Blood Pressure Monitoring (General Practice)

Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial aspect of healthcare, as it helps identify potential risks and underlying health conditions. Blood pressure, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of arteries. Blood pressure monitoring is a non-invasive procedure, and it can be done in various ways, such as by using a manual or automatic blood pressure cuff, or by using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor.

Manual blood pressure cuffs consist of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm and a stethoscope to listen to the pulse. The cuff is inflated until it cuts off blood flow to the arm, and then slowly released while the healthcare professional listens for the first sound of blood flow. The reading at which the sound is heard is the systolic pressure, and the reading at which the sound disappears is the diastolic pressure. Automatic blood pressure cuffs work similarly, but they use electronic sensors to measure blood flow and provide an automatic reading. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring involves wearing a portable blood pressure monitor that takes readings at set intervals over a 24-hour period.

The importance of blood pressure monitoring cannot be overstated, as high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions. Regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended for people of all ages, particularly those with a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease, those who smoke, are overweight, or have a sedentary lifestyle, and those who have diabetes or kidney disease. By detecting high blood pressure early, healthcare professionals can work with patients to develop a treatment plan to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious health problems.