What units does a sphygmomanometer measure?

What units does a sphygmomanometer measure?

Arterial blood pressure is most commonly measured via a sphygmomanometer, which historically used the height of a column of mercury to reflect the circulating pressure. Blood pressure values are generally reported in millimetres of mercury (mmHg), though aneroid and electronic devices do not contain mercury.

What does the 120 mmHg reading indicate?

Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic (see blood pressure chart below), and may vary from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg in a healthy young woman. A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicates high blood pressure.

What do the 3 readings mean on a blood pressure monitor?

Systolic pressure (top number). The pressure exerted against your artery walls when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure (bottom number). The pressure exerted against your artery walls when your heart rests, in between beats.

What are the increments on a sphygmomanometer?

Gauge graduated 0-300mmHg (min) in 2 (max) mmHg increments, with pressure release valve.

How do I read my digital blood pressure?

In a blood pressure reading, the systolic number always comes first, and then the diastolic number. For example, your numbers may be “120 over 80” or written as 120/80.

What does a blood pressure of 120 80 mean?

The new guidelines categorise blood pressure as normal (<120/80 mm Hg), pre-hypertension (120/80 to 139/89), stage 1 hypertension (140/90 to 159/99), and stage 2 hypertension (≥160/100 or higher).

What is a digital sphygmomanometer?

A sphygmomanometer (/ˌsfɪɡmoʊməˈnɒmɪtə/ SFIG-moh-mə-NO-mi-tər), also known as a blood pressure monitor, or blood pressure gauge, is a device used to measure blood pressure, composed of an inflatable cuff to collapse and then release the artery under the cuff in a controlled manner, and a mercury or aneroid manometer to …