Blood pressure is a medical condition that determines how slow or fast blood is pumping around the body. There are two different ways in which blood pressure is categorised which are high and low blood pressure. Everyone’s reading may vary which means that it may be referred to as good or bad.
Blood pressure is measured in millilitres and involves the units (mmhg). It focuses on the flow within your blood vessels. If there is a lack of blood flowing through the blood vessels then this is known as low blood pressure whereas if the blood is pumping faster through the blood vessels and around the body that results In a higher blood pressure which can affect your mental health significantly.
Blood pressure can affect your health and can lead to different heart conditions such as heart attacks, stroked or diabetes. Ensuring that blood is pumping around your body is important as that can help you lead a healthy lifestyle.
Blood pressure should be handled with care in order to keep healthy and reduce the effects. When your heart races, blood is pumped into your arteries. When your heart pumps blood your blood pressure is normal.
This is called Systolic pressure. Your blood pressure drops when your heart rate is pumping normally or is slowing down.
Your blood pressure reading uses two numbers that determine whether your blood pressure is high or low. Usually, the systolic number is higher than or equal to the diastolic value.
A systolic pressure of 120 with a diastolic pressure of 80 will show as 120/80. This means that you need to check your blood levels regularly it can become high and therefore needs to be checked with a GP.
How is blood pressure diagnosed?
Blood pressure has no symptoms which means that it is difficult to diagnose therefore it is recommended to see a doctor. It is important that you get checked regularly by your local health care provider and ensure that you are taking any medicines that have been prescribed to you. This is so that it helps calm down your blood levels.
Doctors or nurses may use blood pump machines to get the blood pumping through your body, if your reading is low they would perform a number of check-ups to ensure that your blood levels are at a normal rate.
The health provider would take two or more readings to stay on the safe side and be aware of your health status. They may do this by booking separate appointments and checking for other health risks the patient may have.
High blood pressure can lead to a series of heart conditions and become risky to your health. When it comes to children and teenagers, health care professionals compare their blood pressure readings to what is normal for youngsters of similar age, height and gender.
Different types
There are 2 categories that help individuals understand what the condition is and how it affects them.
The first one is called primary. Primary blood pressure is also known as high blood pressure and develops over time as you get older. It is quite common.
The other type of blood pressure is called secondary. It is caused by a medical condition and starts off with the use of specific medication. However, the condition can be treated when the patient stops taking the medicines that are causing the condition.
How does a Blood pressure test work?
For the test to work, there are a few steps that are taken to ensure that all health inspections are carried out for the well-being of the patient health and safety.
You can book an appointment with your local GP for a blood test, go to a pharmacy company and ask for a kit or buy a machine that will help you understand more about your condition and whether it is high or low.
It is vital to carry out tests as it is part of your general health and well being and is recommended by doctors to perform check-ups often in order to keep track of your mental health.
This can occur in both youngsters and the elderly. It can also happen to people who have ongoing medical conditions or chronic diseases. According to mayoclinic.org people, the age 40 and older may be diagnosed with risks of heart disease.
Therefore it is essential that both youngsters and the elderly take a test at least once every year. This is so that they will keep track of their medical condition.
Your doctor could also recommend that you check your blood levels at home. There are home monitors that are automated and simple to use and are available at local hospitals and pharmacies.
Some of the monitors can be connected to your computer system and allow you to easily send data to an online medical record. Consult your doctor to see if this is a recommended option for you.
Keeping a diary at home and having your doctor examine your blood levels once a year keeps track of your health condition. This would ensure that you are getting the correct readings and know whether your health is in good condition or not.
Processes and procedures
Usually, it is checked while you are seated in a chair and given a blood test to check your
levels and heart rate. Firstly you rest your arm on the table and take deep breaths. The nurse will use a monitor to check your blood rate.
They will tell you beforehand of the procedures that will be taking place whilst checking your health.
A part of the monitor called a cuff will be wrapped around the top part of your arm; this is so that it can check your blood rate. The technician will ensure that it is wrapped around properly. Once the machine is turned on you will feel a squeeze from your arm.
Once the reading is done there will be two different readings that determine whether your blood pressure is high or low. The nurse or specialist may perform this check-up twice to see if the results are the same.