If you feel that you are suffering from high blood pressure, it is significant to always check your status every time. That means you need to read and monitor your BP every day for at least three times. However, there had been incidents that people who are hypertensive also suffers from what we call the ‘lab coat syndrome.’ This is a type of condition when the person approached or evaluated by a doctor or any other medical professional for that matter begin to experience a sudden increase in blood pressure. Therefore, it is good to take measurements at home if possible so that you can readily monitor your BP status.
There are various devices available that you can choose from but one of the most recommended
blood pressure monitor is the sphygmomanometer. This equipment is presumably the most economical
and dependable one, and most often than not, this is what doctors prefer to use.
Simple tips to follow in checking your BP with a manual kit
• From the box, take the cuff, pressure gauge, bulb, and stethoscope while carefully untangling the
different tubes.
• Sit comfortably in a chair with a table beside you where you can place your arm flatly.
Remember, your elbow when bent should be in line with your heart. Use left arm as suggested
by experts, but you can also use the right arm. Left arm however is more preferred.
• Now, try to bend your left arm for the initial test.
• The cuff should be wrapped on the upper portion of the arm. Slip the cuff through that
particular metal bar. If possible wear a short sleeved blouse or polo to make it more convenient.
• If the cuff has Velcro, it will be easier to secure the cuff. Snug the cuff just enough, because too
tight or too loose can greatly affect the readings.
• Place the stethoscope in your ears; make sure you are also comfortable with it.
• The diaphragm of the stethoscope should be totally on your skin just a little bit beyond the
elbow on the inside of your folded arm. It should be focused now into the brachial artery.
• Now, check on the rubber bulb and begin to tighten the particular valve at the bottom. You
should do this in a clockwise motion to perfectly lock it out and air won’t pass through when
you begin to pump the device. Just do not overdo it.
• You can now start to pump the valve gradually and steadily until the gauge has reached the 30
beyond the usual top number. Then, you can slowly turn the valve counter clockwise, carefully
so that the air is released continuously. Check if the needle is lowering at a speed of at least 2
marks/second for a more accurate counting.
• As the needle goes down slowly, listen attentively for a loud throbbing sound because it will
represent the systolic pressure. Immediately note the number you see on the monitor.
• Continue to listen to the beat until it slowly fades away. Wait till you hear a total silence
because that silence will indicate your diastolic pressure. Note that accordingly.
Follow these steps to make a successful BP reading using the sphygmomanometer. Until you perfect the
procedure, you are now ready to take a real measurement.