![]() ![]() This is why it’s important to see your doctor and have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have one or more of the known risk factors.Ī few people with very high blood pressure may experience headache, dizziness or the sudden effects of diseases of the arteries such as chest pain or stroke.ĪRE YOU AT RISK? - Are you at risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease? Use the Risk Checker to find out. Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, and may feel quite well. Your doctor may confirm this using a 24-hour blood pressure measurement or getting you to measure your blood pressure at home. Generally, if a person has a blood pressure reading greater than 140/90mmHg taken at least 2 different times, they have high blood pressure. What is high blood pressure (hypertension)? You should keep your legs uncrossed.Ĭaffeine and smoking can also raise your blood pressure reading, so it’s a good idea to avoid them for at least 2 hours before measuring your blood pressure. You should be seated and relaxed for a few minutes before measuring your blood pressure. This will help them get a correct reading. Your doctor may measure your blood pressure a total of 3 times at 1 – 2 minute intervals. It can be a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. You will feel pressure over your upper arm while the cuff is inflated. If your doctor is measuring your blood pressure manually, they will begin to inflate and then deflate the cuff, while using a stethoscope to listen to the pulse on the inside of your elbow. Press the button to start measuring your blood pressure.Support the arm so it is at about the level of your heart.Wrap a blood pressure cuff around your upper arm, positioning it according to any instructions or diagrams printed on the cuff.Remove any tight clothing from your upper arm.Automatic blood pressure machines are also available. You can also purchase a blood pressure monitor to use at home, but it’s a good idea to ask your doctor if it’s necessary.Ī doctor or medical professional may use a manual blood pressure cuff, together with a stethoscope, to measure your blood pressure. You can have your blood pressure measured by your doctor or nurse, and in some pharmacies. How is blood pressure measured?īlood pressure is measured in is millimetres of mercury (written as mmHg). Your blood pressure changes throughout the day depending on many factors including your general health and activity levels. This is represented by the second number. Diastolic is the pressure in the artery when the heart is relaxing and being filled with blood.Systolic is the pressure in the artery as the heart contracts (squeezes).It is given as 2 figures highest (systolic) over lowest (diastolic). ![]() Your blood pressure is a measurement taken of the highest reading and the lowest reading. When the heart is relaxed, the pressure is lower. ![]() When the heart squeezes blood into the arteries, the pressure goes up. Related information on Australian websitesĪs blood is pumped by the heart around the body, the pressure with which it pushes against the walls of blood vessels changes. ![]() What is a healthy or ‘normal’ blood pressure?.What is low blood pressure (hypotension)?.What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?.Low blood pressure does not always cause problems, but if it does, you should speak to your doctor about ways to manage it.High blood pressure can increase your risk of many health conditions, especially heart disease.Blood pressure can be measured manually, with a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, or with an automated blood pressure machine.Your blood pressure changes throughout the day depending on many factors including your general health and activity levels.When blood is pumped by the heart around the body, the pressure of the blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels changes. ![]()
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