How To Measure Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure is measured using an instrument called the spygnomanometer. It can also be measured digitally. Blood pressure is always given as two numbers - systolic pressure (when the heart contracts) and diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes). It is measured in mmHg (millimetres of mercury). The normal blood pressure range is 110/70 to 120/80 with systolic being the first number and diastolic being the second number.

It is very difficult to correctly define normal blood pressure as the blood pressure range can vary widely. A single blood pressure monitor reading is not reliable. Blood pressure monitor readings must be taken at different times of the day to determine average blood pressure over a period.

Nearly all of us have our blood pressure taken but we do not know how it is being done. Find out more from this animation.

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