Background Information

Just as a refresher.....

Blood Pressure (BP) is a numeric measurement of the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of a vessel--whether that vessel is a vein or an artery

Systolic Pressure (top number) reflects pressure during ventricular contraction.....during a heart beat

 Diastolic Pressure (bottom number) reflects pressure during ventricular relaxation and filling.....between heart beats

Hypertension (HTN) is diagnosed if:

Systolic pressure is > 140 mmHg 

AND

  Diastolic pressure is > 90 mmHg

Chronic HTN is classified as:

Mild:  BP >140/90 mmHg

Severe:  BP > 180/110 mmHg

To assess BP

Cuff size should be 1½ times the upper arm circumference or a cuff with a bladder that encircles 80% of the upper arm

Take BP with patient in upright position and after a 10 minute rest period

In hospitalized patients or patients unable to sit upright, place patient in left lateral recumbent position with the arm at the level of the heart

Patient should not use tobacco or caffeine products for 30 minutes prior to recording

While electronic BP devices are acceptable, the old stand-by mercury sphygmomanometer may be preferred--especially in pregnancy

HTN can be found in all races, all age groups & both sexes