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What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the
arteries. Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts; diastolic
pressure occurs when the heart expands. Blood pressure is measured
in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
What Affects Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is affected by many factors: age, weight, time of day,
activity level, climate, altitude and season. Certain activities can sig-
nificantly alter one’s blood pressure. Walking can raise systolic pressure
by 12 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 5.5 mmHg.
Sleeping can decrease systolic blood pressure by as much as 10 mmHg.
Taking your blood pressure repeatedly without waiting an interval of
5 to 10 minutes between readings, or without raising your arm to
allow blood to flow back to the heart, can also affect it.
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
E-7
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TAKING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
E-6
11. After opening the air release valve, listen carefully for a pulse
beat. The moment you hear the first thumping sounds of your
pulse beat, note the reading on the gauge. This is your systolic
blood pressure measurement.
12. When you can no longer hear any sounds, read the gauge.
This is your diastolic blood pressure measurement.
13. Remove cuff and make note of your blood pressure on
the blood pressure record located on page E-9.
NOTE: To be certain your technique was good and the
readings were as accurate as possible, wait 10-15
minutes and repeat the procedure.
Two-party method
1. If you plan on taking someone else’s blood pressure, have the
person whose blood pressure is to be taken to rest and relax at
least 15 minutes beforehand.
2. Have the person extend his or her left arm toward you, palm up.
Be sure the arm rests at the same level as the heart.
3. Position the cuff as indicated in the self-taking instructions.
4. Attach the manometer to the loop on the cuff, so that it is clearly
visible to you.
5. Perform Steps 1-13 in Taking Your Blood Pressure.
If possible, have your physician watch your technique to be sure
it is correct.