Taking your blood pressure is not a hard task. Contrary to what we all perceive in general, taking your own blood pressure is an elementary thing. You do not need a medical expert just to have it. We just need to follow steps so that we will successfully have it. However, at all times, remember to consult a doctor if you are experiencing a number of physical discomforts and serious illnesses previous to taking such test by your own. This is to make sure that you are doing things right and you are fit to in fact take it by yourself.
But before we go to specific steps, let us first talk about the circumstances in relation to your blood
pressure. The result of the blood pressure is divided into two parts. It is divided by a line we commonly
use in mathematics as “division”. The top number is usually higher compared to the lower number. The
top number is called systolic while the lower number is called diastolic. These two are denominated
as millimeters of mercury or usually seen as (mm Hg). The test gauges the pressure in the arteries and
other parts of the heart.
Now let us go to simple steps to do to take your blood pressure.
1. Inflate the cuff by means of pushing the ‘Inflate Cuff” or ‘Inflate” button more than a few
times. This is applicable especially to digital blood pressure monitor. If in case you have
manual monitor, you can just manually inflate the cuff in a manner suitable for you. Do
not inflate much for security.
2. Deflate the cuff by choosing one of the ‘Open Valve’ or “Open” settings. If you have a manual
blood pressure monitor, you can also manually deflate such. By deflating it, you will now
hear the initial tick.
3. Close up the valve. After you have deflated such, it is now time to close the valve to keep
the result of your blood pressure. Be careful in closing the valve because it holds the
outcome of your pressure.
4. Read the blood pressure figures at the same time as paying attention for Korotkoff Sounds.
The initial sound is the systolic and the next sound is the diastolic. Take note of these
sounds and record them to keep track. You can now check if you have a high, low or
normal blood pressure. Always remember that the first sound should be higher than the
second one.
5. Change between dial as well as mercury sphygmomanometers. This is to ensure that you have
your blood pressure taken right. Do this very carefully.
Now you have your own blood pressure taken and recorded. See? Taking your blood pressure is an
easy job. For those who still have difficulty in following such, you want to ask for assistance from your
family or friends. Simply repeat the above steps every time you take your own blood pressure. Always
remember that there is no safer way than doing things the right way.