Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This pressure is necessary to ensure blood reaches all organs and tissues throughout the body. Monitoring blood pressure is an important aspect of overall health management, as consistent high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Can Fingers Measure Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure cannot be accurately measured using fingers. This method is not medically recognized or recommended. While one can feel a pulse with fingers, this provides information only about heart rate, not the pressure within the arteries. Relying on finger-based methods can lead to significant inaccuracies, potentially delaying appropriate medical attention.
Why Finger Measurement is Unreliable
Measuring blood pressure with fingers is unreliable due to physiological and mechanical limitations. Fingers lack the ability to consistently apply the precise, controlled pressure needed to occlude an artery and detect subtle changes in blood flow for an accurate reading. Traditional blood pressure measurement involves an inflatable cuff that temporarily stops blood flow, then slowly releases it to detect systolic and diastolic pressures. Fingers cannot replicate this controlled occlusion and release, nor can they accurately sense the Korotkoff sounds or arterial oscillations that professional devices detect. Studies show no significant correlation between finger device measurements and standard cuff measurements, making them unsuitable for clinical use.
How to Accurately Measure Blood Pressure
Accurate blood pressure measurement involves an automated home blood pressure monitor that fits around the upper arm. Before taking a measurement, rest quietly for at least five minutes with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Place the cuff on a bare arm at heart level, ensuring it is the correct size, as an ill-fitting cuff leads to inaccurate readings. Avoid talking, smoking, drinking caffeinated beverages, or exercising for at least 30 minutes before the measurement.
Take at least two readings, one to two minutes apart, and record the results. Take measurements at the same time each day, ideally in the morning before medication or eating, and again in the evening. Many automated devices store readings or can transmit them to a healthcare provider. For reliable results, ensure your device is validated for accuracy and compare its readings with those from a medical office annually.
Interpreting Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The systolic pressure, the top number, indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood. The diastolic pressure, the bottom number, represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Blood pressure readings fall into general categories: Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129 mmHg systolic and below 80 mmHg diastolic. Hypertension Stage 1 is 130-139 mmHg systolic or 80-89 mmHg diastolic. Hypertension Stage 2 is 140 mmHg or higher systolic, or 90 mmHg or higher diastolic. Readings exceeding 180/120 mmHg are considered a hypertensive crisis and require immediate medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Home blood pressure monitoring is a useful tool for tracking your health but should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan. Contact your doctor if your blood pressure readings are consistently high or low.
Seek immediate medical attention if your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher, especially with symptoms like severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, or difficulty speaking. These symptoms can indicate a hypertensive emergency or crisis. Any concerns about your blood pressure or changes in readings should prompt a discussion with your healthcare provider.