How to read the results of a blood pressure monitor

The method for reading blood pressure monitor results mainly depends on the type of monitor used, which are primarily divided into two categories: electronic sphygmomanometers and mercury sphygmomanometers.

1. Interpreting results from an electronic blood pressure monitor: The higher value displayed on the screen represents the systolic pressure, with a normal range of 90-140 mmHg. The lower value represents the diastolic pressure, with a normal range of 60-90 mmHg. The number at the bottom indicates the pulse rate per minute.

2. The mercury sphygmomanometer is a traditional blood pressure measurement device and must be operated by trained healthcare professionals. During measurement, the healthcare provider listens to the vascular pulsation sounds via a stethoscope while observing the rise and fall of the mercury column to determine the blood pressure. When the mercury column rises to a certain height, air is gradually released. The mercury scale corresponding to the first audible vascular pulsation sound is the systolic pressure. As air continues to be released, the mercury scale corresponding to the last audible vascular pulsation sound is the diastolic pressure. Due to the complexity of operation and the risk of mercury leakage, mercury sphygmomanometers are gradually being replaced by electronic ones for home use.