Blood Pressure Is An Important Health IndicatorBlood Pressure Defined Blood pressure is the force or pressure exerted by the blood propelled by your heart through your veins and arteries. High blood pressure is when this blood pressure is greater than it should be for optimum health. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg.) It consists of two numbers:
Getting Accurate Readings Many things may prevent you from getting an accurate blood pressure reading. Exercise, anxiety, worry, moderate to vigorous exertions, and other factors can raise your blood pressure. If taken when in any one of these states, your reading will be high and inaccurate. Depending on your state of mind or prior physical activity, it can take anywhere from 10 minutes or longer for your blood pressure to stabilize. Prior to taking a reading, sit quietly for 10 to 15 minutes. Your resting pressure will then be accurate. Make certain that the cuff used is large enough. If it is too small, the reading will be artificially high. Don't talk or engage in any kind of conversation while your blood pressure is being taken. That can add 10 mmHg or more to the systolic reading. |