Ok, so I was going to donate blood for the first time Tuesday at my school (I'm 17) and they wouldn't let me. The reason supposedly being that my pulse was a little too high (well...no supposedly about it). It was about a 104. That's the highest I've seen it. And my blood pressure was 123/72 (when I was getting ready to get my wisdom teeth out, it was like 108/73 or something...lol?) but I can't figure out why. Is it possible to still be wired on a huge cappuccino that I had over 24 hours before??? Idk...this probably doesn't make any sense...
2007-10-25 00:03:20 · 5 answers · asked by theshootergirl 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
There are two important vital statistics that doctors use to assess the immediate health of your heart: blood pressure and pulse. These "numbers" fluctuate as your heart's condition changes.
Blood pressure is taken using an instrument called a sphygmomanometer which consists of a cuff that can be filled with air, a hollow rubber bulb that pumps the air, and a glass tube containing a column of mercury. After placing the cuff around the upper arm, the doctor holds a stethoscope over the artery just below the cuff. The pulse can be heard. Next, air is pumped into the cuff, stopping the flow of blood through the artery. Then, air is slowly let out of the cuff, letting the blood flow again. The pressure with which the blood begins to flow represents the pressure of the heart's contraction (known as the systolic phase). More air is let out of the cuff, muffling the sound, and representing the pressure of the heart's relaxation (known as the diastolic phase).
These two phases are measured using two numbers which stand for millimeters. The column of mercury in the glass tube rises and falls with the flow of the blood. The height of the column is measured in millimeters. The first number, which is higher, is taken when the heart beats during the systolic phase. The second number is taken when the heart relaxes during the diastolic phase. Normal blood pressure ranges from 110 to 150 millimeters (as the heart beats) over 60 to 80 millimeters (as the heart relaxes). Patients with readings that exceed either of these ranges are treated for hypertension (high blood pressure). Readings below either of these ranges indicate hypotension (low blood pressure) which does not usually require treatment.
Average Blood Pressure Rates
systolic 110 to 150
over
diastolic 60 to 80
Your pulse is taken by touching one of several "pulse points" located on your body. These spots are areas where the arteries are near enough to the surface of the skin that the movement of blood through them can be felt. You can actually feel your artery expand and contract. Since the artery keeps pace with the heart, doctors can measure heart rate by counting the contractions of the artery.
Average Pulse Rates
Adult Males about 72
Adult Females 76 to 80
Newborns up to 140
Children about 90
Elderly 50 to 65
Nerves can affect your pulse.
2007-10-25 00:19:15 · answer #1 · answered by Zennjenn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your blood pressure and pulse fluctuates on a regular basis... the rise in BP is nothing to be concerned about as it is still well within the normal limits... however ur pulse rate is a little high(normal being 60-100)... i wouldn't worry too much about it ur pulse could have been elvated for a number of reasons
1. u could have been nervous
2. increased physical activity
3. and the slight possibility that the caffeene could still have some effect on u but that is highly unlikly...
dont worry too much about it, and next time try and relax
the reason that they couldnt take ur blood with an elevated pulse rate is because it would increase the chance of u passing out from loosing the blood
2007-10-25 00:48:00 · answer #2 · answered by Dea B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's normal. Just out of shape. Your bp raises when your heart does. Normal beat is 50-100 beats per minute. More than likely she miscalculated since it was only off by a point.
2016-03-13 06:28:06 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the caffeine from 24 hours before will have had nothing to do with it. you will probably have been stressed from school and nervous about giving blood, both of which can increase blood pressure and pulse.
2007-10-25 00:11:56 · answer #4 · answered by Gemma M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nervousness contributes to the raising of blood pressure (as your heart is beating fast). It's probably that you were nervous at the time (you might not have known it or admitted it but you probably were).
2007-10-25 00:08:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋