BP & BMI
Understanding BP & BMI
What is BP & BMI?
BP & BMI is a test that includes blood pressure (BP) monitoring along with BMI (body mass index) calculation for an individual. A BP test measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps blood. The BP test may be done as a part of a routine health checkup or as a screening for high blood pressure (hypertension). It is simple, quick, and usually painless. However, the BP cuff squeezes the arm while it inflates. Some people may find this slightly uncomfortable, but the feeling is bearable and lasts only for a few seconds.
BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for categorizing a person as being underweight, healthy, overweight, and obese. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but it is moderately correlated with more direct measures of body fat. Furthermore, BMI appears to be strongly correlated with various metabolic diseases like diabetes, etc.
What does BP & BMI measure?
Contains 2 tests
Blood Pressure
The blood pressure test measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it throughout the body.
The results are expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and presented as a ratio, with systolic pressure listed first followed by diastolic pressure. A normal blood pressure reading is generally around 120/80 mmHg. Readings higher or lower than this can signal potential health issues. Elevated systolic or diastolic readings might indicate conditions such as hypertension, which can lead to more serious health problems like heart disease or stroke if not managed properly. Conversely, abnormally low readings might suggest issues like poor heart function or dehydration. By assessing these pressures, the test helps evaluate heart health, diagnose potential cardiovascular issues, and guide appropriate treatment or lifestyle adjustments.
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Body Mass Index
The BMI test measures body fat using a formula based on weight and height. Specifically, it calculates the ratio of an individual's weight in kilograms to the square of their height in meters (or weight in pounds to the square of height in inches, with a conversion factor). The resulting value is categorized into ranges that indicate whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
The categories are as follows: underweight (BMI less than 18.5), normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9), overweight (BMI between 25 and 29.9), and obesity (BMI 30 or greater). Each category provides a general indication of body weight status and associated health risks. While BMI offers a convenient measure of body weight relative to height, it is best used in conjunction with other health assessments, such as body fat percentage, diet, and physical activity levels, to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s health.
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Other tests
