Why Is it Important to Take Blood Pressure Readings at Heart Level?
Taking blood pressure readings at heart level is important because blood pressure is proportional to height. The Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering at the University College of London states that readings taken above heart level show lower blood pressure, while readings performed below heart level display higher blood pressure.
Other People Are Reading
-
Taking Accurate Readings
-
A person should sit with one arm resting at heart level, allowing the brachial artery in the arm to yield the most accurate blood pressure readings. Health professionals use a sphygmomanometer (the cuff and pump) and a stethoscope to measure diastolic and systolic blood pressure readings. The sphygmomanometer cuff should wrap around the upper arm above the elbow, and the stethoscope belongs on the crook of the elbow.
What Blood Pressure Measures
-
A sphygmomanometer cuff compresses the brachial artery in the arm until blood flow momentarily stops. Upon gradual release of pressure, the stethoscope allows the sounds of the returning blood flow to indicate systolic and diastolic pressure.
-
Systolic and Diastolic Pressure
-
Systolic pressure reveals the greatest blood flow pressure when blood first flows back into the brachial artery. Diastolic pressure, the lowest blood flow pressure, occurs between heartbeats. Readings of 120 for systolic and 80 for diastolic indicate normal blood pressure. Higher numbers on a regular basis may suggest high blood pressure.
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
-
The American Heart Association includes obesity, lack of exercise, high alcohol intake, smoking, age and stress as risk factors for developing high blood pressure. While these risk factors as well as incorrect body or tool positioning can contribute to high blood pressure readings, consistently high readings may signal a serious heart condition that requires medical diagnosis and monitoring for causes and treatment.
Blood Pressure Research
-
Research studies funded by the National Institutes of Health may reveal more factors affecting blood pressure such as race, gender and heart wall mass and thickness. In the future, new knowledge about such factors may require a change of defined norms for blood pressure readings for different populations.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit blood pressure manometer studio isolated image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
