This is how to read the results of blood pressure checks

Many blood pressure checks are now done independently at home. However, the diagnosis of accurate readings of blood pressure results must still be carried out by doctors or medical personnel.

Blood pressure checks are carried out to monitor the health of blood circulation in the body. There are various factors that can affect your blood pressure, ranging from lifestyle, activity, to psychology. Routine blood pressure checks are usually recommended by doctors.

Understanding Blood Pressure Check Results

There are two numbers printed on the blood pressure meter. The number above shows the systolic pressure, while the number below shows the diastolic pressure.

Blood pressure levels are measured in mmHg or millimeters of mercury (mercury). In the medical world, mercury is used as the standard unit of measurement for blood pressure. From the results of blood pressure examination, it can be categorized as follows:

  • Normal

    A blood pressure level of less than 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. If your blood pressure is normal, maintain it by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

  • Prehypertension

    Your blood pressure can fall into this category if it is between 120-129 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic. If not treated immediately, prehypertension can be at risk of becoming a symptom of hypertension.

  • Hypertension ddegree 1

    Your blood pressure ranges from 130-139 mmHg systolic or 80-89 mmHg diastolic, including grade 1 hypertension. However, you do not necessarily have grade 1 hypertension if this test is only done once. The doctor will repeat the examination to be sure.

  • Hypertension ddegree 2

    You can be diagnosed with grade 2 hypertension if your blood pressure is constantly above 140/90 mmHg. If your blood pressure reaches this limit, your doctor will prescribe medicines to lower high blood pressure that you need to take regularly, and advise you to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

  • Hypertensive Crisis

    If your blood pressure is over 180/120 mmHg, wait five minutes and then repeat your test. If your blood pressure is still the same, then you should see a doctor because it is included in the category of hypertensive crisis. Also be aware of other symptoms that may accompany the pain in the chest, shortness of breath, back pain, feeling weak or numb, changes in vision, or difficulty speaking.

On the other hand, if your blood pressure is often below 90/60 mmHg, you may have low blood pressure or hypotension. Hypotension can also be accompanied by dizziness, due to lack of oxygen supply in the blood. Hypotension or hypertension can pose a high risk to health and need to be treated by a doctor immediately.

How to check blood pressure for more accurate results

Regular blood pressure checks are especially important for people with high blood pressure. In addition to understanding blood pressure patterns, this examination can also help administer medication and monitor the effectiveness of the treatment given, as well as help doctors estimate potential complications.

Before carrying out the examination, there are things that need to be done or avoided so that the blood pressure test is more accurate:

  • Do not eat, smoke, and drink caffeine and alcohol for at least 30 minutes before the test. Also, don't forget to pee first. A full urinary tract can increase blood pressure even if only slightly.
  • Try to be calm when checking blood pressure. You can try to relax by sitting for five minutes in the most comfortable position possible before the examination. Try not to talk and think about things that trigger stress.
  • Position your arms at heart level, on a table or armchair. Make sure your palms are up. Place a pillow or pad under your arms so that your arms are at heart level.
  • Roll the sleeves up. The blood pressure measuring device (sphygmomanometer cuff) should directly touch the skin so that the results of the examination are accurate.
  • If necessary, repeat the examination several times with 2-3 minute breaks. Record each test result as needed.

Doing blood pressure checks independently at home is useful for monitoring blood pressure, especially needed by people with high blood pressure. Do it according to the doctor's recommendations. If the results of your blood pressure check are outside normal limits or certain symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.