How to Use a Blood Pressure Monitor

Many people who suffer from high blood pressure are instructed by their physician to test their blood pressure at home with a personal blood pressure monitor. While the monitor and its features may take some getting used to, a few basic instructions make keeping track of your blood pressure an easy and manageable process.

Instructions

• 1

  Relax for a full five minutes prior to taking measurement.

• 2

  Wrap the monitor's cuff around your left arm just above the elbow crease and fasten it just tight enough that you can slide one finger between the cuff and your arm.

• 3

  Rest your arm at heart level with the palm facing up.

• 4

  Press the monitor's "ON/OFF" or "START/STOP" button. If you are using an automatic monitor, this will begin the testing process. If you are using a manual monitor, pump the bulb until the monitor indicates a blood pressure of at least 30 points higher than your expected systolic pressure.

• 5

  Sit quietly and allow the cuff to deflate completely before removing.

• 6

  Record your measurements or store them in your blood pressure monitor if it is equipped with a memory function.

• 7

  Repeat this process and take your blood pressure at the same time each day.