Blood Pressure Reading Chart
This easy to follow blood pressure reading chart which displays various ranges including an adult`s normal blood pressure range, will help you to keep check on you and your family`s health which will help your doctor get a better assessment.
A blood pressure reading chart and a simple scale or graph can be used along with a monitor that suits you best.
First, get familiar with the different levels on the chart above. The Stages have also been revised and changed by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute so you will notice stage 3 is obsolete and prehypertension is a new category.
When you are plotting your graph, you will see a day to day or week to week pattern developing. This pattern, if it takes a consistent and unusual dip or peak, will notify you to take action as symptoms of high blood pressure usually are too subtle to notice or don`t exist. Comparing your results with the blood pressure reading chart will help you to keep check.
If you want to check the blood pressure of any teenager or young children, your doctor is the best person to do this as diagnosing blood pressure in teens and children can be a complicated procedure. See herbal treatment of high blood pressure at Teens.
Self-Monitoring
Now that you are familiar with the blood pressure reading chart you can start monitoring. But you need to know your blood pressure numbers. You will have noticed there are two kinds of blood pressure, Systolic and the Diastolic.
The Systolic is named after the heartbeat or Systole, measuring the pressure during the heartbeat. The Diastolic is named after the heart in its relaxed state or Diastole.
An adult’s normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80. To measure it during these two heart states, your doctor will use an inflatable rubber cuff, part of a blood pressure monitor system. This is wrapped around the upper arm and linked to a gauge which measures the pressure called an Aneroid Sphygmomanometer. Quite a mouthful, but this instrument gives very accurate reading along with a stethoscope.
You can also use the best digital upper arm or wrist monitors available for home use. They can be elaborate or simple gadgets, easier to use.
Know Your Numbers
Look out for the blood pressure test campaigns that take place every year in the UK. Joining as a member can give support to your own effort to keep your blood pressure under control.
Whatever type of blood pressure machine suits you, talk it over with your doctor. If you are not sure, ask him how to use your blood pressure reading chart and the equipment. I am sure he will be more than willing to help his patients who take an active interest in their own health, but make sure this is just to help you get a rough idea of your numbers. The doctor will give you a professional check-up.
Using the blood pressure scale below is very simple. You can buy graph paper from your local stationary and vertically on the left hand side of the chart write the numbers from 50 – 210. Do this in stages of five: 50, 55, 60, 65 and so on as you see in the sample chart below.
Download my updated blood pressure reading chart to record your results for up to 31 days
Having Fun With a Aneroid Sphygmomanometer
INSTRUCTIONS:
Have your blood pressure reading chart ready for reference, and prepare your blood pressure scale before you begin.
If you are using an Aneroid Sph., then place the edge of the inflatable cuff around your upper arm, at least 1-2 cm. above the crease. You will see two arrows on the cuff. Each one is a placement indicator depending on what arm you are using. It will be marked “right” or “left” arm. You must line the arrow up with your artery. Most people’s are quite visible.
It is important that you place the diaphragm, (the area where the arrows are situated) in line with the artery to get an optimal reading, and your arm slightly flexed, muscles relaxed, (don’t clench your fist), resting on a flat surface.
Close the deflating valve on the bulb by turning it clockwise until it stops. Place the stethoscope under the cuff where the artery is and listen through the earpieces of the phonendoscope after you inflate and measure to a maximum of not more than 20-30mmHg.
Continuously, slowly and evenly, let the air out at about 2-3mmHg every second. As you release the pressure you will start to hear the tone starting with a “thud” (as a nurse who was teaching me put it) of the blood pumping through the arteries. This happens when the pressure inside the cuff drops lower than the arterial peak.
As soon as you hear this tone or “thud”, read the blood pressure monitor and note the number. This is your maximum Systolic pressure. Keep listening as you release the pressure and when you hear the last tone or “thud”, read the gauge again. This is your Minimum diastolic pressure.
Release all the air from the cuff. Mark the results on your blood pressure reading scale.
You will need to practice a few times using your high blood pressure chart and equipment, before you get it right. Practice with family or friends. It’s fun but don’t expect an accurate reading because you will be in fits of laughter. But it’s all good fun while you learn, and when you get the hang of it, you and your family will benefit greatly.