Measuring blood pressure, pulse or breathing at home. How to know the values?

Home measurement of vital signs is important especially for people who suffer from long-term cardiovascular disease, but not only for them.

A good example is high blood pressure

High blood pressure = hypertension.

Hypertension goes unnoticed in the early stages. However, even at this stage it can do damage throughout the body. It does not benefit the heart, blood vessels, eyes or kidneys themselves.

Similarly with cardiac arrhythmia.

Especially in the elderly, atrial fibrillation can occur unexpectedly. This is a disorder in which the atrial muscles of the heart contract in a chaotic and irregular manner.

And it is this chaotic behaviour of the atria of the heart that is the basis for the formation of blood clots. These can literally be ejected from the heart into the entire large bloodstream at any time.

At this point, one of the possibilities is the introduction of a freely travelling blood clot or embolus into a cerebral artery.

After the blockage of the cerebral artery, a non-bloody part of the brain occurs. Embolization by this mechanism is referred to as a cardio-embolic cerebral infarction.

You must have heard about stroke, how to recognize it early?

Did you know?
Cerebral infarction = stroke = ischaemic stroke.
Cardioembolic infarction = about 15-30%.
Atherosclerotic infarction = about 25%.
Cryptogenic infarction = with unknown cause = about 20-40%.
Other causes of heart attacks = about 5%.

Nowadays, various devices and instruments are available that allow you to measure certain vital signs easily and in the comfort of your home.

But also in the workplace or in public.

Self-monitoring, self-monitoring or commonly home measurement.

Sporty people use various wristbands, watches and apps to monitor their heart rate. They use them to check their activity and approximate energy expenditure.

This form of measurement is also suitable for people who have cardiovascular problems.

The pulse can also be measured by touch, however, an inexperienced person can feel his pulse instead of the other person's when measuring. The measurement is wrong in such a case.

Besides pressure and pulse, there are other vital signs that are good to measure from time to time and know their correct value.

One may find oneself in various circumstances in life when one does not remember the correct values of the basic vital signs. That is why we are providing a summary table.

Correct values for blood pressure, pulse, breathing, body temperature or sugar in one place.
Want to know more?
Read with us.

Basic vital signs are...

Basic vital functions include consciousness, blood circulation, i.e. blood pressure with pulse, respiration, body temperature.

Blood pressure

The heart is a muscular pump that works constantly, without a break. It draws blood from the body. It propels it through the lungs, where it is oxygenated, and then pushes it back throughout the body.

Blood pressure is the hydrostatic pressure that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels. The basis of its presence is therefore the heart's activity.

The highest pressure is in the aorta (heart cavity).

From the pressure in the arteries is derived the systolic blood pressure. It is also known as the upper pressure. Behind its formation is the contraction of the heart and the expulsion of blood into the cardiac artery.

The second value is the diastolic blood pressure. This corresponds to the pressure in the arteries when the heart becomes weak. It is also colloquially referred to as the lower heart pressure.

Blood pressure is affected by, for example:

• the volume of blood in the circulation
• the elasticity of blood vessels
• the viscosity of the blood, colloquially its density
• age
• body weight
• physical and mental (emotional) stress
• gender
• time of day
• injury
• illness
• medication
• external environment

Different conditions arise with pressure deviation, which are risky in terms of current and acute or also chronic time horizon.

High blood pressure develops from a young age. Its basis is usually atherosclerosis and other multifactorial influences, lifestyle, smoking or environment.

Although it is better to have lower blood pressure, hypotension can also be distressing. Sudden anaemia of the brain results in collapse (fainting).

If the body falls to the ground, there is a risk of head injury.

Pressure measurement also has guidelines to ensure that the readings are correct. It can be taken lying down or sitting up. Not standing and not immediately after physical exertion.

Nowadays, digital pressure gauges are well spread.

However, modern methods suggest that it will be possible to get a guideline value without a blood pressure monitor, using a mobile smartphone or a watch. Apps will also allow recording of the value, which can help when monitoring over a longer period of time.

In a nutshell, it should be kept in mind that the ideal blood pressure value should be in the range of:

Systola (upper blood pressure) 100 to 139.
Diastola (lower blood pressure) 60 to 89.

For a detailed look at blood pressure values, please see the article:
Overview table of blood pressure values.

In case of deviation over a longer period of time or after repeated pressure measurements, professional help should be sought.

Read about related diseases such as:

• Ischemic heart disease
• Angina pectoris
• Angina pectoris Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Cardiomyopathy
• Aortic disease
• Cerebrovascular disease

Pulse

We also know the pulse as the heartbeat. It is based on the speed of the heart. We can see how fast the heart is working by looking at some of the arteries.

In short and simple terms, the pulse is...

The pulse is the ripple in the walls of the arteries that occurs when blood hits the vessel wall as it leaves the heart.

At rest, approximately 70% of the heart's volume is expelled in a single contraction of the heart muscle. It is also referred to as the ejection fraction of the heart.

Heartbeat can be fast or slow. But it can also be irregular.

At rest, the heart works more slowly.
It pumps about 4 to 6 litres of blood per minute.

During physical exertion, when more oxygen and nutrients need to be supplied to the muscles, the heart rate increases. The increase in heart rate meets the increased need for the body to work.

The change in pulse rate and heart rate for physical exertion, excessive mental load, but also during rest or sleep is physiological.

Physiological = normal state of life manifestations.

The opposite is a pathological situation where the heartbeat and pulse behave unnaturally. In this case, it is a cardiac arrhythmia.

When the heart stops, the pulse is not present.

The rate of heart activity affects, for example:

• Age
• gender
• physical and mental exertion, stress, fear or anxiety
• trauma and bleeding
• pain
• increased body temperature
• medicines
• stimulants, coffee, drugs, smoking

Getting a pulse reading is easier. Just place three fingers (index, middle and ring fingers) of the hand on the wrist, in the area of the artery, and we can feel the pulse.

However, if we take someone else's pulse, we can feel our own pulse in the bellies of our fingers.

There are several places on the body where the pulse can be taken. And these are wherever the arteries are more accessible to touch. On the wrist, the hand, along the humerus, on the neck, below the knee, at the temple, and elsewhere.

Heart rate measurement can be done by modern means, watches, phones with apps or fitness bracelets. These options are especially familiar to athletes and today's generation of children and young people.

They measure their heart rate while running, exercising, during sports activities.

The pulse can be fast (if it is above 90 beats per minute) or, on the contrary, slow (if it is below 60 beats per minute).

The norm is 60-90 beats per minute.
Less than 60 = bradycardia, slow rate.
More than 90 = tachycardia, rapid rate.

Warning.

Athletes used to have a resting heart rate of less than 60 per minute. Their cardiovascular system has become accustomed to regular activity and has adapted.

Of course a heart rate of 33 per minute will be low even for athletes.
A pulse this low is dangerous.

In addition to the speed, the regularity of the pulse should also be noted. If skipping or irregular pulse is present, it is necessary to go for a professional examination.

We are not normally aware of the heart's activity at rest. It can be felt when it is under stress, either physical or mental.

+

In arrhythmia, palpitations occur = a symptom that needs to be investigated.

Breathing

Breathing is needed for a steady supply of oxygen to the body. Oxygen fuels the cells that need it to function.

You have probably heard that the cells of the brain or heart are especially sensitive to having enough oxygen in the blood.
Inhaled air has 21% oxygen and a small amount of carbon dioxide.
Exhaled air has 16% oxygen and about 4% carbon dioxide.

The inhalation and exhalation alternate to sustain life. This process is also automatic. The number of breaths increases with exertion or mental strain.

At rest, we breathe more slowly.

We can control the rate of breathing.

Neither breathing too fast nor too slow is good.

When breathing slowly, but also when there is a lack of oxygen in the inhaled air, the saturation of the blood decreases and consequently the lack of oxygen in the cells. The manifestation will be a disorder of brain and heart activity.

The risk is death of the organism.

Rapid breathing is encountered in everyday life, especially when there is psychological stress. In these cases, after a certain period of time, tingling of the body, fingers, mouth and general nausea or weakness are also added.

Read also about:
Hyperventilation and hyperventilation tetany

Rapid breathing may be a symptom of another disease.

The frequency of breathing is:
adults 15-20 breaths
in a child 25-30 breaths
in a newborn 40-45 breaths per minute

Assessment of breathing frequency:

• eupnoe = resting breathing 15-20 breaths per minute
• tachypnea = breathing rate above 25 per minute
• bradypnoe = slow breathing, below 12 per minute
• apnoea = absence - cessation of breathing
• dyspnoea - shortness of breath, subjective or objective (orthopnoea) impaired breathing
  • orthopnea = severe shortness of breath in which the person cannot lie down
    • forces a person to sit or stand
    • the person can be seen bracing his or her hands on the mat to breathe better

What can affect breathing rate:

• Physical activity
• mental, emotional stress, fear, stress, anxiety, nervousness or anger
• Age
• lifestyle
• medicines
• altitude - lower concentration of oxygen in the inhaled air = faster breathing

At rest, we breathe in about 15 times.
This is 5 to 8 litres of air in a minute.
One breath contains about 300-500 ml of air.
The amount increases, several times over, with exertion.

Vital capacity of the lungs - maximum inhalation + maximum exhalation =
for women about 2000 ml
for men about 2500 ml
for trained people and athletes it can be higher

+

In addition to the speed, you can also notice the depth, shallowness, breathing sounds, smell or rhythm (regularity) of the breath.

In babies, sudden stopping of breathing during sleep is a risk.
Therefore, the use of breath monitoring pads is widespread.

Oxygen saturation SpO2 (pulse oximetry) is a method of quickly determining the oxygen saturation of the blood. Nowadays, saturation devices are available that tentatively measure this value.

What is the normal blood oxygen level, you ask?
The SpO2 value/norm is between 92-100%.
Optimal blood oxygen saturation = 92% or more.
If your saturation oximeter reads above 92, that's fine.
Of course, a smoker, for example, will tolerate a lower value.

This is a non-invasive method of measurement where the device measures the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin based on light absorption (light remission). The sensor is placed on the finger or ear. Pulse oximetry measures both saturation and heart rate.

Consciousness

Our consciousness and its state is, of course, a manifestation of life.

If a person is unconscious, he or she is unable to respond to any external or internal stimuli. He or she is in danger of losing his or her life.

The risk is respiratory disturbance, blockage of the airway, by a foreign body or contents flowing from the stomach.

In the unconscious state, it is therefore important to be in the correct lateral position, also known as the stabilised position. If breathing is present, it is essential to check the cleanliness of the oral cavity and the correct position of the head in a slight tilt to clear the airway.

Vomit can obstruct the airway completely or, if it enters the lungs, cause dangerous pneumonia. It is reported that about 85% of unconscious people aspirate contents from the stomach.

The loss of consciousness itself may have a serious cause. Often it is drunkenness, intoxication with drugs or medicines, an accident, a condition following convulsions of the body, but also a lack of blood sugar or oxygen.

It is equally dangerous in adults and children.

In children, however, trauma is usually assumed to be the mechanism. And in young children, aspiration and blockage of the respiratory tract by a foreign body should also be assumed. Conversely, in adolescents, ingestion of alcohol, drugs or medication.

But beware of the handling of the victim after the accident.

First aid for any disturbance of consciousness and seeking or calling for professional help is of great importance.

Disorders of consciousness are divided into two basic groups, also based on manifestations:

1. Qualitative - when a person is not responding normally, but is:
   • confused
   • disoriented
   • responding inappropriately or unintelligibly
   • thinking, perception of the person is disturbed
2. quantitative - disturbance of alertness, clarity and attention
   • somnolence - a state of excessive sleepiness
   • sopor - the sufferer responds only to painful stimuli
   • coma - severe unconsciousness
   • fainting, collapse - short-term loss of consciousness, which may be caused by sudden brain dehydration, for example due to low blood pressure

The Glasgow Coma Scale, abbreviated as GCS, was designed to determine the depth of impairment of consciousness. It was established in 1974 by Teasdale and Jennett.

It contains 15 items to assess consciousness and depth of impairment. It assesses eye, verbal and motor response.

The table lists the Glasgow Disorders of Consciousness Scale

Other important parameters

It is also important to monitor body temperature or blood sugar. Not always and in all cases. However, in certain situations it is necessary to know these parameters as well.

Body temperature

Proper body temperature ensures smooth functioning of the body. Man is a warm-blooded creature and the human body maintains a suitable body temperature by thermoregulation.

Normally, the value is kept between 35.8 °C and 37.3 °C.

Body temperature is influenced by such factors as:

• metabolism
• activity and muscle work
• time of day
• age
• mental activity
• thyroid and adrenal hormones

A rise in body temperature above 37 °C indicates that something is wrong in the body. This can be caused by overheating (heat stroke or heat exhaustion) or flu. A rise in body temperature also occurs, for example, after an accident or stroke and for other medical conditions.

The opposite is hypothermia below 35.5 °C. It is mainly encountered in the case of exposure to the external environment. Cold, cold, movement in a cold environment, falling into water, being buried in an avalanche or other trauma mechanisms.

Hypothermia can also occur due to a shock state when insufficient blood supply to the body is present.

Various forms of body temperature measurements are available.

The most common place to measure body temperature in older children and adults is:

• under the arm - axillary temperature
• in the rectum - the rectal temperature is 0.5 °C more
• on the skin of the forehead or temples
• in the ear
• 0.3 °C more in the mouth and under the tongue - oral temperature
• in the vagina - basal temperature, 1 °C higher

In young babies, it is best to measure the temperature in the rectum. A young baby does not understand to hold his or her hand close to the body and it is important to follow certain guidelines when taking measurements.

Do not forget to subtract 0.5 °C after measuring the rectal temperature.
This will give you the final value.

Different types of thermometers are also used for different measurements. These may be digital, flexible tip, rapid (express), mercury-free, and others.

In the past, mercury meters were used.
However, their sale was banned by the European Union in 2009.
Mercury is a highly toxic and poisonous metal (neurotoxin) that affects the function of the nervous system.

Body temperature values

Read also.

Glycemia - blood sugar

Sugar is necessary for human life. It is essential especially for the brain. Along with oxygen, it is its main fuel.

Blood sugar levels are maintained by several mechanisms. The hormone insulin, glucagon, catecholamines, glucocorticoids and growth hormone help in this.

Sugar is obtained from food. From there it is then absorbed from the digestive system. Glucose stores are stored in the muscles and liver.

It is stored as glycogen.

+ Sugar is converted by the body into fat stores.

Or it turns into fatty acids and other forms of fat. These are then stored in the form we all know. In the subcutaneous tissue, on the abdomen, buttocks thighs and elsewhere.

Glycaemia levels are kept within an ideal range:
3.3 to 5.5 mmol/l fasting
after eating less than 10 mmol/l

If the glycaemia level is more than 10 mmol/l, sugar excretion into the urine occurs = glycosuria.

Good to remember:

Hypoglycemia usually sets in quickly.
The brain is very sensitive to a lack of sugar.
Without it, it is unable to function.

The manifestation of low blood sugar is problems like...

From fatigue, to drowsiness, pallor and excessive sweating, to disorientation and unconsciousness, which is referred to as hypoglycemic coma.

Caution:
A seemingly drunk person may not have ingested alcohol, they may be hypoglycemic.

On the contrary...

Hyperglycaemia usually progresses over a prolonged period of time.
A value of 30 mmol/l is a risk of onset of unconsciousness.
This is referred to as hyperglycaemic coma.

Decreased sugar value (hypoglycemia) below 3.2 mmol/l.
Increased sugar value (hyperglycemia) above 5.6 mmol/l fasting.

An elevated sugar value is a symptom of diabetes mellitus.

Both conditions are dangerous for a person. They are more often encountered in people who are being treated for diabetes. Diabetes has many other complications.

Less often, it is a lowering of blood sugar with excessive and prolonged strenuous physical activity or for starvation.

A transiently elevated blood sugar level is seen in a non-diabetic (a person who is not being treated for diabetes) after eating. It is then corrected in a moment, thanks to insulin and other mechanisms that control glycemia.

Pregnancy is characterised by a number of changes. Sometimes gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. It is known professionally as gestational diabetes mellitus. It is transient and usually subsides after pregnancy.

It occurs in up to 15% of pregnant women.
It is risky for the mother but more so for the foetus.

That is why testing during pregnancy is important. It is carried out by a specialist doctor, no home sugar measurement is needed.

A device called a glucometer is used to measure glycaemia. A drop of blood is put on a narrow test strip and a reading is taken after a while.

The most modern methods of measuring blood sugar promise a needle-free and pain-free measurement in the form of a watch.

Regular checking of the sugar value is required especially for people with diabetes who are on insulin treatment. There may be accidental increase in dose, repeated administration or the person may forget to eat after the injection or cannot take food.

In some situations, the usual dose of sugar or insulin may be insufficient. This depends on the current metabolic state, physical or mental activity and others.

Interesting information.

The table shows vital signs, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate, body temperature and glycaemia

Remember:

A child is not a miniature of an adult.

Therefore, even when measuring vital signs, the same values do not always apply to children of different ages as to adults.