What does mm-Hg means in nursing terms?

Millimeters of Mercury (mmHg) is a unit of measurement used to measure blood pressure. It is the standard unit of measurement used in most countries around the world.

Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. It is measured in two numbers: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood out to the body. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer, which is a device that consists of an inflatable cuff, a pressure gauge, and a stethoscope. The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated until the pressure in the cuff is higher than the blood pressure in the artery. The pressure in the cuff is then slowly released while listening to the sounds produced by the blood flowing through the artery. The systolic blood pressure is the highest pressure heard, and the diastolic blood pressure is the lowest pressure heard.

Blood pressure is an important indicator of a person's overall health. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can cause dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms.