Learning to read your blood pressure results can save your life. You can take your blood pressure at home using a manual or digital device. Pharmacies, fitness centers and community health clinics also provide blood pressure monitoring and some facilities may offer self-serve blood pressure devices, so you can perform the check and read the results yourself. By understanding the figures given on your blood pressure results, you can define the course of action you need to take, such as changing your menu--even exchanging or altering foods at your next meal--or calling your doctor.
Learn to Read Your Blood Pressure Results
Step 1
Identify the two numbers from your blood pressure results. The top number is the systolic pressure, where the blood pressure monitor measures the pressure of the blood flow when the heart contracts. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, the pressure measured when the heart relaxes after contraction. For instance, a blood pressure reading of 120 over 75 represents a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 75, written as 120/75.
Step 2
Create four columns in a notebook, allocating a column for each of the following: blood pressure reading, date, time and notes. Fill in each column after each blood pressure reading. Use the notes section for writing down the activity you were doing before taking your blood pressure, such as eating a fatty meal, lying down or responding to an incident that caused you stress.
Step 3
In the first column of your notebook, jot down the top number, or systolic number, of your blood pressure reading. Draw a slash line under the number to allow room for the second number of your blood pressure results.
Step 4
Mark down the bottom or diastolic number of the reading, under the systolic number. The number will look like a fraction, such as 130/90 on a digital monitor.
Step 5
Compare your blood pressure results with a chart, guide or quick notes. A systolic number over a diastolic number in your blood pressure reading indicates the following: less than 120 over 60 to 80 is normal; 120 to 140 over 80 to 89 is borderline or prehypertension; 140 to 160 over 90 to 99 is mild hypertension; and 160 to 180 over 100 to 110 is moderate hypertension. Any systolic number over 180 and diastolic number over 120 represent severe high blood pressure.
Tips and Warnings
- As a beginner, you may confuse the two numbers, unsure of which number represents the systolic or diastolic blood pressure. To make it easier to remember, look at the written results as a fraction, with one number over another. Diastolic begins with the letter D, as in a denominator, which is always the bottom number in a fraction. Make additional notes in your journal throughout the day. Write down some of the improvements in your blood pressure or symptoms you are having. Your blood pressure may rise and drop throughout the day. Attach a diagram or reference table into your journal for quick identification and interpretation of your results. See Resources for more information.
- If you have at least two consecutive high blood pressure readings, call your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Blood pressure device
- Journal
- Blood pressure chart
