Blood Pressure Monitoring

Blood pressure (BP) monitors have been installed in 20 locations in Boeing St. Louis buildings. Blood pressure cards are provided for those who want to track their blood pressure readings. The monitors are checked quarterly by a calibration technician for accuracy.*

Employees are welcomed and highly encouraged to use the blood pressure machines. It's a great tool to help reduce risks of heart disease.

Locations of Blood Pressure Monitors

• Bldg. 33 (Near Café)
• Bldg. 65 (Café)
• Bldg. 67 (Café)
• Bldg. 67 (Level 1 Oasis, Post B9)
• Bldg. 75 (Snack Stop)
• Bldg. 89 (Level 3 just north of the elevators)
• Bldg. 100 (Café)
• Bldg. 101 (Outside Café near ATM)
• Bldg. 101 Annex (Post RR-13 in shop)
• Bldg. 101 (Post E-19 in shop)
• Bldg. 101 (Fitness Center)
• Bldg. 102 (Lobby)
• Bldg. 111 (Café)
• Bldg. 245 (Café)
• Bldg. 270 (Core)
• Bldg. 278 (Café)
• Bldg. 288 (Cafeteria)
• Bldg. 300 (Café)
• Bldg. 306 (Fitness Center)
• Bldg. 506 (Café)
• Bldg. 598 (Level 1, Post R4)
  

If you should have any problems with the new monitor in Bldg. 300, please contact Dave Echele at 314-777-8443, Roz Rawls at 314-777-8420, or Karen Warden at 314-777-8224.

When taking your blood pressure, remember to:

• Sit quietly at the monitor for 2-3 minutes before taking your blood pressure—longer if you’ve been in a stressful situation, walking at a fast pace, or climbing stairs.
• Wait a few minutes between blood pressure readings. Back-to-back attempts may result in erroneous readings.
• If you are tracking your readings, check your blood pressure several times a day over a period of time.

Hypertension, defined as high blood pressure, affects people at all stages of life, but it becomes more common as people age. High blood pressure can continue quietly for years, while damaging the heart, blood vessels, and other organs.

A normal BP is defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) as lower than 120/80. Readings anywhere from 120/80 up to 140/90 are now considered to be prehypertensive. Hypertension is defined as having an upper reading of 140 over a lower reading of 90. If you experience readings of 120/80 or greater, you should consult your personal physician. For more information about blood pressure readings go to the High Blood Pressure Center.

The higher number, or systolic pressure, measures the pressure during the heart’s pumping phase. The diastolic pressure, which is the lower number, represents the pressure during the resting phase between heartbeats. Pressure varies according to the heart’s demands and according to the time of the day. It is highest in the morning and lowest during sleep. The body can make dramatic adjustments in blood pressure within seconds.

IN ADDITION TO THE MONITORS, YOU MAY HAVE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED BY ONE OF THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSES LOCATED IN BLDG. 111 OR 598 DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.

* If you have concerns or questions about the monitors or if supplies of blood pressure cards are low,
contact Health Services at 233-3934.

 

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