OverviewA blood pressure test measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps. A blood pressure test may be done as a part of a routine health checkup or as a screening for high blood pressure (hypertension). Some people use home monitors to check their blood pressure at home. Show Products & Services
Why it's doneA blood pressure test is a routine part of most health care checkups. Blood pressure screening is an important part of general health care. How often you should get your blood pressure checked depends on your age and overall health.
Your health care provider may also suggest that you check your blood pressure at home. Automated home blood pressure monitors are easy to use. Some can be connected to a computer or cellphone, allowing you to send the information to an online medical record. Ask your provider if this is an option for you. It's a good idea to keep a log of your home blood pressure readings. Also have your care provider check your monitor once a year to make sure you are getting accurate readings. Home blood pressure monitoring isn't a substitute for visits to your health care provider. More Information
RisksA blood pressure test is simple, quick and usually painless. However, the blood pressure cuff squeezes the arm while it inflates. Some people find this slightly uncomfortable. The feeling lasts for only a few seconds. How you prepareNo special preparations are usually needed for a blood pressure test. But the following steps may provide the most accurate measurement:
What you can expectDuring the procedureA blood pressure reading is usually taken while a person is seated in a chair with the feet flat on the floor. The arm should rest comfortably at heart level. The blood pressure cuff goes around the top part of the arm. The bottom of the cuff is just above the elbow. It's important that the cuff fits. Blood pressure readings can vary if the cuff is too big or too small. Blood pressure readings can be taken with the help of a machine. This is called an automated measurement. When a machine isn't used, this is called a manual measurement.
For an automated measurement, the blood pressure cuff automatically inflates and measures the pulse. In this case, a stethoscope is not needed. It takes about one minute to get a blood pressure measurement. After the procedureIf your blood pressure is high or low, you'll likely need to have at least three more blood pressure tests, spaced at least a week apart, to determine if you need treatment. Blood pressure can vary from moment to moment and day to day. ResultsYour health care provider can tell you your blood pressure results right away after the test. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A blood pressure measurement has two numbers:
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association divide blood pressure into four general categories. Ideal blood pressure is categorized as normal. Here's a look at blood pressure categories and what they mean. If the top and bottom numbers fall into two different ranges, the correct blood pressure category is the higher one.
*Ranges may be lower for children and teenagers. Talk to your child's provider if you think your child might have high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, making a few lifestyle changes can improve your heart health.
If lifestyle changes do not successfully manage your blood pressure, your health care provider may recommend medication. Together, you and your provider can discuss the best treatment options for you. Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Which instruments is used for blood pressure?The sphygmometer measures BP by balancing air pressure against the pressure of blood in the artery. The sphygmomanometer consists of an inflatable pressure cuff which is wrapped around the patients upper arm and connected to a mercury type Page 2 manometer or to a pressure gauge.
What instruments are used to take a patient's blood pressure quizlet?The instrument used for measuring a patient's blood pressure in the arteries is a: Sphygmomanometer.
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