Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped, and the size and flexibility of the arteries. Blood pressure is continually changing depending on activity, temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, physical state, and medication use. Blood pressure is usually measured while you are seated with your arm resting on a table. Your arm should be slightly bent so that it is at the same level as your heart. The upper arm should be bare, with your sleeve comfortably rolled up.

Blood pressure readings are usually given as 2 numbers: for example, 110 over 70 (written as 110/70). The first number is the systolic blood pressure reading, and it represents the maximum pressure exerted when the heart contracts. The second number is the diastolic blood pressure reading, and it represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.

To obtain your blood pressure measurement, your health care provider will wrap the blood pressure cuff snugly around your upper arm, positioning it so that the lower edge of the cuff is 1 inch above the bend of the elbow. The provider will locate the large artery on the inside of the elbow by feeling for the pulse and will place the head of the stethoscope over this artery, below the cuff. It should not rub the cuff or any clothing because these noises may block out the pulse sounds. Correct positioning of the stethoscope is important to get an accurate recording.

It is now possible to take your own blood pressure at home using an automatic blood pressure monitoring machine. These blood pressure monitors typically come in two styles, one that fits over the wrist, and one that fits more traditionally over the arm. Most blood pressure monitors have a built in heart rate monitor in the cuff that detects your pulse and is able to accurately determine you blood pressure. These monitors can store your past readings so you can compare them, and also provide you with your average blood pressure. Some of the blood pressure monitors are manual and you must inflate in the same manner that your health care provider. Others are fully automated and will handle inflating and deflating the cuff for you. Amazing these monitors are very inexpensive and you usually find one for between $40 and $100 .