How to Use a Digital Sphygmomanometer

Previously, only trained health care professionals could take blood pressure measurements because the auscultatory method of listening using a stethoscope required substantial practice. This traditional method remains the most accurate method of measuring blood pressure. However, you can now purchase an inexpensive, digital sphygmomanometer, also known as a blood pressure cuff, at your local drugstore. These digital blood pressure cuffs facilitate monitoring of blood pressure at home, and can be especially helpful when you are prescribed medication that could affect your blood pressure.

Things You'll Need

• Comfortable chair
• Digital sphygmomanometer
• Notebook or calendar

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Instructions

• 1

  Sit in a comfortable chair and rest for five minutes.

• 2

  Wrap the blood pressure cuff snugly around your upper arm, so that the bottom is approximately 1 inch above the inner bend of your elbow.

• 3

  Rotate the blood pressure cuff around your arm, so that the artery mark is positioned over your brachial artery on your inner arm between your bicep and tricep muscles.

• 4

  Close the emergency pressure release valve.

• 5

  Set the initial pressure dial about 30 to 40 mm Hg higher than your last systolic blood pressure measurement (i.e., the high number) if your blood pressure cuff provides this option. For example, if your last blood pressure reading was 150/80, set the initial pressure to 180.

• 6

  Press the power button to turn on the digital sphygmomanometer. The cuff should immediately start to inflate, although some models may also have a start button. When the cuff reaches full pressure, it will begin to deflate at 2 to 5 mm Hg per second. The deflation rate and heartbeat will show on the digital screen.

• 7

  Record your blood pressure measurement in a notebook or on a calendar as the larger number over the smaller number (e.g., 150/80)--the larger number is the pressure in your arteries when your heart pumps, and the smaller number is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting.