2. ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
2.1 What is Blood Pressure?
Simply put, arterial blood pressure is the force of blood exerted against the walls of the arteries. There
are two components to blood pressure - systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic, the higher pressure,
occurs during contraction of the heart. Diastolic, the lower pressure, occurs when the heart is at "rest."
Your level of blood pressure is determined in the circulatory center of the brain and adjusts to a variety
of situations through feedback from the nervous system. To adjust blood pressure, the strength and
frequency of the heart (Pulse), as well as the width of circulatory blood vessels is altered. Blood vessel
width is effected by fine muscles in the blood vessel walls.
Blood pressure is traditionally measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). It is recorded as
systolic/diastolic. For example a systolic of 120 and diastolic of 80 would be recorded 120/80.
Blood pressure is a dynamic vital sign - one that changes constantly and throughout the day. A
person's "resting" blood pressure is the pressure that exists first thing in the morning while a person
is still at rest and before consumption of food or drink.
2.2 What is a Normal Blood Pressure?
A systolic pressure of less than 120mmHg and a diastolic pressure of under 80mmHg are recognized
as normal by the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of
High Blood Pressure, 2003.
Note:
Blood pressure does increase with age, so you must check with your doctor to find out what is
"normal" for you! Even with normal blood pressure values, a regular self-check with your blood
pressure monitor is recommended. You can detect possible changes in your values early and react
appropriately. If you are undergoing medical treatment to control your blood pressure, keep a
record of values along with time of day and date. Show these values to your doctor. Never use the
results of your measurements to independently alter the drug doses prescribed by your doctor.
2.3 What Influences Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is influenced by many factors including age, weight, physical conditioning, past
illness, time of day, altitude, activity, and climate, to name just a few. In general, blood pressure is
lower in the morning and increases throughout the day. It is lower in warm weather, and higher in
cold weather.
Physical activity can have a significant short term impact on blood pressure. Work, exercise, smoking,
eating, drinking - even talking, laughing, or crying will all affect a person's blood pressure.
Your diet, including beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, may affect blood pressure. Emotional
stress can have a dramatic impact on your blood pressure.
3
16
10. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:
2.11 lbs. / 483 g (with batteries)
Size:
3.75” (W) x 6.56” (L) x 8.5” (H)
124mm (W) x 205mm (L) x 81mm (H)
Storage temperature:
–5°C to +50°C (23°F - 122°F)
Humidity:
15% to 85% relative humidity maximum
Operation temperature:
10°C to 40°C ( 50°F - 104°F)
Display:
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
Measuring method:
Oscillometric
Pressure sensor:
Capacitive
Measuring range:
SYS/DIA:
30 to 280 mmHg
Pulse:
40 to 200 per minute
Cuff pressure display range:
0–299 mmHg
Memory:
Automatically stores the last 14 measurements.
Measuring resolution:
1 mmHg
Accuracy:
Pressure within ± 3 mmHg
pulse ± 5 % of the reading
Power source:
a) 4 AA batteries, 1.5 V
b) AC adapter 6 V DC 600 mA
(voltage 4.5 V DC to 6 V DC)
Special accessories:
Cuff type 850-6013SA, Small Adult
(7.5” – 9.4”) arm circumference
(19.05 - 23.87 cm)
Cuff type 850-6013X, Large Adult
(13” - 17”) arm circumference
(33.02-43.18 cm)
Cuff type 850-6013, Adult
(9” - 13”) arm circumference
(22.86-33.02 cm)
