How to Take Blood Pressure With a Wrist Monitor

If you suffer from heart disease or hypertension, regularly monitoring your blood pressure is very important. Your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day and can vary depending on what you eat, physical exertion, temperature and personal habits, such as smoking. Self-monitoring of blood pressure will help your healthcare provider in the management of your blood pressure and help determine the effectiveness of your treatment. Even if you have normal blood pressure, self-monitoring is a good idea as it will allow you to detect any changes early and react accordingly, in consultation with your doctor. Using a blood pressure wrist monitor is a convenient and easy way to monitor your blood pressure.

Things You'll Need

• Blood pressure wrist monitor Record book

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Instructions

• 1

  Insert batteries, by removing the battery cover which will be either to the side or the back of the blood pressure wrist monitor. Most monitors operate using two, size AAA batteries (1.5V).

• 2

  Set up your blood pressure wrist monitor. You will need to set the time, date and year, the first time you use your blood pressure wrist monitor and every time you replace the batteries. The setting sequence is usually as follows: year, month, day and time. Read the instructions manual on how to set your wrist monitor.

• 3

  Fit the cuff securely, so that the display and the palm of your hand are facing you. The cuff should be approximately between a quarter and half an inch from your hand. Secure the Velcro fastener ensuring it is a comfortable, but not a tight fit. Position your arm on a table so that the cuff is around the same height as your heart. Use a pillow or cushion for support if needed. Your palm should now be facing upwards. When fitting the cuff, remove all jewelry including watches.

• 4

  Start the blood pressure measurement. Sit still and quietly for a couple of minutes, then press the "On/Off" button. The cuff will be inflated by the pump. Once the correct inflation pressure has been reached, the pressure will begin to fall. The wrist monitor will detect your pulse and the "heart" symbol will begin to flash. The numbers in the display will continue to change until your blood pressure reading is complete.

• 5

  View and record results. Usually a beep will sound signaling the blood measurement has taken place. The systolic blood pressure reading will be displayed at the top of the display, the diastolic blood pressure reading at the bottom, followed by the pulse reading. Most blood pressure wrist monitors can store up to 99 blood pressure and pulse readings. These can be accessed by pressing the "Memory" button. The time and date of the reading will also be displayed. Record the results in the accompanying record book, so that you can discuss them with your healthcare provider.