A priori, measurement of blood pressure is extremely simple. In reality, things can quickly get complicated. This measure is recommended to the surgery, but sometimes at home, it can be taken two or three times, or continuously over 24 hours, and finally, with a cuff or at the wrist. Worse, tensional figures not to exceed are not the same in different situations. Some explanations are needed.
Measuring blood pressure: the medical cabinet
Measuring blood pressure is performed while sitting or lying, after standing for several minutes. Two successive measurements are performed and during the first consultation, they were made in both arms.
The pressure sometimes drop when switching to a standing position. This is called orthostatic hypotension upon standing. Do not be too surprised if your doctor decides to re-measure your blood pressure after that you have raised.
The tensional figures normal not to be exceeded are 14 / 9 or 140 mmHg systolic blood pressure (PAS) and 90 mmHg blood pressure diastolic (PAD).
Measuring blood pressure: at home
Measure yourself at his home blood pressure is sometimes useful to confirm the diagnosis. Examples include "white coat effect", which corresponds to a rise voltage at the mere sight of the doctor. There conversely " hypertension hidden, undetected at surgery.
The self-measurement is also recommended to control the tension of a hypertensive person and to strengthen monitoring of treatment.
This self-measurement performed at home must follow 3 rules:
-3 consecutive measurements in the morning before rising.
-3 consecutive measurements at night sitting.
-for 3 consecutive days during usual activity and outside of the weekend.
At home, tensional figures normal not to be exceeded are lower than those required in medical practice: 130-135/80.
Measurement of 24 hours (ABPM, Ambulatory blood pressure)
In some cases, it uses a Measurement blood pressure continuously over 24 hours. It is then wear an armband during a typical work day and all night.
This measure is recommended for example in cases of large variation tensional figures in consultation difference between blood pressure measured at home and in consultation, high blood pressure and risk Cardiovascular important, etc..
The limits are:
24 hours: 125-130/80
Day: 130-135/85
Night: 120/70
Measuring instruments
Mercury devices are permanently abandoned.
While many Physicians use a simple cuff is recommended now to use the medical office electronic apparatus with automatic cuff (the upper arm).
At home, in the context of self-measurement, the cuff (humeral model) is preferable because more reliable compared to that which is placed on the wrist (radial pattern).
Why is it so essential to measure blood pressure?
Because reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 2 mm Hg decrease cardiovascular risk by almost 10%! |
