Omron Healthcare HEM-431C - Manual (Page 4)

4
A FEW WORDS ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
Blood pressure is the force on the walls of your blood vessels
as blood flows through them .
Your heart is like a pump . When it contracts, pressure
increases (systolic pressure) .
When your heart relaxes blood pres-sure decreases (diastolic
pressure) .
When a doctor takes your blood pressure, he or she measures
both your systolic and diastolic pressures and records them
as numbers .
The more difficult it is for your blood to flow through your blood vessels, the higher both
numbers will be . When blood pressure is consistently above normal it is called hypertension
(high blood pressure) .
Your blood pressure changes constantly . Blood pressure changes from day to day and minute
to minute according to your body’s needs .
One or two readings will not determine your normal blood pressure . It is very important to take
regular, daily measurements and to keep accurate records . In partnership with your doctor,
an accurate record of your blood pressure over a period of time can be a valuable aid in
diagnosing and preventing potential health problems .