When BP is elevated beyond the acceptable physiological limits, then a diagnosis of high BP or hypertension is made. Ii) Indirect measurements: Using different types of sphygmomanometers.These include the mercury sphygmomanometers, automated BP devices and ambulatory BP recording devices.

This is performed in intensive care units where a constant I) Direct measurements: Invasive monitoring devices using an intra-arterial monitoring line connected to a transducer. Clinically, it is the arterial BP which is important, and this is recorded by either direct or indirect measurements. Blood pressure (BP) refers to pressure exerted by the column of blood on the vessel walls. This blood column moves forward in arterial system and reaches capillaries at tissue level where nutrient and oxygen exchange occur and finally returns to the heart via the venous system. Our circulatory system comprises the heart as the central pumping organ which pumps blood into the arteries. In Singapore, about one in four persons have been diagnosed with hypertension, and there is a higher prevalence in persons above 40 years of age 2.īy Dr Mohammed Rizwan Amanullah, Consultant, Department of Cardiology

About 9.4 million deaths worldwide are due to hypertension 1. Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease.