Blood pressure values are generally reported in millimetres of mercury (mmHg), though aneroid and electronic devices do not contain mercury.įor each heartbeat, blood pressure varies between systolic and diastolic pressures.
Right position for taking blood pressure Digital blood pressure monitor in useĪrterial blood pressure is most commonly measured via a sphygmomanometer, which historically used the height of a column of mercury to reflect the circulating pressure. A medical student checking blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope.