Rules of measurement of blood pressure. To measure blood pressure influenced by various factors, so it is very important to develop standard terms for pressure measurement. So, measure your blood pressure should be at least an hour before eating, physical activity, smoking, or coffee.
Our blood pressure is regulated by the nervous system and hormonal mechanisms. During the day, the pressure can vary considerably. Normally during sleep is lower, and during wakefulness or stress – increases. Emotional state also greatly affects the blood pressure. Emotions lead to the release into the blood of the stress hormone – adrenaline, which is produced by the adrenal glands. As a result, the heart beats harder and more often, and the pressure in the vessels increased. In addition, the pressure affects other adrenal hormones cortisol. This hormone, in contrast to adrenaline, is the “anti stress”, but it also affects blood pressure.
Blood pressure is expressed in two numbers: systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The first one shows the force with which the heart drives blood from the left ventricle to the vessels, and the second indicates the vascular tone, which is typical for them in the diastole of the heart (when the heart is not reduced).
Blood pressure measurement is carried out using a special device – sphygmomanometer, or as it is called, the tonometer. In order to measure blood pressure, you must wrap the cuff around the upper arm tonometer patient (above the elbow for a couple of centimeters), next to the field of cubital fossa, slightly medially applied phonendoscope head. Usually sufficient to bring the pressure in the cuff to 160 – 180 mmHg, but it may be necessary to raise the pressure level and above, if the pressure is measured in patient suffering from hypertension. Having reached a certain level of blood pressure, the air from the cuff gradually begins to descend from the valve. At the same time listen to the tones of brachial artery pulsation. As soon as the stethoscope appears beats artery pulsation, the blood pressure is the upper (systolic). The air continues down, and the tones gradually weaken. Once the pulsation ceased to hear, this level of blood pressure is lower (diastolic).
However, to date, there are electronic devices for measuring blood pressure. Such devices are more convenient and easy to use.