Measuring Blood Pressure

Many of you reading this will already be familiar with blood pressure terminology thanks to TV medical dramas like ER and Casualty.

Systolic Pressure refers to the pressure within the walls of the arteries when the heart's pumping blood out around the body (ventricular contraction). The pressure within the walls following the contraction (when the heart's relaxed) is known as the Diastolic Pressure. Arterial pressure will be greater on contraction, so the Systolic figure will always be greater and is quoted first, for example, 120 (Systolic) over 80 (Diastolic).

Although Diastolic Pressure remains fairly stable, factors such as stress, stimulants, exercise etc. can affect Systolic Pressure. Subsequently, these factors should be considered when measuring blood pressure (you may wish to refer to pre-assessment precautions).

Below are pressure readings and their related health status according to WHO. Who? The World Health Organization. If you are anything other than "Normal", you should consult a medical professional.

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