Blood pressure is one of the most basic vital signs that healthcare professionals monitor in hospitals. It measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood around the body. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: the systolic pressure (the higher number) and the diastolic pressure (the lower number). A normal blood pressure reading is usually around 120/80 mmHg, although this can vary based on age, gender, and other factors.
There are several reasons why hospitals check blood pressure as a vital sign. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Early detection of health problems: High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. By checking blood pressure regularly, healthcare professionals can detect high blood pressure early and take steps to manage it before it causes serious health problems.
- Monitoring patients' health: Blood pressure is an important indicator of a patient's overall health. If a patient has a medical condition that affects blood pressure, such as kidney disease or diabetes, monitoring blood pressure regularly can help healthcare professionals track their condition and make adjustments to their treatment plan as needed.
- Medication management: Many medications used to treat health problems, such as hypertension or heart disease, can affect blood pressure. By monitoring blood pressure regularly, healthcare professionals can ensure that a patient's medication is working as intended and adjust the dose if necessary.
- Anesthesia management: Blood pressure is an important consideration in anesthesia management. Anesthesiologists use blood pressure readings to determine the appropriate dose of anesthesia and monitor a patient's response to anesthesia during a surgical procedure.
- Preventing complications: In some cases, low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, can cause complications during or after surgery. By monitoring blood pressure during surgery and in the postoperative period, healthcare professionals can detect and address hypotension before it causes serious complications.
In conclusion, blood pressure is a vital sign that hospitals check for a variety of reasons. It helps healthcare professionals detect health problems early, monitor patients' overall health, manage medications, and prevent complications. By keeping a close eye on blood pressure, healthcare professionals can ensure that their patients receive the best possible care. Blood pressure is one of the many vital signs that the ViSi Mobile system monitors continuously.
After using the calibration cuff once every 24 hours, clinicians can get a baseline blood pressure reading. ViSi Mobile will then continuously monitor blood pressure without needing a blood pressure cuff inflation. This means that patients wearing the ViSi Mobile system will be continuously monitored with alerts that will tell the clinical team if the system picks up on any irregularities.