blood pressure

Blood pressure

The force of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels

Normal blood pressure

120/80 mmHg

normal range

90/60 - 140/90 mmHg

mmHg

millimeters of mercury - a measurement of pressure

Systolic

• The first sound heard

• The greatest force exerted on the walls of the arteries by the heart pumping

• The heart contracting/pumping

• Average = 120

Diastolic

• The last sound heard

• The least force exerted on the walls of the arteries by the heart

• The heart relaxed

• Average = 80

Factors that affect blood pressure

• Age

• Genetics

• Medications

• Stress and emotions

• Pain 

• Health of blood vessels and heart

Hypotension

Blood pressure lower than 90/60 mmHg

Hypertension

• Blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg

• People are often asymptomatic and show no symptoms

Factors that increase blood pressure

• Exercise 

• Heart disease

• Pain

• Medications 

• Fear/anxiety

• Diet 

Factors that decrease blood pressure

• Inactivity

• Hemorrhage (major bleed)

• Shock

• Depression

• Medications

• Sleep

Blood pressure equipment

• Sphygmomanometer (BP cuff)

  • Manual 

  • Automatic 

• Stethoscope (to auscultate)