Blood Pressure Measurement Instructions

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common malady. This condition can be monitored through blood pressure checks. Nurses and doctors normally use a manual form of measuring blood pressure. Home blood pressure machines usually operate digitally. Correct measurement and monitoring are important to ensure a person gets proper care.

Manual Measurement

• Have the patient sit down and extend the left arm with her palm facing upward. Place the blood pressure cuff around the upper arm and the head of a stethoscope at the artery in the middle of the arm. Inflate the cuff to about 180 millimeters of mercury by pumping the bulb that is attached the the hose leading to the cuff. At this point there should be no arterial sounds coming through the stethoscope. Slowly begin to deflate the cuff by slightly turning the metal valve release. As the air escapes, listen for the beginning tapping sound of the blood flowing through the artery. The number on the blood pressure gauge that corresponds with the beginning of this sound is the systolic pressure (or the first number in the blood pressure reading). Continue to deflate the cuff while listening for the tapping/thumping sound to stop. Once it stops, the number that is on the gauge is the diastolic pressure (or the bottom number in the reading).

Digital Measurment

• Most digital devices work as follows:
  Have the patient sit comfortably. Slip the blood pressure cuff over the upper left arm. Turn the machine on and wait for a beep or visual indicator on the display that tells you to begin pumping. Pump the bulb attached to the cuff until the machine beeps or visually indicates that you should stop. If your machine doesn't signal a stopping point, stop inflating at around 180. After inflation, make sure the patient continues to sit still and wait for the machine. Most will beep intermittently until the reading is complete. A long beep and a visual reading will occur once the measurement is complete.

Trouble Shooting

• Be aware of several factors in order to monitor blood pressure accurately. Digital measuring devices in public areas such as pharmacies and grocery stores often do not give accurate measurements. Make sure the cuff you use on a home digital machine fits properly; your physician can advise you on which size cuff to purchase. You may want to have your doctor inspect the machine and compare it with office blood pressure equipment to ensure accuracy. Before you take your blood pressure, make sure you haven't had caffeine, alcohol, tobacco or food in the last 30 minutes. If you need to use the bathroom, do so before measuring.