Blood pressure measurement
Blood pressure measurement is a central medical examination that can be performed not only by doctors but also by trained healthcare staff such as registered nurses, medical assistants, or paramedics.
To measure blood pressure it is important to have the right knowledge in order to obtain accurate and reliable values. If measured blood pressure deviates and is sometimes life-threatening, appropriate measures can be initiated.
Illustration: Measurement using the Korotkoff method
1. The cuff is put on.
2. The cuff is inflated until it stops the blood flow.
3. As the air is released, the oscillations in the blood flow are recorded.
4. When the blood flows again without turbulence, the measurement is finished.
Illustration: Measurement with an oscillometric device
1. The cuff is put on.
2. The cuff is inflated until it stops the blood flow.
3. As the air is released, the oscillations in the blood flow are recorded.
4. When the blood flows again without turbulence, the measurement is finished.
Two values are always distinguished in a blood pressure measurement. On the one hand there is the so-called systolic blood pressure. It describes the maximum pressure during the heart's contraction phase. On the other hand the diastolic blood pressure is measured, which is the pressure during the heart's relaxation phase.
The measured values are compared with the corresponding normal values. The blood pressure of a young, rested, healthy adult is about 120/80 mmHg. The higher value of 120 mmHg is the systolic blood pressure. The lower value of 80 mmHg is the diastolic blood pressure.
The older a person gets, the higher their blood pressure tends to be. This is caused by a natural loss of elasticity in the blood vessels, but it can also be caused by various diseases.
Sources:
This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 11/2025).
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
We hope you found the article helpful. Accurate measurements are essential for good blood pressure control. Our app BloodPressureDB can help with that. Clear instructions walk you through taking measurements according to current guidelines.
The app can also remind you if you wish. These features are fully available in the free version as well. Get the free app now.
