Measuring Blood Pressure

Measuring blood pressure is a routine procedure that can be done at home or in a healthcare setting. Blood pressure is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer, which consists of an inflatable cuff, a pressure-measuring gauge, and a stethoscope.

To measure blood pressure, the cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated until it compresses the brachial artery, which is the main artery that runs through the upper arm. The cuff is then slowly deflated while the healthcare provider listens to the sound of blood flow with a stethoscope placed on the inner elbow. This sound is called the Korotkoff sound, and it indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure when the heart beats. The diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when the heart is resting between beats, is determined when the sound disappears.

In some cases, an automatic device called an oscillometric monitor may be used to measure blood pressure. These devices are less accurate than manual measurements and are not recommended for routine blood pressure measurement.

It is important to have an accurate blood pressure measurement to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure.