TIPS ON TAKING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted by the heart in pumping
the blood through the arteries and the resistance by the veins to this flow.
Blood pressure varies all the time, influenced by mental and physical
factors and is never constant.
In general, blood pressure is highest during the working hours and gradually
decreases during the afternoon and evening hours. It is low during sleep and
increases at a relatively fast rate after arising from bed.
Causes for Changes in Blood Pressure
• Body movement
• Conversation
• Emotions
• Eating
• Recent Urination or Bowel Movement
• Changes in the surroundings such as movement or noise, etc.
Before taking blood pressure, rest for approximately five minutes and
take your blood pressure while relaxed in a quiet environment.
Measure blood pressure using the correct posture and do not move
nor speak during measurement.
Avoid exercise, eating, drinking alcohol, smoking and other activities
that affect your blood pressure right before a measurement.
Take your blood pressure at the same time every day.
The ambient temperature should be approximately 20˚C when you
take your blood pressure.
Blood pressure measured at home tends to be lower than when
measured in a hospital, clinic or doctor's office.
This is because you are tense at the hospital and relaxed at home. It is
• Mental Tension
• Nervousness
• Drinking Alcohol
• Smoking
• Temperature
important to know your stable normal blood pressure at home.
Blood pressure at the wrist may be different from that at the upper arm.
As the thickness of the blood vessels differs depending on measuring position,
blood pressure value measured at the wrist may be slightly different from that
measured at the upper arm. In most cases, the difference for a healthy person
will be within about ±10mmHg for the systolic and the diastolic blood pressure.
Caution is required for the following persons: persons with hypertension,
diabetes, liver trouble, hardened arteries, peripheral hindrance of circulation,
etc., as there may be a difference between the values measured at the wrist
and those measured at the upper arm.
Let a qualified physician interpret your blood pressure readings.
Depending on your age, weight and general condition, blood pressure can be
slightly different. Consult with your doctor on determining what blood pressure
is normal for you.
Blood pressure classification by
WHO (1999)
-11-
(severe)
180~
(moderate) Hypertension
160~179
(mild)
140~159
High Normal
130~139
120~129
Normal
Optimal
~120
SYS
80
85
90
100
mmHg
80
84
89
99
109
DIA
110