Lesson 4.2 - Blood Pressure

If you pay a visit to your doctor because you do not feel well, the doctor or nurse usually checks your blood pressure and your heart rate.  The heart is an important indicator of your health. 

Read Check Your Blood Pressure on page 192. Then, answer the following questions.

 

Question 1. What does your pulse tell you about your heart? 

Question 2. What is the name of the instrument used to measure blood pressure?

Question 3. What is systolic blood pressure? 

Question 4. What is diastolic blood pressure? 

 

Check your answers with those that follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers to Questions:

Question 1. What does your pulse tell you about your heart? 

Your pulse is how fast your heart is beating.  If it is beating too fast, it is working too hard.  Something is likely wrong to cause this.

Question 2. What is the name of the instrument used to measure blood pressure?

The name of the instrument used to measure blood pressure is a sphygmomanometer.  You do not have to remember how to spell it; you just have to remember what it used for. 

Question 3. What is systolic blood pressure? 

Systolic blood pressure is the high blood pressure reading when your heart pumps.

Question 4. What is diastolic blood pressure? 

Diastolic blood pressure is the low blood pressure reading when your heart relaxes. 

 


Go to the next page to continue Lesson 4.