Did You Check Your Blood Pressure

Just like dental cleanings it’s important to get your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure is a silent killer. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped and the size and flexibility of the arteries. Blood pressure is continually changing depending on activity, temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, physical state, and medication use.

What do blood pressure numbers indicate?

• The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body.
• The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.

Necessity of the test

• High blood pressure increases the risk of heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. For people who have high blood pressure, this test is a way of monitoring the effectiveness of medications and dietary modifications.
• Low blood pressure may be a sign of a variety of illnesses, including heart failure, infection, some endocrine disorders, and dehydration.

Blood pressure test

Blood pressure is usually measured while you are seated with your arm resting on a table. The upper arm should be bare, with your sleeve comfortably rolled up. The test may be done at any time. There is a cuff and a device for detecting the pulse in the artery (stethoscope or microphone). You will feel the pressure of the cuff on your arm.

Blood pressure readings fall into four general categories, ranging from normal to stage 2 hypertension (high blood pressure). The readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and usually given as 2 numbers, eg.120 over 80 (written as 120/80).

Conditions that can affect your blood pressure readings

• Cardiovascular disorders
• Neurological conditions
• Kidney disorders
• Drug disorder
• Pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. (Pre-eclampsia is high blood pressure and protein in the urine that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy)
• Stress, anger, or fear.
• Various medications.

Consult your doctor if your blood pressure measurements are consistently high or low.

(Inputs from—— Dr. A. K. Bali, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Moolchand Medcity.)

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