Understanding blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force exerted on the walls of the blood vessels as it circulates throughout the body. Many factors influence blood pressure. Having a brain injury makes the brain more sensitive to additional injury caused by blood pressure issues.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure can damage the body without producing any symptoms. Some effects may include:
- Damage to the arteries, which can lead to heart disease or heart attack
- Stroke
- Decrease or increase in delivery of blood to the brain
- Kidney disease
- Dementia
Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure occurs when not enough blood reaches all parts of the body, which means the cells don’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients. Some effects of low blood pressure may include:
- Dizziness, especially when standing
- Fainting
- Dehydration
- Heart attack
- Very rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Very slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
Risks for blood pressure
There are controllable risk factors that, if managed, can decrease the long-term effects of abnormal blood pressure. Some of these risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Diet
- Exercise
- Pain management
Understanding blood pressure readings
Taking accurate measurements of your blood pressure over time gives your primary care physician a clearer picture of your blood pressure. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (top number): The top number, or systolic pressure, is the larger of the two numbers and measures the pressure in the arteries when the muscle contracts (heart beats).
- Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, is the smaller of the two numbers and measures the pressure in the arteries between beats (as the heart refills with blood).
Choosing a blood pressure monitor
Discuss with your primary care physician which device he recommends and the blood pressure range he recommends for you or the person you care for. The American Heart Association recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep monitor.
Best practices for measuring blood pressure
- Time of measurement: Measure blood pressure at the same time each morning and each evening.
- Proper arm positioning: Place arm on the table or support arm. Do not let it hang down below heart.
- Cuff placement:
- Place blood pressure cuff snugly (not tight) to the upper arm.
- If this is not an option, you can also use the lower arm, thigh, or calf.
- If the person cannot be seated, it’s OK to take the blood pressure while lying down. Just remember the arm should be supported at the level of the heart.
- Paralyzed limbs: Do not take blood pressure in a paralyzed limb.
Importance of proper cuff sizing
It’s important that the cuff is properly sized. Too large of a cuff will give you an incorrect low reading and too small of a cuff will give you an incorrect higher reading.
Recording and tracking readings
Relax for a minute or two then take the measurement; this can be repeated after 2 minutes. Record the results in a log or journal.
When to call the doctor
If your blood pressure remains lower or higher than what your doctor recommends, or if you experience related symptoms, notify your healthcare provider and follow any instructions they may have given you. Be sure to keep your follow-up visit.