| A blood pressure reading can vary considerably due | | | | elevated readings during separate visits before actually |
| to a lot of factors including the normal minute by | | | | concluding that the patient has high blood pressure. |
| minute fluctuations. Biological factors like eating, pain | | | | As pointed out earlier, variable readings of blood |
| and anxiety can also influence a blood pressure | | | | pressure can be caused by several factors. Too |
| reading. Because of these factors, it is important to | | | | much worrying, poor eating habits, air temperature |
| take the blood pressure reading using the same | | | | changes, tobacco, exertion and pain can produce |
| technique; otherwise, the result will not be consistent. | | | | variable blood pressure results. You can help your |
| Because blood pressure readings are vital tests for | | | | doctor come up with an accurate reading by doing the |
| the diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure, a | | | | following: |
| standardized measurement technique is used by health | | | | 1. Avoid eating, smoking and drinking caffeine at least |
| professionals and is also recommended to be used at | | | | 30 minutes before having your blood pressure taken. |
| home care in order to attain a high level of accuracy. | | | | 2. Wear clothing than can be easily pushed up when |
| In the United States, doctors follow the American | | | | you have your blood pressure taken, like short sleeves |
| Heart Association standards when measuring blood | | | | or loose sleeves. Using the same arm for each blood |
| pressure which are as follows: | | | | pressure reading will contribute to an added accuracy. |
| 1. The arms should be measured for proper blood | | | | 3. Sit quietly with legs uncrossed while waiting for your |
| pressure cuff size. | | | | turn avoid moving around or exerting too much effort. |
| 2. The arms should be supported at the level of the | | | | 4. Have your blood pressure record handy together |
| heart. | | | | with a list of any drugs you are currently taking if there |
| 3. An estimate of the systolic blood pressure should be | | | | are any. |
| taken by feeling the pulse at the wrist and inflating the | | | | 5. Use the standardized measurement method if you |
| cuff. | | | | are using home blood pressure equipment and have it |
| 4. The cuff should be quickly inflated and slowly | | | | checked yearly for comparison. |
| deflated. | | | | A thorough physical examination together with a |
| The blood pressure is taken by inserting the arm in the | | | | detailed history and specific laboratory tests should be |
| blood pressure cuff. The cuff is inflated tight enough to | | | | done by the doctor if the blood pressure reading is |
| stop the blood flow. Gradually the cuff is deflated and | | | | classified as higher than normal. The doctor will check |
| the first in the series of sounds heard through the | | | | for any known reasons for the high blood pressure |
| stethoscope is recorded as the systolic blood pressure | | | | reading and subsequently find out if there is any |
| reading while the last sound heard is recorded as the | | | | damage to major organs that might be causing the |
| diastolic pressure. | | | | elevated blood pressure. Among the important organs |
| In order to have an accurate diagnosis of high blood | | | | to be examined are the heart, kidney, brain and eyes. |
| pressure, doctors usually consider two or more | | | | |