Lumiscope 1100 - Manual (Page 3)

3
About Blood Pressure
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the artery tube while blood flows through the arteries.
The pressure measured when the heart contracts and sends blood out of the heart is systolic
(highest). The pressure measured when the heart dilates with blood flowing back into the heart
is called diastolic (lowest) blood pressure.
Why Measure Your Blood Pressure?
Among the various health problems afflicting modern people, problems associated with high
blood pressure are by far the most common. High blood pressure’s dangerously strong
correlation with cardiovascular disease has made measuring blood pressure a necessity for
identifying those at risk.
Blood Pressure Standard
The World Health Organization (WHO) and National High Blood Pressure Education Program
Coordinating Committee have developed a blood pressure standard, according to which areas of
low- and high-risk blood pressure are identified. This standard, however, is a general guideline
and blood pressures vary between different people, age groups, etc.
It is important that you consult with your physician regularly. Your physician will tell you your
normal blood pressure range as well as the point at which you will be considered at risk.