Caption

Measuring blood pressure. Healthcare worker measuring the standing blood pressure of an elderly patient using a sphygmomanometer. Taking a patient's standing blood pressure reveals whether they have postural hypotension, a condition where a fall in blood pressure after standing up results in a head rush or dizziness. She is listening to the patient's pulse using a stethoscope and inflating the patient's arm cuff (not seen), which temporarily cuts off the blood flow. As it deflates, blood flow resumes and a reading of the pressure is taken.