UNDERSTANDING BLOOD PRESSURE



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How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure is measured by an instrument
called a sphygmomanometer, which includes
a blood pressure cuff that is placed on the arm
above the elbow. A stethoscope is used to listen
to the blood pressure.

When the blood pressure is recorded, there is a
higher and lower number. The higher number is
called the systolic blood pressure. The lower
number is called the diastolic blood pressure.

Hypertension is the name given to high blood
pressure. Hypotension means low blood pressure.
Normotension means normal blood pressure.

Blood pressure fluctuates with activities like exercise, 
certain medications, blood loss and more. Normal
pressure may vary for different people. Factors such
as age, cigarette smoking , heart disease , stroke, diabetes,
stress and renal failure will all impact blood pressure changes.



The consequences of poor circulation

The patient who has heart failure,
is also at risk for stroke or renal failure.
The diabetetic patient is also at risk for stroke.
This topic continues here: Poor circulation.

Dearnurses.com is no longer available. Abdominal Aortic Aneutysm may result
from hypertension. A stroke may also result from hypertension.


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