Blood Pressure Measurement
Optimal blood pressure for an adult is 120 systolic over 80 diastolic. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to confirm that it hasn't strayed too far from these ideal numbers If it rises very high (hypertension), you run a risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
About the test. Blood pressure readings are expressed in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). The first and higher number is the systolic pressure--the highest pressure exerted on your arterial walls as the heart contracts to pump blood out. The second and lower number is the diastolic pressure--the moment of lowest pressure when the heart relaxes between contractions. (See High blood pressure, page 174, for more information).
How is it done? The traditional way to measure blood pressure involves placing a cuff attached to a pressure guage (sphymomanometera) around your upper arm. The cuff is then inflated with a hand-operated bulb pump. To listen to your pulse, a stethoscope is inserted under the edge of the cuff on the inside of the elbow. The cuff is then slowly deflated by squeezing the bulb. The numbers on the dial when the thumping sounds begin and end correspond to your systolic and diastolic pressures respectively.
How often is it needed? If you're healthy and your blood pressure is normal, you should have blood pressure tested every two years.
You'll need annual testing if..
Your blood pressure has been high-normal in the past (130 to 139 systolic with 85 to 89 diastolic).
You're overweight or sedentary.
You have a family history of hypertension.
You're of indigenous hertiage.
You'll need weekly or daily testing if...
Your blood pressure has been 140 or higher systolic, 90 or higher diastolic. This determines whether lifestyle measures and/or medications are working effectively.
BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS FOR HOME USE
Checking your blood pressure at home can help you determine whether monitor you buy, make sure it's accurate by bringing it to your next doctor's visit. Also be aware that certain factors can alter the reading including stress, exhaustion, drinking caffeinated beverages prior to the reading and recent exercise. Four types of home monitor are available.
Aneroid manometer. This inexpensive unit relies on a strethoscope (sometimes built-in) and a hand-held bulb pump to inflate and deflate the arm cuff. The reading, which is generally accurate, is displayed on a numbered dial. Check its accuracy after purchase and then annually if your hearing is impaired or your hand dexteritiy poor, this monitor can be difficult to use.
Digital manometer. Powered by batteries, this monitor automatically inflates and deflates an arm cuff at the push of a button. The result is displayed on a digital screen. It's also available as a portable monitor that you wear for 24 hours and that automatically takes readings at regular intervals. This manometer is easy to use and recommended for those with hearing or vision impairment or who have wide variation in their basic blood pressure levels.
Wrist manometer. Here a battery powered cuff is placed on the wrist and (with a button push) automatically inflates and deflates; the result is displayed on a monitor. It's easy to use and conveniently small and portable but its readings can be inaccurate (especially the diastolic or lower number). To improve the reading, hold your wrist at heart level.
Mercury sphygmomano meter. Used for decades in doctor's surgeries, hospitals and clinics, this monitor can also be used at home. It is the most accurate but can be difficult to handle (you'll probably need assistance). Because a small but real risk of a spill of mercury (a neurotoxin) exists with this unit, you may prefer another type.
Body Mass Index
About the Index. In recent years the Body Mass Index (BMI), which evaluates weight in relation to height, has become the medical standard for measuring overweight and obesity. The BMI quickly determines (beyond the scales) if you are carrying too much weight. It can also be a predictor of other health problems related to excess weight, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
How is it done? You BMI is figured using a complicated mathematical formula. To save time, most doctors use a quick calculator like the graph at right. You can find your BMI yourself as well. simply locate your height at the bottom of the graph, go straight up to the line that matches your weight then find your BMI range. A 'healthy weight' is a BMI of between 18.5 and 25. Between 25 and 29 is considered moderately overweight and above 30, severly overweight (for obese). For a man or woman who is 170 cm tall, that works out to a healthy range of 54 to 72 kg, with obesity starting at 86.5 kg.
How often is it needed? If you need to lose weight, use this tool often to chart your progress.
A note of caution
Bone density test
About the test A bone density test is done to measure bone mass or how dense and strong your bones are. It helps to determine your risk for broken bones (fractures), spinal abnormalities and osteoporosis (bone-thinning disease) as well as to assess your response to bone-building treatments.
How is it done? There are several types of bone density tests. The most accurate, called DEXA, uses X-rays to detect bone thinnning most commonly in the hip or spine. Portable office-based machines that use X-rays or sound waves can measure density in smaller bones such as the finger, wrist, heel or shin. Your results are compared
with peak bone densities expected in a young adult. A deviation from the norm of 1.0 to 2.5 is a warning sign that your bones are thinning. A score greater than 2.5 indicates osteoporosis.
How often is it needed? Routine bone density testing is controversal because it can be expensive. However, many experts recommend that women 6.5 and older be routinely screened.
You'll need this test more often if...
Optimal blood pressure for an adult is 120 systolic over 80 diastolic. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to confirm that it hasn't strayed too far from these ideal numbers If it rises very high (hypertension), you run a risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
About the test. Blood pressure readings are expressed in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). The first and higher number is the systolic pressure--the highest pressure exerted on your arterial walls as the heart contracts to pump blood out. The second and lower number is the diastolic pressure--the moment of lowest pressure when the heart relaxes between contractions. (See High blood pressure, page 174, for more information).
How is it done? The traditional way to measure blood pressure involves placing a cuff attached to a pressure guage (sphymomanometera) around your upper arm. The cuff is then inflated with a hand-operated bulb pump. To listen to your pulse, a stethoscope is inserted under the edge of the cuff on the inside of the elbow. The cuff is then slowly deflated by squeezing the bulb. The numbers on the dial when the thumping sounds begin and end correspond to your systolic and diastolic pressures respectively.
How often is it needed? If you're healthy and your blood pressure is normal, you should have blood pressure tested every two years.
You'll need annual testing if..
Your blood pressure has been high-normal in the past (130 to 139 systolic with 85 to 89 diastolic).
You're overweight or sedentary.
You have a family history of hypertension.
You're of indigenous hertiage.
You'll need weekly or daily testing if...
Your blood pressure has been 140 or higher systolic, 90 or higher diastolic. This determines whether lifestyle measures and/or medications are working effectively.
BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS FOR HOME USE
Checking your blood pressure at home can help you determine whether monitor you buy, make sure it's accurate by bringing it to your next doctor's visit. Also be aware that certain factors can alter the reading including stress, exhaustion, drinking caffeinated beverages prior to the reading and recent exercise. Four types of home monitor are available.
Aneroid manometer. This inexpensive unit relies on a strethoscope (sometimes built-in) and a hand-held bulb pump to inflate and deflate the arm cuff. The reading, which is generally accurate, is displayed on a numbered dial. Check its accuracy after purchase and then annually if your hearing is impaired or your hand dexteritiy poor, this monitor can be difficult to use.
Digital manometer. Powered by batteries, this monitor automatically inflates and deflates an arm cuff at the push of a button. The result is displayed on a digital screen. It's also available as a portable monitor that you wear for 24 hours and that automatically takes readings at regular intervals. This manometer is easy to use and recommended for those with hearing or vision impairment or who have wide variation in their basic blood pressure levels.
Wrist manometer. Here a battery powered cuff is placed on the wrist and (with a button push) automatically inflates and deflates; the result is displayed on a monitor. It's easy to use and conveniently small and portable but its readings can be inaccurate (especially the diastolic or lower number). To improve the reading, hold your wrist at heart level.
Mercury sphygmomano meter. Used for decades in doctor's surgeries, hospitals and clinics, this monitor can also be used at home. It is the most accurate but can be difficult to handle (you'll probably need assistance). Because a small but real risk of a spill of mercury (a neurotoxin) exists with this unit, you may prefer another type.
Body Mass Index
About the Index. In recent years the Body Mass Index (BMI), which evaluates weight in relation to height, has become the medical standard for measuring overweight and obesity. The BMI quickly determines (beyond the scales) if you are carrying too much weight. It can also be a predictor of other health problems related to excess weight, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
How is it done? You BMI is figured using a complicated mathematical formula. To save time, most doctors use a quick calculator like the graph at right. You can find your BMI yourself as well. simply locate your height at the bottom of the graph, go straight up to the line that matches your weight then find your BMI range. A 'healthy weight' is a BMI of between 18.5 and 25. Between 25 and 29 is considered moderately overweight and above 30, severly overweight (for obese). For a man or woman who is 170 cm tall, that works out to a healthy range of 54 to 72 kg, with obesity starting at 86.5 kg.
How often is it needed? If you need to lose weight, use this tool often to chart your progress.
A note of caution
- If your BMI IS 30 or more, you may need medication and if you're more that 45 kg overweight, surgery. (See Obesity on previous)
 |
| Body Mass Index |
Bone density test
About the test A bone density test is done to measure bone mass or how dense and strong your bones are. It helps to determine your risk for broken bones (fractures), spinal abnormalities and osteoporosis (bone-thinning disease) as well as to assess your response to bone-building treatments.
How is it done? There are several types of bone density tests. The most accurate, called DEXA, uses X-rays to detect bone thinnning most commonly in the hip or spine. Portable office-based machines that use X-rays or sound waves can measure density in smaller bones such as the finger, wrist, heel or shin. Your results are compared
with peak bone densities expected in a young adult. A deviation from the norm of 1.0 to 2.5 is a warning sign that your bones are thinning. A score greater than 2.5 indicates osteoporosis.
How often is it needed? Routine bone density testing is controversal because it can be expensive. However, many experts recommend that women 6.5 and older be routinely screened.
You'll need this test more often if...
- You've had a fracture (At doctor's discretion.)
- You're peri-menopausal or menopausal and don't get enough calcium. (Annually.)
- You're a postmenopausal woman with risk factors for osteoporosis. (Annually or every few years.)
- You take or have taken gluco-corticoid therapy (annually or every few years.)
- You have osteoporosis. (Every year or two to see whether you are responding to treatment. With the information gathered, you and your doctor can then decide how to move forward with treatment.)
No comments:
Post a Comment