Hypertension: Diagnosis and Measurement
The diagnosis is based on a simple measurement procedure, although in some cases other tests like the holter of blood pressure are necessary. It is imperative to complete the study with a laboratory test (blood and urine) and an electrocardiogram. To facilitate a diagnosis it is very important to keep these recommendations in mind:
>High blood pressure does not produce symptoms and may go unnoticed.
- It is more frequent from the age of 40 years, although it can appear at any age.
- There is a family predisposition, although it also occurs in people with no history.
How is it measured?
With devices called sphygmomanometers or tensiometers, which must be validated and approved. In the following link you can check if your device is validated on the web page.
The following indications are recommended for a correct measurement:
▪ As blood pressure changes throughout the day and night, always measure at the same time.
▪ Look for a quiet room, without noise or interruption, with a temperature of 20-25 ° C.
▪ You must be relaxed. Do not drink, eat, smoke or exercise the previous half hour.
▪ Rest 5 minutes before the measurement.
▪ Sit comfortably with your back resting on the back of the chair, do not cross your legs and take off the clothes that may oppress your arm.
▪ If the tensiometer is an armband, place the cuff two or three centimeters above the elbow. Leave the palm of the hand face up and the elbow flexed slightly at the level of the heart.
▪ If the tensiometer is a wristband, place the wrist to the level of the heart.
▪ Do not speak during the measurement.
▪ Make two separate measurements at least two minutes and keep the result of the second measurement.
▪ Record the values obtained to inform your doctor.
Different methods of measuring blood pressure
For the correct measurement of blood pressure figures two methods can be used:
The auscultatory method is manual, using a stethoscope and an inflatable bracelet connected to a manometer. It is based on Korotkoff sounds, pulse tones at the beginning (systolic) and at the end (diastolic). This method requires trained personnel to hear the sounds, a quiet environment and suitable measuring devices.
The oscillometric method is used by the automatic devices. It is based on the detection of oscillations caused by blood as it begins to flow. These measurements are often less accurate when compared to the auscultation measurements, so it is very important that the devices are calibrated and validated.
What are normal blood pressure levels?
▪ Normal blood pressure. The maximum levels of systolic blood pressure (maximum) are between 120-129 mmHg, and those of diastolic (minimum) between 80 and 84 mmHg. Lower numbers can also be considered normal, as long as they do not provoke any symptoms.
▪ Normal to high blood pressure. The figures for systolic (maximum) blood pressure are between 130-139 mmHg, and those with diastolic (minimum) between 80-89 mmHg. In people with diabetes, levels above 140/85 mmHg are also considered high.
Is the blood pressure compensated?
Talk about high blood pressure, normal or low, but never compensated or decompensated. At the practical level, these three possibilities are negative:
▪ Increased maximum (systolic) or minimum (diastolic) pressure.
▪ Have both the minimum and maximum elevated.
▪ Having a high and the low one is also bad.
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Hypertension: what is it and how does it affect us?
Dr. Francisco Torres Calvo
Specialist in Cardiology
HC Marbella Hospital Internacional
April 20, 2017
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