Blood Pressure Test: Diagnosis, Treatment, Methods and Tips
A blood pressure test measures the force of blood against artery walls using systolic and diastolic readings. It helps diagnose hypertension, hypotension, and related cardiovascular risks. This Class 11 Biology and NEET topic also includes test methods, mnemonics, and exam-based questions.
This Story also Contains
- What is a Blood Pressure Test?
- Why is the Blood Pressure Test Done?
- How Do You Prepare for a Blood Pressure Test?
- Blood Pressure Test Results (Systolic vs Diastolic)
- Blood Pressure Machine (Sphygmomanometer)
- Basic Techniques of Blood Pressure Measurement
- Blood Pressure Test NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
What is a Blood Pressure Test?
Blood pressure is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of the blood vessels. Blood pressure can be measured to check if the range is normal, high, or low. Blood pressure check up should be performed at least once every two to five years in adults of age 18 and older who have normal blood pressure. For 40 years or older, it should be done annually. It should be done in younger people if they have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. People who suffer from long-term medical issues, such as high or low blood pressure or heart disease, may require more frequent blood pressure checks.
Although low blood pressure (hypotension) is not usually a problem, some people may experience lightheadedness and dizziness as a result. High blood pressure (hypertension) increases the risk of serious illnesses like heart attacks and strokes if left untreated. Take this quick test, which might potentially save your life.
Commonly Asked Questions
Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart can't pump blood effectively, often leading to low blood pressure. Diastolic heart failure happens when the heart can't relax properly between beats, often associated with high blood pressure. Both types can affect blood pressure readings and require different management approaches.
Blood pressure variability refers to fluctuations in blood pressure over time (short-term or long-term). High variability is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and organ damage. It's important to consider not just average blood pressure, but also its consistency when assessing overall cardiovascular health.
Why is the Blood Pressure Test Done?
Most medical appointments include a routine blood pressure check. Screening for high blood pressure is a crucial component of general healthcare. The blood pressure is recorded for a number of reasons:
To acquire a baseline
To monitor for any fluctuation
To help in diagnosis of disease
To aid in assessment of cardiovascular system
To check medications e.g. anti-hypertensice drugs
Commonly Asked Questions
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps. It's important to measure because it indicates how hard your heart is working to pump blood and can reveal potential cardiovascular issues. High or low blood pressure can be signs of underlying health problems.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. It can damage and weaken blood vessels, making them more prone to rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) or blockage (ischemic stroke). Maintaining healthy blood pressure significantly reduces stroke risk.
Primary (essential) hypertension has no identifiable cause and develops gradually over time. Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications. Secondary hypertension often appears suddenly and causes higher blood pressure than primary hypertension.
Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure. It's an indicator of arterial stiffness and can predict cardiovascular risk, especially in older adults. A high pulse pressure (greater than 60 mmHg) may indicate increased strain on the heart and blood vessels.
How Do You Prepare for a Blood Pressure Test?
A blood pressure test often requires no extra preparation. However, the subsequent actions might offer the most precise measurement:
For 30 to 60 minutes prior to the test, refrain from using coffee, exercising, or smoking. These exercises raise heart rate and blood pressure.
Short sleeves will make it easier to wrap your arm over the blood pressure cuff.
Before the test, unwind on a chair for at least five minutes.
Inform your doctor about the medications you take. Blood pressure may be impacted by some medicines.
Commonly Asked Questions
High salt intake can increase blood pressure by causing the body to retain more water, increasing blood volume. This puts extra strain on blood vessels and the heart. However, salt sensitivity varies among individuals, with some people being more affected than others.
Moderate alcohol consumption can temporarily lower blood pressure, but regular heavy drinking can lead to chronic high blood pressure. Alcohol can interfere with blood pressure medications, affect heart muscle strength, and contribute to weight gain, all impacting blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Test Results (Systolic vs Diastolic)
The usual unit of measurement of blood pressure is millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Two types of pressures are obtained while measuring blood pressure:
Systolic Pressure | Diastolic Pressure |
It is the maximum pressure of the blood in the arteries when the heart pumps. | It is the minimum pressure of the blood in the arteries when the heart is filling. |
It occurs when the left ventricle is contacted. | It occurs when the left ventricle is relaxed. |
It is the higher of two blood pressure measurements. | It is the lower of the two blood pressure measurements. |
Normal range is 90-120 mm Hg. | Normal range is 60-8-mm Hg. |
It increases with age. | It decreases with age. |
Blood Pressure Machine (Sphygmomanometer)
A sphygmomanometer, also referred to as a blood pressure monitor or blood pressure gauge is a device used to measure blood pressure composed of an inflatable cuff to restrict blood flow, and a mercury or mechanical monometer to measure the pressure. The device was invented by Samuel Siegfried in 1881.
There are two types of sphygmomanometer:
Manual sphygmomanometer: It requires a stethoscope for auscultation. They are used by trainer practitioners, but this only yields the systolic pressure
Digital sphygmomanometer: They use oscillometric measurements and electronic calculations rather than auscultation. They use manual or automatic inflation. They measure systolic and diastolic pressure.
Basic Techniques of Blood Pressure Measurement
Some Basic techniques are discussed below in the table:
Techniques | Explanation | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Auscultatory method | This is one of the standard methods which is used by using a stethoscope for listing the Korotkoff sound as it cuts off the deflates. | Accurate and controlled setting | Requires manual techniques |
Oscillometric method | It measures the oscillation by cuffing off the pressure of inner systolic and diastolic pressure. | It is automated and user-friendly for self-monitoring. | This is an indirect measurement and it is affected by external factors also. |
Digital Monitor | A monitor which provides the blood pressure reading on the digital screen and is followed up by printed results. | A quick and easy method to use. It is suitable for monitoring your blood pressure at home. | The accuracy of the reading can be impacted by movement and it requires a battery. |
Aneroid Monitor | This method is used manually which inflates the cuff with a rubber bulb and it provides the reading via a dial. | Simple and portable and it requires no batteries. | After long use, there can be a compromise with the accuracy of the reading. |
Commonly Asked Questions
A sphygmomanometer uses an inflatable cuff to temporarily stop blood flow in an artery. As the cuff deflates, the healthcare provider listens with a stethoscope for the sound of blood starting to flow (systolic pressure) and then becoming unimpeded (diastolic pressure). This allows for an accurate measurement of blood pressure.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) due to historical reasons. Early blood pressure devices used columns of mercury to measure pressure. Although modern devices don't use mercury, the unit remains standard for consistency and comparison.
While often related, blood pressure and heart rate are distinct measurements. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls, while heart rate measures beats per minute. They don't always change in tandem; for example, during exercise, both typically increase, but certain medications might lower blood pressure while raising heart rate.
Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. It occurs when the body's compensatory mechanisms (like vasoconstriction and increased heart rate) fail to adjust quickly enough to the change in position. This can cause dizziness or fainting and is more common in older adults or those with certain medical conditions.
Blood Pressure Test NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
During NEET exam preparation, different types of questions about the Blood Pressure Test are asked:
The role of the autonomic nervous system in blood pressure control.
Pathophysiology of hypertension and hypotension.
Blood pressure-related diseases (e.g., hypertension, shock).
Interpretation of blood pressure readings.
Practice Questions for NEET
Q1. Assertion (A): Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the artery walls.
Reason (R): Sphygmomanometer is used to estimate blood pressure
A is correct but R is incorrect.
Both A and R are incorrect.
Both A and R are correct and the R is the correct explanation for the A.
Both A and R are correct but the R isn’t the correct explanation for the A.
Correct answer: 4) Both A and R are correct but the R isn’t the correct explanation for the A.
Explanation:
The lateral pressure applied to the arterial wall during blood flow is called blood pressure. A device known as a sphygmomanometer can estimate blood pressure. 120 mm systolic and 80 mm diastolic blood pressure in an adult is considered normal. Blood is transported from the heart to different body parts through arteries. Blood pressure normally increases and decreases every day throughout life.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 4) Both A and R are correct but the R isn’t the correct explanation for the A.
Q2. Baroreceptors are abundantly found in the
Carotid Sinus
Wall of Aortic Arch
Hering’s Nerve
Both a and b
Correct answer: Both a and b
Explanation:
Baroreceptors are a crucial component of the baroreceptor reflex, which is a rapid feedback mechanism that helps maintain stable blood pressure, ensuring adequate blood flow to organs and tissues.
Baroreceptors are abundantly found in the carotid sinus and the wall of the aortic arch.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Both a and b.
Q3. Why is systolic pressure higher than diastolic pressure?
Systolic pressure is elevated due to a greater volume of blood present in the heart during systole.
Systolic pressure is increased because of arterial contraction during this phase.
Systolic pressure rises as blood vessels offer resistance to the flow of blood specifically during systole.
Systolic pressure is elevated as blood is forcefully pushed into the arteries during systole.
Correct answer: 4) Systolic pressure is elevated as blood is forcefully pushed into the arteries during systole.
Explanation:
Systolic pressure is higher because the heart forcefully pumps blood into the arteries during contraction. Diastolic pressure is lower as the heart relaxes and refills with blood. The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure reflects the pulsatile nature of blood flow during the cardiac cycle.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Systolic pressure is elevated as blood is forcefully pushed into the arteries during systole.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main blood vessel that flows through the upper arm is called the brachial artery. The brachial artery is blocked when a patient's upper arm is wrapped with a blood pressure cuff and inflated (i.e., blood flow through the artery is stopped). Blood flow restarts as the cuff is gradually deflated. A stethoscope can be used to hear the tapping or thumping sound this creates in the artery. The systolic pressure is indicated by the first of these audible tapping sounds.
The listening method previously mentioned is known as the auscultatory method. It is frequently referred to as the industry standard for measuring clinical blood pressure. But there are so many different factors at play. Using the right strategy is crucial.
Before getting a reading, wait 30 minutes and abstain from eating coffee, tobacco, and alcohol. Also, take a bladder break first. A full bladder may cause a slight rise in blood pressure. Before and during the monitoring, keep silent.
The blood pressure reading is expressed in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is stated as the sum of the systolic and diastolic pressures, which represent the force of the blood against the artery walls during each pulse. For instance, a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg, also known as "120 over 80," is written. 120 is the systolic and 80 is the diastolic pressure.
The oscillometric method is a measurement method that relies on changes in the blood pressure cuff brought on by blood flow through the brachial artery. The blood pressure values are then determined by an algorithm that was developed empirically. Since it is less sensitive to outside noise, oscillometric blood pressure measurement is used by the majority of automated blood pressure monitors.