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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Monitoring
Introduction
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of your arteries. It consists of two numbers:
- Systolic Pressure (Top Number): The pressure when your heart beats.
- Diastolic Pressure (Bottom Number): The pressure when your heart rests between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg , but this can vary with age and health conditions.
What is Heart Rate?
Heart rate, also known as pulse , is the number of times your heart beats per minute (bpm). A normal resting heart rate is typically 60-100 bpm .
Factors Affecting Heart Rate:
- Physical activity
- Stress or emotions
- Caffeine and medications
- Heart conditions
Why Monitor Blood Pressure and Heart Rate?
Regular monitoring helps diagnose and manage conditions such as:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Can cause dizziness and fainting.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms that may indicate heart conditions.
- Cardiovascular Health Management: Early detection of abnormalities improves treatment outcomes.
How to Measure Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Correctly?
Blood Pressure Measurement:
- Sit comfortably with your back supported.
- Place the cuff on your upper arm at heart level.
- Avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise 30 minutes before measurement.
- Take readings at the same time daily.
Heart Rate Measurement:
You can check your pulse manually or use a heart rate monitor (smartwatch, fitness tracker, or medical device).
Conclusion
Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate is essential for maintaining heart health. If you notice consistent abnormalities, consult a healthcare provider for further assessment.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Hypertension
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/05/11/43/2023-ESH-Hypertension-Guideline-Update
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/11/09/11/41/2017-Guideline-for-High-Blood-Pressure-in-Adults
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.054602
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29133356/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Hypertension
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/38/3912/7741010
- https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/05/11/43/2023-ESH-Hypertension-Guideline-Update
3. American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Rate Monitoring
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/target-heart-rates
- https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/highlights/hghlghts_2020_ecc_guidelines_english.pdf
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/all-about-heart-rate-pulse
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.