Blood pressure test is quick and easy it measures in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers systolic over a diastolic, example, 130 over 80 or 130/80.
Blood Pressure test preparation
- Do not drink coffee or smoke cigarettes for 30 minutes prior to the test. Smoking may cause a short-term rise in the blood pressure.
- Go to the bathroom, urinate to empty the bladder, full bladder can show an elevated blood pressure reading.
- Sit in a comfortable position for 5 minutes before the test, movement can cause short-term rises in blood pressure.
- Avoid tension anxiety and make you-self-cool, anxiety may raise pressure reading.
Both systolic and diastolic numbers in a blood pressure reading are important. At younger age, diastolic number is significant and when grows older, systolic blood pressure is especially significant.
To test your blood pressure, your doctor will use a sphygmomanometer, some use electronic instruments, or digital readouts. In these cases, the blood pressure reading appears on a small screen, and no stethoscope is used.