Blood Pressure Numbers are determined using a Blood Pressure Monitor, an equipment that comes with an inflatable cuff for wrapping around the upper arm. Once the cuff is wrapped, air is pumped in using the pump that comes with equipment, until blood circulation is cut off. A stethoscope is placed on the cuff, it should be silent. Right after that, blood circulation is re-enabled by letting air out, and tested using stethoscope. Then, the blood pressure numbers are taken, with systolic being the time where blood pressure is at it’s peak. When blood flow is re-enabled, the pressure sends mercury hitting 120mm, or more. Thus at this point, systolic is determined. Following this, air is pumped again and blood flow is blocked, silencing the heart beat and hitting the blood pressure at it’s lowest point, or diastolic. At this point mercury hits 80mm, thus systolic and diastolic count of blood pressure numbers are arrived at.

That’s how normal blood pressure numbers are arrived at 120/80, systolic/diastolic. After these numbers are arrived at, blood pressure is determined. The higher the systolic numbers, the higher the heart beats when under pressure, where diastolic denotes the rate of heart beat when at rest. When writing blood pressure numbers, systolic is stated first, followed by diastolic numbers. For example: When it’s illustrated as 120/80, 120 is systolic, with 80 being diastolic. That normal blood pressure and does not signify and problem. However, where is difference from this ration, there is a problem. When the blood pressure numbers, or reading is 130 – 139 for systolic and 85 – 89 for diastolic, it calls for immediate attention and monitoring. Also, 140 or above for systolic numbers and 90 or more, for diastolic numbers, are considered as elevated blood pressure levels. To determine the blood pressure of a person, blood pressure numbers and knowing how to read it is important.

Blood Pressure Numbers

Blood pressure numbers indicate when a person’s blood pressure regulating system, fails to function properly. When arteries are constricted, restricting the flow of blood, blood pressure numbers shoot up, resulting in hypertension. 140/90 is considered as hypertension, though most people aren’t diagnosed. It’s estimated that over 90% of those affected with hypertension, are said to have essential hypertension, wherein the cause is not yet determined. The other ten percent, constitutes people with diabetes, kidney disorders and other health disorders. When reading blood pressure numbers, it’s important to get doctor’s advice, before taking any medication. Generally, blood pressure is normal, when it’s less or more, it requires medical attention. However, there are times when blood pressure numbers fluctuate temporarily and for this reason, getting advice from a doctor helps. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can indicate an underlying health condition rarely, though it’s often considered good. When blood pressure numbers indicate low pressure, doctors don’t stuff the person with medication. It causes a feeling of being lightheaded and often not alarming. A cup of coffee, or a candy is generally sufficient to get the person back on track, though when low pressure causes dizziness, the person is advised medication, or preventive measures. On the other hand, hypertension is not normal and never ignored, since it often results in cardiac problems, which are fatal. Hence, blood pressure numbers are of prime importance and should be read right, probably with the help of a physician.