done

Checking blood pressure regularly is mandatory, especially for those of you who suffer from high blood pressure. Before carrying out an examination, there are several things you need to do and avoid so that blood pressure checks are more accurate:

• Avoid eating, smoking, and drinking caffeine and alcohol at least 30 minutes before the test.

• Don't forget to pee first, okay! A full urinary tract can increase blood pressure even if only slightly.

• Try to stay calm when checking blood pressure. You can try to relax by sitting for five minutes in the most comfortable position possible before the examination. Also try not to talk and think about things that trigger stress.

• Position your arms at heart level and place them on a table or armchair. Make sure your palms are up. Place a pillow or pad under your arm so that your arm is at heart level.

• Roll the sleeves up. The blood pressure measuring device (sphygmomanometer cuff) should directly touch the skin so that the results of the examination are accurate.

• If necessary, repeat the examination several times with 2-3 minute intervals. Record each test result as needed.

It's a shame if all this time you only know the conclusions of the results of the tension measurement without being able to read the numbers in detail. From now on, everything you examine, try to understand what it means. So that in the future you can also better understand what is happening to your body.