Blood Pressure Changes

Blood Pressure Changes Include:

High blood pressure (hypertension), and managing low blood pressure (hypotension)

What is blood pressure?

• Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood flow against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry oxygenated blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Blood pressure is one part of your vital signs. 
• Vital signs include your blood pressure, your heart rate or pulse, your respiratory rate (how fast or slow you are breathing in a minute), and your temperature. These alert your healthcare provider to certain diseases or conditions that may be present.

How is blood pressure measured?

• Your healthcare provider or a member of their team may take your blood pressure when you visit the office to check for changes in blood pressure
• To measure your blood pressure, your arm will be placed into an inflatable cuff. 
• If an electric monitor is being used, the cuff will inflate and automatically record your blood pressure readings.
• If your blood pressure is being checked by hand (manually), the cuff usually will be positioned on your arm, and a stethoscope placed in the bend of your elbow. The cuff will be slowly inflated and deflated, and the blood pressure readings is made by the healthcare team member. 
• A blood pressure reading is reported as two numbers, with the “top” number being your systolic blood pressure and the “bottom” number, your diastolic blood pressure. 
• Blood pressure meters designed for home use may be automatic or semi-automatic and measure using the arm, wrist or finger. Home meters are generally not thought to be as accurate as in-office measurements. 

What can affect my blood pressure reading?

• Recent intake of caffeine, alcohol or cigarette smoking: This potentially causes an increase in your blood pressure.
• Physical Activity: When you have your blood pressure taken, rest in a comfortable and relaxed position for at least 5 minutes, if possible.
• Wrong size cuff: If the blood pressure cuff is too large, it is possible that your blood pressure changes to a falsely lower reading. Also, if the blood pressure cuff is too small, it is possible that your blood pressure changes to a falsely elevated reading. Your healthcare provider should measure the diameter of your arm, and use the appropriate sized blood pressure cuff.
• Wrong placement: If you are using your arm for a blood pressure reading, your healthcare provider should ensure that the lower edge of the cuff is at least 1 inch above the bend of your elbow.
• Type of monitor: If you take your blood pressure at home, and you purchase a monitor, make sure that your blood pressure cuff gives a similar reading to the cuff in your doctor's office. Electronic blood pressure cuffs need to be checked periodically, to ensure that they are giving an accurate reading.

What is a normal blood pressure?

When your blood pressure is taken, the reading is given as two numbers. These are the systolic and the diastolic blood pressure readings. Your systolic blood pressure is the “top” number or first number reported. This Systolic pressure refers to the pressure of the blood, on the walls of your arteries, when the heart muscle contracts. This is when there is the most force exerted and the blood pressure is the greatest. The “bottom” number, or second number reported is your diastolic reading, which refers to the pressure in your arteries at all times, when the heart is resting in between heartbeats.

Abnormal blood pressure is less than 120/80.Most people with normal blood pressure do not have a reading of exactly 120/80.Low blood pressure is much less common than high blood pressure.

• People with high blood pressure, or hypertension, are at risk for organ damage (kidney, and heart especially), in the long term. Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. High blood pressure over a long period of time potentially causes extra stress on your heart muscle. If you have a blood pressure of 140/90, on 2 or more checks, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure, or hypertension. High blood pressure puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. People may have low blood pressure, or hypotension, as well. There are many causes of low blood pressure including acute blood loss, dehydration, or infection. If you have low blood pressure, you are at risk for falling, losing consciousness, or "passing out." Treatment of low blood pressure generally focuses on treating the underlying condition.