Measuring Systolic BP

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Measuring systolic BP is one of the components which is required while measuring the blood pressure of an individual. It is a digit which is denoted in a fraction to describe the BP reading of a person. To get accurate BP readings, you need to possess appropriate information on how to measure systolic BP. For this, reading medical books and online information helps to learn the various ways to measure systolic BP.

Generally, blood pressure of a person is measured by taking readings for a systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. For this, taking the assistance of a physician proves useful to get the exact BP readings. However, you can also measure your BP at home, if you acquire sufficient information about how to measure BP at home by using devices like a digital and an aneroid monitor. Similarly, measuring systolic BP is possible if you understand what is it and how it is measured.

What is Systolic Blood Pressure?

A cardiac cycle includes a systole and a diastole. The word systole is a Greek word that means drawing together or a contraction. It is the contraction phase which describes contraction of left ventricle whereas a diastole is the phase when the heart gets filled with blood after systolic contraction. A systolic murmur is heard when the heart contracts in between the first and second heart beat. It is recorded as a number when the heart beats. Basically, the optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm/Hg. When the BP exceeds this range, it is called high blood pressure. On the other hand, the diastole should not be high as it causes hypertension. This situation is called isolated systolic hypertension or ISH which is not a good thing.

What Happens during a Systole?

In a systole, the heart muscles contract whenever there is an endogenous autonomic electrical stimulus. During this process, a systole leads to a fluid pressure generated in the heart chambers. It drives the blood flow out of the heart towards other body organs like lungs.

Measuring Systolic BP

• To measure a systolic BP, you require clinical volumetric instruments. Usually, a sphygmomanometer is used wherein its fabric cuff is encircled around a person's arm by slightly inflating it. The BP of a person is measured on a gauge which is attached to the cuff. You can take the readings when air is released from the cuff.
• Measuring of BP at home is also possible. You can do so by taking the help of BP measuring devices like a digital monitor or an aneroid monitor.
• It should be noted that a systolic contraction is usually based on two things, namely: 1) An ejection fraction (or EF) and 2) A cardiac output (or CO). Moreover, the four chambers of a heart experiences a systole in a similar fashion that allows further motion of blood away from the heart.
• If you get a reading below 90, it is considered to be low. A low systolic pressure leads to hypotension or low blood pressure wherein, the blood function hampers. Removal of waste matter and transport of oxygen and nutrients to the body cells becomes difficult. This leads to the death of the cells. And if the systolic BP reading is measured more, it leads to hypertension in individuals.