Sphygmomanometer is a manual device used for measuring the blood pressure. Oftentimes, this is most preferred by doctors and other medical practitioners because of the accuracy and reliability that it provides. Moreover, this equipment is widely used by experts and people globally due to the convenience and cheap price that it offers too. By listening closely to the flow of blood via the brachial artery, blood pressure can be accurately measured. A stethoscope is the instrument used to listen to this pulse of blood which can be clearly heard. To successfully measure your BP using sphygmomanometer, here are some points that should be given emphasis and full attention:
• Relax and sit comfortably on a cool chair with your arm resting flatly on the table the
same level as the heart. Place the sphygmomanometer on the arm’s bare skin. No
clothing should hinder the device so as to measure the BP correctly.
• Check the designated mark on the cuff which points where to properly hit the brachial
artery’s site. The Velcro should be attached to the cuff for a comfortable positioning on
the arm.
• Be sure to tighten the valve of the device to guarantee that no air can escape when you
begin to pump the cuff. Place the stethoscope in your ears, put the diaphragm on the
brachial artery just near down the cuff. Hold the stethoscope appropriately, carefully
placing fingers on the part that sticks up.
• Now, you can begin to pump the cuff, listening closely when the pulse halt. When the
pulse is vague enough to be heard, pump up the cuffs another two. Then, turn the valve
gradually to slowly release some of the air. Loosen the valve slightly so that the air does
not escape in haste.
• This time, listen intently for the pulse to begin beating again. The first beat you hear
should be recorded immediately. This is your systolic blood pressure reading; the results
should correspond with the number you can see on the monitor.
• Release the air continuously but slowly until the moment you can hear the flow of
blood halt one more time. When you hear that particular silence, note the number. The
second reading is the diastolic blood pressure.
• You can now release the air that is left on the cuff.
• Repeat the method one more time to make sure that the results are accurate and
almost the same.
• Remove cuff from the person and return to box carefully.
Some helpful reminders
Generally, a normal adult blood pressure reading is 120/80. If the measurement exceeds this
reading, you might be in trouble, or in a higher risk for hypertension, which can lead into
something more serious physical condition.
Hypertension does not give any warnings and also known as a ‘silent killer.’ Therefore, it is
significant to take your blood pressure as often as possible to make sure that you do not have
one or to prevent and control if you have one. Prevention is always better than cure.