When taking blood pressure Where is the artery?
What is a blood pressure measurement?Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries. A blood pressure measurement is a test that measures the force (pressure) in your arteries as your heart pumps. Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: Show
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects tens of millions of adults in the United States. It increases the risk of life-threatening conditions including heart attack and stroke. But high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms. A blood pressure measurement helps diagnose high blood pressure early, so it may be treated before it leads to serious complications. Other names: blood pressure reading, blood pressure test, blood pressure screening, sphygmomanometry What is it used for?A blood pressure measurement is most often used to diagnose high blood pressure. Blood pressure that's too low, known as hypotension, is much less common. But you may get tested for low blood pressure if you have certain symptoms. Unlike high blood pressure, low blood pressure usually causes symptoms. These include:
Why do I need a blood pressure test?A blood pressure measurement is often included as part of a regular checkup. Adults 18 years and older should have their blood pressure measured at least once every two to five years. You should get tested every year if you have certain risk factors. You may be at higher risk if you:
You may need this test if you have symptoms of low blood pressure. What happens during a blood pressure test?A blood pressure test includes the following steps:
This test only takes about one minute to complete. Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?You don't need any special preparations for a blood pressure measurement. Are there any risks to the test?You may have a little discomfort when the blood pressure cuff inflates and squeezes your arm. But this feeling only lasts for a few seconds. What do the results mean?Your results, also known as a blood pressure reading, will contain two numbers. The top or first number is the systolic pressure. The bottom or second number is the diastolic pressure. High blood pressure readings are also labeled by categories, ranging from normal to crisis. Your reading may show your blood pressure is:
If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medicines to control your blood pressure. Your provider may also recommend that you regularly check your blood pressure at home with an automated blood pressure monitor. An at-home blood pressure monitor usually includes a blood pressure cuff and a digital device to record and display blood pressure readings. Home monitoring is not a replacement for regular visits to your provider. But it can provide important information, such as whether treatment is working or your condition may have worsened. Also, home monitoring may make the test less stressful. Many people get nervous about getting their blood pressure taken at a provider's office. This is called "white coat syndrome." It can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure, making the results less accurate. For more information about home monitoring of blood pressure, talk to your provider. If you were tested for low blood pressure, a blood pressure reading of 90 systolic, 60 diastolic (90/60) or lower is considered abnormal. Treatments for low blood pressure may include medicines and making certain changes to your diet. Is there anything else I need to know about a blood pressure measurement?If you were diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend one or more of the following lifestyle changes.
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Where is the most accurate place to take blood pressure?The device should measure blood pressure on the upper arm, which produce a more reliable result than those that measure from the wrist.
Is blood pressure taken from a vein or an artery?Your provider will measure the pressure manually (by hand) or with an automated device. If manually, he or she will place a stethoscope over the major artery in your upper arm to listen to the blood flow and pulse as the cuff inflates and deflates.
What artery is the most common clinical site for measuring blood pressure?The standard location for blood pressure measurement is the brachial artery.
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