How is Blood Pressure Checked?
Have you ever been to see your doctor and they had someone put a cuff on your arm, inflate it and listen? If you have, then you’ve had your blood pressure checked. Here is exactly what happens when your blood pressure is checked: Step1: Squeezing. That instrument wrapped around your arm is called a “sphygmomanometer.” This oddly named tool squeezes your arm for just long enough to stop the blood flow. Then, the pressure is released. Step 2: Listening. The person measuring the blood pressure listens with a stethoscope. When the blood starts to flow again it makes a sound. The person listens and watches a gauge, and then records the measurements. Step 3: Recording. The first number recorded is the pressure of the blood flow when the heart beats. This is called “systolic pressure.” The second number recorded is the pressure between the heart beats. This is called “diastolic” pressure.” Step 4: Decision. Both numbers recorded during the blood pressure check are important. Health care provi
