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How to Take Blood Pressure

Learn how to take blood pressure correctly and factors that affect blood pressure.
blood pressure cuff
In this article, you will discover how to take blood pressure correctly and factors that influence blood pressure.

Prior to a blood pressure being taken, the client should be seated quietly for 5 mins with both feet flat on the floor. No smoking or caffeine 30mins prior.

Systolic (the top reading) – is the pressure exerted on artery walls as heart contracts

Diastolic (the bottom reading) – is the pressure remaining in arteries when the heart relaxes

At least two measures should be taken and averaged out.

BP Classification Systolic Diastolic
Normal <120 <80
Prehypertension 120-139 80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension >159 >99
This short optional video shows how to take blood pressure safely:

This is an additional video, hosted on YouTube.

Factors Affecting Blood Pressure

Short Term/Temporary Influences

  • Cuff size is too small, the cuff is placed over clothing, forearm unsupported during the reading, arm positioned below the heart
  • Emotional state – anxiety & stress can ↑ BP
  • Smoking – nicotine is a stimulant ↑ BP
  • Alcohol, caffeine, other stimulants ↑ BP
  • Exertion – heavy lifting, holding something heavy, exerting force can ↑ BP
  • Full bladder can ↑ BP
  • Talking while a reading is being taken can ↑ BP
  • Dehydration ↑ BP
  • Temperature – cold rooms can ↑ BP.

Long-Term Influences

  • Regular cardiovascular exercise ↓ BP
  • Healthy eating ↓ BP (i.e. sat & trans fats, salt intake)
  • Decreasing body fat % ↓ BP
  • Genetics/family history can ↑ BP OR ↓ BP
  • Medications can ↑ BP OR ↓ BP
  • Adrenal and thyroid disorders ↑ BP OR ↓ BP
  • Regular overconsumption of alcohol ↓ BP
  • Smoking ↓ BP
  • Long-term chronic stress ↓ BP
  • Peripheral resistance – hardening of arteries ↓ BP
  • Overweight / obese / high cholesterol ↓ BP
  • Kidney disease, diabetes, anaemia, atherosclerosis ↓ BP.

© CQUniversity 2021
This article is from the free online

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