Before you can accurately measure your blood pressure, you need to choose the best blood pressure device that you think is effective and dependable. SA sphygmomanometers popular especially to doctors and other medical practitioners. That is why manual device such as this is still recommended because of the accuracy that it provides. However, there are some important reminders that should be taken into consideration before actually measuring your blood pressure as follows:
• Measurements should not be rounded in any other way because it is important to be very
accurate in terms of numbers. The diagnosis can be greatly affected by any difference in
numbers.
• It is not advisable to be startled when the reading gets too high. It may happen one time or
another. Relax and repeat the procedure one more time, and if the results are all the similar,
then you can decide to see your physician.
• Checking your blood pressure more often than necessary can only cause stress and even lead to
an unexpected rise in your reading. Small changes can only give worries and stress that can be
damaging to your BP.
• Take a 30 minute rest before measurements. Check that your bladder is not full; or you have not
eaten a really big meal, did not smoke or have taken any caffeine content.
• Wear clothes that are comfortable or loose fit if possible so that there will be no constrictions
on the procedure, do not talk, or make any extra movement.
Simple procedure on how to measure BP using a manual device
• Check that appropriate cuff is being used before you start to measure blood pressure. 80% of
the cuff’s length should be equal to the upper arm’s circumference.
• Generally, cuff is being positioned securely on the upper portion of the arm, parallel to the
heart.
• The person should be seated comfortably on a convenient chair with arm supported flatly on a
table or desk.
• Again, it is important that the cuff fits the patient accordingly since too loose or too tight may
alter the results on the monitor.
• Inflate the cuff gradually until the arteries are totally temporarily shut off.
• Using the stethoscope, listen closely while releasing the pressure from the cuff slowly.
• The pressure in the cuff will begin to fall where a throbbing sound can be heard. First flow of
blood can be heard and indicated as the systolic blood pressure.
• When the pressure in the cuff is slowly released further, wait for the particular time that no
sound is being heard anymore. The number should be noted because it indicates the diastolic
blood pressure.
It is extremely important to take measurements two or three times daily if the patient is experiencing
high or low blood pressure. The records should be brought to the doctor for proper diagnosis and
treatment. Manual device such as the sphygmomanometer is proven to give a more accurate result
compared to its contemporaries. Follow the simple procedures for an accurate reading.