You can also purchase a blood pressure monitor to use at home, but it’s a good idea to ask your doctor if it’s necessary.Ī doctor or medical professional may use a manual blood pressure cuff, together with a stethoscope, to measure your blood pressure. You can have your blood pressure measured by your doctor or nurse, and in some pharmacies. How is blood pressure measured?īlood pressure is measured in is millimetres of mercury (written as mmHg).

Your blood pressure changes throughout the day depending on many factors including your general health and activity levels. This is represented by the second number.

Diastolic is the pressure in the artery when the heart is relaxing and being filled with blood.

Systolic is the pressure in the artery as the heart contracts (squeezes).

It is given as 2 figures highest (systolic) over lowest (diastolic). Your blood pressure is a measurement taken of the highest reading and the lowest reading. When the heart is relaxed, the pressure is lower. When the heart squeezes blood into the arteries, the pressure goes up.

Related information on Australian websitesĪs blood is pumped by the heart around the body, the pressure with which it pushes against the walls of blood vessels changes.

What is a healthy or ‘normal’ blood pressure?.

What is low blood pressure (hypotension)?.

What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?.

Low blood pressure does not always cause problems, but if it does, you should speak to your doctor about ways to manage it.

High blood pressure can increase your risk of many health conditions, especially heart disease.

Blood pressure can be measured manually, with a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, or with an automated blood pressure machine.

Your blood pressure changes throughout the day depending on many factors including your general health and activity levels.

When blood is pumped by the heart around the body, the pressure of the blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels changes.

Free printable blood pressure charts