Health & Life

How to Read a Standard Blood Pressure Meter

Are you unfamiliar with reading blood pressure readings on a monitor? Let Dien May GREEN show you how to get the most accurate results!

Administrator

22 July, 2023

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What is the Classification of Blood Pressure Readings?

Blood pressure is a crucial indicator of the force exerted by the blood on the arteries during both contraction and relaxation of the heart. It’s essential to be mindful of two types of blood pressure readings:

Systolic blood pressure refers to the highest blood pressure reading observed during measurement, typically found at the top of the reading. It indicates the force exerted by blood on the arteries while the heart is contracting.
Diastolic blood pressure: is the measurement of the lowest pressure in the arteries during heart relaxation (usually measured at the bottom), indicating the pressure exerted by blood on the arterial walls when the heart is at rest.

Blood pressure readings are typically written as a ratio, represented as systolic/diastolic. For instance, a systolic blood pressure reading below 120 and a diastolic blood pressure reading below 80 would be denoted as 120/80 mmHg, indicating normal blood pressure.

Normal Blood Pressure Levels according to Age

Possibility of Heart Attack Risk Assessed by Blood Pressure Levels

Classify	Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)	Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Optimal blood pressure	Less than 80	Less than 120
Normal blood pressure	80 – 85	120 – 130
Normal high blood pressure	85 – 90	130 – 140
Mild high blood pressure	90 – 100	140 – 160
Relatively high blood pressure	100 – 110	160 – 180
Severe high blood pressure	More than 110	More than 180

Long-term Healthy Brain Function Linked to Normal Blood Pressure by Age 40

Classify	Normal blood pressure readings (mmHg)	Highest value that can be reached (mmHg)
Newborns from 1 to 12 months	75/50	100/70
Children from 1 to 5 years old	80/50	110/80
Children about 6-13 years old	85/55	120/80
Children from 13 – 15 years old	95/60	104/70
Teenagers 15 – 19 years old	105/73	120/81
Young people from 20-24 years old	109/76	132/83
Young people from 25 – 29 years old	121/80	133/84
Adults from 30 – 34 years old	110/77	134/85
Adults from 35 – 39 years old	111/78	135/86
Middle-aged between 40 – 44	125/83	137/87
Middle aged 45 – 49 years old	127/64	139/88
Elderly from 50 – 54	129/85	142/89
Elderly from 55 – 59	131/86	144/90
People over 60 years old	134/87	147/91

Learn to Interpret Blood Pressure Measurements on a Monitor

Whether it is an electronic wrist or upper arm blood pressure monitor, the process of reading the device’s readings is typically consistent. As noted by Dien May XANH:

The blood pressure reading at the top, indicating the systolic blood pressure measurement, is typically denoted as “SYS”.
The blood pressure reading at the bottom, indicating the diastolic reading, is usually the same as the letter DIA.

Some sphygmomanometers also measure the heart rate, displayed as “Pulse”.

According to the provided readings, you can determine the condition of your blood pressure: normal, high, or low.

The normal range for blood pressure is typically between 90/60 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg. However, in young individuals, it is not unusual for blood pressure to reach 145/95 mmHg, which is considered within a normal range.
High blood pressure is defined as having a systolic blood pressure reading higher than 140 and a diastolic blood pressure reading higher than 90.
Low blood pressure is indicated by a diastolic blood pressure reading that is less than or equal to 90, and a systolic blood pressure reading that is less than 60.

To obtain an accurate blood pressure reading, it is necessary to carry out the following measurements:

First, instruct the individual to lie flat on the bed with their head elevated, or sit still in a chair with their back straight and legs parallel to the floor.

Step 2: Utilize a blood pressure monitor.

Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor Usage: Position the blood pressure cuff around the wrist, ensuring it is approximately 1 cm away from the wrist. Place the hand at a 45-degree angle across the chest, aligning it with the heart for accurate measurements.
To properly utilize a biceps sphygmomanometer, follow these steps:
1. Begin by wrapping the bandage around the inner arm.
2. Ensure that the bandage is positioned approximately 3 cm above the elbow.
3. Make sure that the bandage is also aligned with the level of the heart.

Step 3:

Press the Start button to begin measuring your blood pressure. Once you hear a beep sound, it indicates that the blood pressure measurement is complete. You can then read the readings in the following order: the blood pressure when the heart contracts, the blood pressure when the heart relaxes, and the heart rate.

Avoid These 4 Common Mistakes to Prevent False Blood Pressure Measurement Results

False readings of blood pressure can occur due to various external and internal factors. It is essential to be aware of common errors that can contribute to inaccurate results. Some of these mistakes include:

Correct posture is essential when measuring blood pressure:

You should sit or lie down in the instructed position. It is important to maintain this position for approximately 5 minutes while keeping the body comfortable and relaxed prior to measuring.
Eating and engaging in conversation while measuring blood pressure levels.
The blood pressure measurement should be taken correctly by placing it on the upper arm, not the wrist.
It is recommended to monitor blood pressure by measuring it at least twice a day and recording the results in a notebook or electronic device for convenient tracking. A single measurement may not accurately determine whether blood pressure is high, low, or normal.
It is recommended to take medicine before measuring blood pressure. Blood pressure should be measured in the morning before taking medication and in the afternoon, approximately one hour after meals.
A blood pressure monitor that is of poor quality or is about to run out of battery.
It is recommended to avoid consuming stimulant drinks such as coffee, alcohol, and tobacco before measuring blood pressure.
It is advisable to use the restroom before measuring your blood pressure.