printable blood pressure charts for adults

Many people get nervous about getting their blood pressure taken at a provider's office. Also, home monitoring may make the test less stressful. But it can provide important information, such as whether treatment is working or your condition may have worsened. Home monitoring is not a replacement for regular visits to your provider. An at-home blood pressure monitor usually includes a blood pressure cuff and a digital device to record and display blood pressure readings. Your provider may also recommend that you regularly check your blood pressure at home with an automated blood pressure monitor. If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medicines to control your blood pressure. High Blood Pressure (with other heart risk factors, according to some providers)ĭangerously high blood pressure - seek medical care right away High Blood Pressure (no other heart risk factors) Your reading may show your blood pressure is: Blood Pressure Category High blood pressure readings are also labeled by categories, ranging from normal to crisis. The bottom or second number is the diastolic pressure.

The top or first number is the systolic pressure. Your results, also known as a blood pressure reading, will contain two numbers. This test only takes about one minute to complete. When it completely stops, another measurement is taken.

As the air continues to be let out, the blood pulsing sound will start to go away.

As the pressure falls, a measurement is taken when the sound of blood pulsing is first heard.

As the cuff deflates, blood pressure will fall.

Your provider will then open a valve on the cuff to slowly release air from it.

As the blood pressure cuff inflates, you'll feel it tighten around your arm.

If using an automated device, the blood pressure cuff automatically inflates, deflates, and measures pressure.

If manually, he or she will place a stethoscope over the major artery in your upper arm to listen to the blood flow and pulse as the cuff inflates and deflates.

Your provider will measure the pressure manually (by hand) or with an automated device.

Your provider will inflate the blood pressure cuff using a small hand pump or by pressing a button on an automated device.

It should fit snugly around your upper arm, with the bottom edge placed just above your elbow. A blood pressure cuff is a strap-like device.

Your provider will wrap a blood pressure cuff around your arm.

You will rest your arm on a table or other surface, so your arm is level with your heart.

You will sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.

What happens during a blood pressure test?Ī blood pressure test includes the following steps:

Printable blood pressure charts for adults