Most people are now aware that one's
blood pressure can have a significant impact on one's overall
health, and that excessively high or low blood pressure can
increase the probability of one being affected by some major
conditions.
Healthcare students are taught that blood pressure can be measured
by an instrument called a sphygmomanometer. An example is shown
in the sketch opposite that shows a column of mercury linked
to an inflatable cuff which is wound around the upper arm.
A stethoscope is then used to listen
to the sounds of the blood in the brachial artery, at the bend
of the elbow.
The sounds start at the systolic pressure:
(heart contraction => higher pressure)
and finish at the diastolic pressure:
(heart relaxation => lower pressure).
Hence blood pressure is expressed as :
" height of column of Hg at systolic pressure "
"
height of column of Hg at diastolic pressure".
However, there is a much simpler way to take an monitor your
own blood pressure. All the (very simple!) equipment needed
for most normal (non-clinical) situations can be bought online
in just a few clicks.
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