In what units is blood pressure measured, indicators depending on age

One of the most important indicators of the state of the body for each person is blood pressure. It is the pressure that reflects the correct functioning of the cardiovascular system. However, in order to detect changes in pressure and prevent the development of serious diseases, it is necessary to constantly monitor and correctly measure the level of blood pressure.

Normal human blood pressure

Each person has a very different level of normal blood pressure.

For an adult, 110/70-120/60 millimeters of mercury is considered the most optimal. A person whose pressure is at the level of 140/50 is most susceptible to developing hypertension, and who is below 100/80 mm Hg - hypotension.

Despite the standard pressure of a person, there is also such a thing as "adaptation pressure". It means that a person can only feel good under a certain pressure. And deviations from such pressure in a positive or negative direction, on the contrary, worsen well-being. These blood pressure indicators can be considered both normal and abnormal. For example, the usual average value for a hypotonic is 105/60 millimeters of mercury, and if the value rises, the state of health deteriorates sharply.

If the pressure figures begin to drop, then it is clearly expressed:

• Weakness.
• Dizziness.
• Loss of consciousness.

Based on this, we can conclude that changes in well-being are possible regardless of blood pressure.

With hypertension, pressure at the level of 140/50 units or more is already considered a pathology that must be eliminated so that complications do not arise later.

The term "adaptive pressure" is most often used for high blood pressure. For example, a hypertensive person can feel from 140/70 to 160/50, and a deviation from these limits in a positive or negative direction causes negative symptoms. Based on this, it is precisely such numbers that indicate pressure for hypertensive patients that will be considered familiar, although this is a significant deviation. However, such blood pressure contributes to the rapid depletion of the body, which can lead to premature complications.

Apparatus for determining blood pressure

The device used to measure blood pressure is called a tonometer. Answering the question of what pressure is measured in, it is worth noting that in the first invention the measurement scale was mercury. From there, it is customary to consider pressure in units such as a millimeter of mercury.

Tonometers are of two types:

• Electronic device.
• Mechanical device.

A mechanical blood pressure monitor consists of a cuff into which air is pumped using a small hand pump, it is most often called a "rubber bulb", as well as a pressure gauge with a scale of values. In addition, a stethoscope is used in tandem with this device. This device is still in use today. The pressure value on such products is the most accurate.

Electronic tonometer.

It is divided into 2 types:

• Auto.
• Semi-automatic.

The semi-automatic tonometer consists of a cuff, similar to a mechanical one, and also has a rubber bulb for inflation. But, unlike a mechanical one, instead of a pressure gauge, it has a device with a display on which the value of blood pressure and heart rate is indicated.

This type of tonometer has the most accurate indication of blood pressure, and also shows the heart rate.

How to correctly determine the level of blood pressure?

For a certain period of time before the measurement procedure, you should refrain from drinking alcohol and tobacco products, coffee, salty or highly fatty foods. Also, do not use drugs that can affect blood pressure. In addition, you should refrain from any physical activity.

Determination of pressure occurs in a calm environment. The person who will have their blood pressure measured should take a comfortable position in a sitting or reclining position. Then the hand must be placed on a table or a special stand. After that, put on the cuff on the forearm and fasten it tightly. Then they start measuring.

During the measurement of blood pressure, the patient's arm should be completely relaxed. Usually the BP on the right arm is slightly higher. If the blood pressure on both arms is the same, then in the future there will be no need to measure on 2 arms.

Normal pressure indicators are determined depending on age. As a rule, as the age increases, the level of blood pressure increases.

BP indicators depending on age:

• 20 years - 120/70 units.
• 40 years - 140/80 units.
• 60 years - 150/85 units.

However, these indicators are not universal. They are just averages. If age indicators are significantly increased, you should consult a doctor. Since in some cases they mean the development of serious diseases.

Measurement of blood pressure by the Korotkov technique

The Korotkov method is one of the most accurate methods for measuring blood pressure, recognized by WHO. First of all, for the procedure, it is necessary to take the most comfortable position and correctly position the hand. The tonometer cuff is put on the shoulder and fixed, then the stethoscope membrane lies in the cubital fossa, lightly hold it with your fingers.

Next, using a rubber bulb, it is necessary to inflate the cuff to the extent that pulse tones in the stethoscope will not be heard. After that, slowly you need to let the air out, opening the valve from the cuff. Air is expelled at a rate of 2 units per second. This feature must be observed for the correct determination of indicators.

As a rule, the first strokes indicate the upper pressure, and the last lower. The accuracy of this method is due to the fact that measurements are taken at the level of the heart. In addition, the determination of pressure is made on the brachial artery, which also increases the accuracy of the method.

Thus, the determination of the pressure level using this method is still one of the most accurate. Most experts recommend resorting to this method of measurement.

Summing up, it is worth noting that such an indicator as blood pressure reflects the state of the body as a whole. A healthy body regulates this parameter on its own, and with the development of various diseases, the mechanism for normalizing this indicator is violated.

It is on the basis of taking this parameter into account that it is possible to determine the state of such a system as the cardiovascular system. In addition, an indicator of lower pressure can reveal kidney diseases that need to be addressed. Regular determination of the level of pressure will avoid the development of serious complications and prevent the development of various kinds of complications.