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Blood pressure test

Blood pressure test

Blood pressure is measured with a sphygmomanometer. With a manual blood pressure monitor, a cuff is tied around the upper arm and inflated so as to momentarily stop the blood flow. When the air is released, the blood pressure is monitored. At this point, two measurements are taken. Systolic blood pressure is the reading when the heart contracts. Diastolic blood pressure is the reading when the heart relaxes between beats. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury(mm Hg). Hypertension or high blood pressure sometimes does not manifest in obvious symptoms and work as a silent killer. Electronic or digital blood pressure monitors use a microphone to detect the pulsing of blood through the artery. This monitor gives you a reading of pulse and blood pressure.

Kidney Failure

Kidney Failure indicates a loss of function of the kidneys. Consequently the kidneys are unable to flush out toxins from the body, thereby leading to accumulation of waste in the body. High blood pressure and diabetes are the common reasons for kidney failure. Other causes for kidney failure are multiorgan failure, infection, heart attack or stroke. Extremely low levels of blood pressure lead to inadequate blood supply to the kidneys. This may occur after traumatic injury or major surgery. Congestive heart failure can also reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Inflammation in the kidneys can occur due to allergic reaction. Acute glomerulonephritis can result from infections such as strep throat, typhoid, syphilis, hepatitis or mononucleosis. Another cause for kidney failure is hemolytic uremic syndrome where the infection causes inflammation of the intestines leading to toxins. Chronic kidney failure is due to kidney disease that occurs due to diabetes or chronic blockage of drainage of the kidneys.

Symptoms of kidney failure include reduced urine output and fluid retention. The patient suffering from kidney failure may experience shortness of breath and chest pain. There is fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea. The levels of blood urea and creatinine rise rapidly. There is a rise in blood potassium levels. The electrolyte balance in the blood is disturbed. Abdominal scan can help identify the cause for kidney failure. CT scan or MRI scan are sometimes recommended. Biopsy of kidney tissue aids in identification of the cause for kidney failure.

Dialysis is the recommended treatment for acute kidney failure. This process can mechanically filter waste from the patient's blood. Hemodialysis involves filtering of blood through an artificial kidney. Dialysis is done till the kidneys are able to function again. Peritoneal dialysis involves use of the periotoneal membrane in the flushing of body toxins.

Tilt table test

Tilt table test is a diagnotic test that is conduced on patients suffering from symptoms such as sudden drop in blood pressure. Patients suffering from symptoms such as fainting spells or severe lightheadedness may be asked to go through the tilt table test to check changes in postural hypotension. The tilt table test can throw light on unexplained fainting spells. During a tilt table test, the blood pressure is monitored with respect to its response to stress of gravity. Syncope is caused by unusual body response to position changes. Patients undergoing tilt table test are connected to ECG-type machine and IV line too. Isoproterenol or similiar drugs are used during the tilt table test. It is essential that the physician is informed of any medications such as appetite suppressants and sleeping pills. The patient is monitored in supine position and later in sitting position. Any symptoms of dizziness or vertigo are noted. Abnormal results of tilt table test are indicative of abnormality of blood pressure regulation.