About-Cardio
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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 Monitoring
Introduction
Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two values:
- Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) – The pressure when the heart pumps blood.
- Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) – The pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
Why is Blood Pressure Monitoring Important?
Regular BP monitoring is essential for preventing and managing conditions like:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) – Can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure.
- Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) – May cause fainting, dizziness, or shock.
Methods of Blood Pressure Monitoring
1. Manual Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Uses a sphygmomanometer (cuff) and a stethoscope.
- Requires training for accuracy.
2. Automatic Blood Pressure Monitors
- Digital devices with arm or wrist cuffs.
- Convenient and easy to use at home.
3. Wearable Blood Pressure Watches
- Wrist devices that track BP continuously.
- May use optical sensors or inflatable cuffs.
- Ideal for daily BP observation but can have accuracy limitations.
How to Measure Blood Pressure Correctly
To obtain accurate BP readings, follow these guidelines:
- Sit in a quiet environment for at least 5 minutes before measuring.
- Keep your back straight and supported.
- Place your arm at heart level on a table.
- Avoid caffeine, smoking, and exercise for 30 minutes before measurement.
- Take multiple readings and record the average.
Understanding Your Readings
A normal BP level is around 120/80 mmHg . However, different conditions exist:
- Normal : Below 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated : 120-129/<80 mmHg
- Hypertension Stage 1 : 130-139/80-89 mmHg
- Hypertension Stage 2 : 140/90 mmHg or higher
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if:
- Your BP is consistently above 140/90 mmHg.
- You experience dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
- Your wearable BP monitor shows irregular heart rhythms.
Final Thoughts
Wearable BP devices are a great tool for tracking trends in blood pressure, but they should not replace clinical measurements with validated devices. If you have or suspect BP-related issues, regular check-ups with your doctor are a must.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Blood Pressure Management
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
- https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2017/11/08/11/47/mon-5pm-bp-guideline-aha-2017
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure
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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
- https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/33/3021/5079119
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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:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.