Tuesday, March 26, 2024
HomeExclusiveHow To Check Blood Pressure With Cuff

How To Check Blood Pressure With Cuff

Are There Differences Between Taking A Blood Pressure Reading On The Right Arm Vs Left Arm

Blood Pressure Measurement: How to Check Blood Pressure Manually

Blood pressure measurement values vary from the left arm to the right arm. The average is generally within 10 mmHg for most individuals. Omron home blood pressure monitors are generally designed for use on the left arm as they are validated through clinical studies using the left arm. You should talk to your doctor before using the right arm to take a measurement.

Are The Readings Different Between An Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor And A Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

It is quite possible that your readings may be different from your upper arm to your wrist as blood pressure varies throughout the human body. All Omron blood pressure monitors, whether upper arm or wrist, are validated in the same manner and have the same accuracy specifications. In terms of which type of blood pressure monitor is best for you, we recommend that you discuss this with your doctor, based on your individual needs.

For more information on Omrons line of upper arm and wrist home blood pressure monitors, click below:

What Are Some Common Reasons Why My Blood Pressure Readings Seem Higher Than Expected

There are many reasons why blood pressure readings may seem high. Below are some of the common reasons and the estimated ranges of how much readings can vary. It is important to ensure you are using the monitor as it was intended, so please make sure you are following the directions in the instruction manual, or call our consumer support line at if you have questions. It is also important to note that if you can continue to see high readings, discuss with your doctor or a medical professional it is possible that your blood pressure is actually higher than what you believe it to be.

Read Also: Does Claritin D Raise Blood Pressure

What Size Cuff Do I Need

The correct size of cuff is based on the circumference of your upper arm, or your wrist, depending on which type of model you want. Omron monitors cover a variety of sizes as mentioned below:

D-Ring Upper Arm Cuff Sizing

  • Small adult cuff: fits upper arm with circumference between 7-9 inches
  • Standard adult cuff: fits upper arm with circumference between 9-13 inches
  • Large adult cuff: fits upper arm with circumference between 13 and 17 inches

ComFit Cuff Sizing

  • ComFit cuff: fits upper arm with circumference between 9-17 inches

Wrist Model Sizing

  • Wrist model: first wrists with circumference between 5¼-8½ inches.

What Is Blood Pressure

Take Back Your Health: How Slow Breathing Reduces High ...

In the most basic sense, blood pressure is a way of measuring how much force is being exerted on the walls of your blood vessels as blood flows through them. A blood measurement is expressed in the form of a fraction.

  • Systolic is the top number. It represents the pressure as your heart contracts to pump blood to the body.
  • Diastolic is the bottom number. It represents the pressure between beats, when your heart relaxes.

Also Check: Maxte Fitness And Activity Tracker Watch

Youve Placed The Cuff Incorrectly

The standard for blood pressure cuff placement is the upper arm using a cuff on bare skin with a stethoscope placed at the elbow fold over the brachial artery.

The patient should be sitting, with the arm supported at mid heart level, legs uncrossed, and not talking. Measurements can be made at other locations such as the wrist, fingers, feet, and calves but will produce varied readings depending on distance from the heart.

The mean pressure, interestingly, varies little between the aorta and peripheral arteries, while the systolic pressure increases and the diastolic decreases in the more distal vessels.

Crossing the legs increases systolic blood pressure by 2 to 8 mm Hg. About 20 percent of the population has differences of more than 10 mmHg pressure between the right and left arms. In cases where significant differences are observed, treatment decisions should be based on the higher of the two pressures.

What Steps Should I Take While Checking My Blood Pressure At Home

Before taking your blood pressure

  • Find a quiet place.
  • Check to be sure you have the correct size cuff. If you are not sure, or if you have questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
  • Roll up the sleeve on your left arm or remove any tight-sleeved clothing, if needed.
  • Rest in a chair next to a table for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Sit up straight with your back against the chair, legs uncrossed and on the ground.
  • Rest your forearm on the table with the palm of your hand facing up.
  • You should not talk, read the newspaper, or watch television during this process.

Taking your blood pressure

If you buy a manual or digital blood pressure monitor , follow the instruction booklet carefully.

Record your blood pressure

If you have been asked to record your blood pressure and bring your readings to the office, please write down the date, time of day, systolic and diastolic numbers, heart rate, and which arm you took the reading on. If you are taking part in a program that has remote monitoring, your blood pressure readings are automatically shared with your medical provider. If you are unsure, please ask your provider.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/23/2018.

References

Read Also: Is Claritin Safe For High Blood Pressure

How Can I Check My Blood Pressure At Home Using

But you dont need to go to your doctor just to get a blood pressure reading. The easiest way to monitor your own blood pressure at home is to get a machine that has a blood pressure calculator and digital display.

Purchase a blood pressure monitor cuff that wraps around the upper arm. The cuff should fit well, and not be too loose or too tight when not in use. Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended because the readings arent as reliable. When choosing a blood pressure monitor, take it to your doctors office. They may be able to show you how to use it properly and check whether the machine provides accurate readings.

Here are some tips to follow while measuring your blood pressure at home:

  • Before measuring your blood pressure, sit quietly for 5 minutes with your arm relaxed on a supporting surface at the level of your heart.
  • Your back should be supported and both feet should be flat on the floor.
  • The cuff should be positioned on your upper arm as instructed on the guide that came with the monitor. It is easier to use your non-dominant arm .
  • Avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise at least 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Do not take a reading if stressed or angry.

Blood pressure categories defined by the American Heart Association are as follows:

Blood Pressure Cuff Over Clothing

How to measure blood pressure using a manual monitor

A cuff should never be placed around clothing because your measurement wont be accurate. If youre at home, wear a loose, shirt sleeve shirt. Do the same prior to going to your doctor appointment.

In addition, if you happen to have a long sleeve shirt on, take it off instead of rolling up your sleeve. Often rolling up your sleeve causes the sleeve to tighten up around your arm.

Two reasons why this is incorrect. One, the tight sleeve acts as a tourniquet and can affect blood flow . Two, it frequently results in less room and may cause the cuff placement to be too low.

You May Like: Does Your Blood Pressure Go Up When You Have A Heart Attack

How To Calibrate Blood Pressure Monitor Omron

Completely Omron blood pressure monitors are clinically proven accurate. They are clinically authenticated to be in the interior the following: Blood pressure: within +/- 3 mmHg or 2 percent. Pulse: within +/- 5 percent of reading. Because your blood pressure monitor works automatically, it will need to be re-calibrated at least once every two years to be sure it is giving you accurate results. To have your automatic home monitor re-calibrated, you will need to send it back to the manufacturer. About know youhow to calibrate blood pressure monitor Omron.

When To See The Doctor

The doctor should check your monitor at least once a year. This ensures that the measurements are accurate.

Only a doctor can diagnose you with high blood pressure. Contact your doctor if you have high readings for several days. Be sure to take your blood pressure log with you to the visit.

Hypotension is low blood pressure. This occurs when your systolic pressure is consistently below 90 or is 25 points below your normal reading. Contact your doctor if you have low readings. Hypotension can be a sign of shock, which is life threatening. Call your doctor right away if you are dizzy or lightheaded.

You May Like: Does Claritin D Cause High Blood Pressure

Keep A Log Of Your Blood Pressure Readings

Keeping a record of your readings is important and allows you to bring them to your doctor on your next visit. Most wrist cuff monitors have a built-in memory or a phone app where they can be stored.

If your monitor doesnt have a memory feature, then keep a written record. Whichever way you track your readings, I suggest you bring the monitor with you on your next doctor visit so you can follow step #11.

Apps To Track Blood Pressure

Telehealth tutorial: How to use your Omron blood pressure ...

Although there are apps that promise to check your blood pressure without using equipment, this isnt an accurate or reliable method.

However, there are apps available that can help you track your blood pressure results. This can be helpful in identifying patterns in your blood pressure. Your doctor may use this information to determine if you require blood pressure medications.

Some examples of free blood pressure-monitoring apps include:

  • Blood Pressure Monitor Family Litefor iPhone. You can enter your blood pressure, weight, and height, as well as track the medications you take.
  • Blood Pressure for Android. This app tracks your blood pressure and features several statistical and graphical analysis tools.
  • Blood Pressure Companion for iPhone. This app allows you to track your blood pressure as well as view graphs and trends on your blood pressure readings across several days or weeks.

These apps can help you quickly and easily track your blood pressure readings. Measuring your blood pressure regularly on the same arm can help you most accurately track your blood pressure readings.

You May Like: Does Claritin D Raise Blood Pressure

How Smartwatches Measures Blood Pressure

However, these devices require you to calibrate the watch with a cuff-based blood pressure device to ensure the accuracy of the readings.

Pulse Arrival Time : As the name suggests, smartwatches measure the pulse traveling time from the heart to the wrist in this method. The pulse traveling time will be high during high blood pressure.

As per the latest report, the Fitbit lab works on this method and successfully finds a correlation between blood pressure and PAT.

PAT-based blood pressure monitoring smartwatches have many advantages over other wearable devices. Like other smartwatches, it does not require a B.P cuff. Also, the PAT method does not require frequent calibration.

B.P Cuff Method: The Omron Heart Guide smartwatch uses a B.P cuff on the strap that inflates and deflates while measuring the blood pressure. It is the first, and only FDA-approved smartwatch currently available in the market today. Unfortunately, it offers some basic activity and health tracking features only. However, if your primary focus is blood pressure monitoring, you can go with this smartwatch.

Why Can’t I Get A Reading From My Omron Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor With Heart Guide Technology

The most common cause of this situation is due to the user not having the unit at heart level. Please follow the below directions.

  • Hold your arm across your chest at arm level.
  • Hold your elbow firmly to avoid body movement.
  • Press START/STOP button. All symbols will appear on the display.
  • When arm is in correct position blue light will turn on and cuff will inflate automatically. As the cuff inflates. the monitor automatically determines inflation level. This monitor detects your blood pressure and pulse rate during inflation. The Heartbeat Symbol flashes at every heartbeat.
  • Remain still and do not move until the entire measurement process is complete.
  • Also Check: Mayo Clinic High Blood Pressure Diet

    Before Checking Your Blood Pressure

    • Find a quiet place to check your blood pressure. You will need to listen for your heartbeat.
    • Make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed with a recently emptied bladder .
    • Roll up the sleeve on your arm or remove any tight-sleeved clothing.
    • Rest in a chair next to a table for 5 to 10 minutes. Your arm should rest comfortably at heart level. Sit up straight with your back against the chair, legs uncrossed. Rest your forearm on the table with the palm of your hand facing up.

    How To Take Your Blood Pressure With A Wrist Cuff

    Cuff Accuracy: Checking Your Blood Pressure With Confidence

    Monitoring your blood pressure at home is a great way to improve your health. The new blood pressure guidelines released a few years ago, recommend home monitoring and encourage doctors to persuade their patients to do it. The endless benefits can even save you money in the long-term.

    I get asked many questions about home monitoring and which monitors are the best to use. Unfortunately, many people who are monitoring their blood pressure at home are making common mistakes. Because of these mistakes, they are getting inaccurate readings which can throw off their results.

    These errors are increased with a wrist cuff which has prompted me to write this post and get everybody on the right track. The good news is, the biggest mistake people make is probably the easiest to fix .

    BP TIP: Lower BP by just breathing? A device is FDA approved and The American Heart Association gave it the thumbs up. It simply guides your breathing a few minutes a day which has been proven to lower BP in studies. Check it out in the manufacturers website by .

    Read Also: Can I Take Claritin If I Have High Blood Pressure

    Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About A Blood Pressure Measurement

    If you were diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend one or more of the following lifestyle changes.

    • Exercise regularly. Staying active can help lower your blood pressure and also help manage your weight. Most adults should aim for 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Check with your provider before beginning an exercise program.
    • Keep a healthy weight. If you are overweight, losing as little as 5 pounds can lower your blood pressure.
    • Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetable, and whole grains. Limit foods high in saturated fat and total fat.
    • Reduce salt in your diet. Most adults should have less than 1500 mg of salt per day.
    • Limit alcohol use. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to one drink a day if you are a woman two drinks a day if you’re a man.
    • Don’t smoke.

    What Is The Warranty For The Cuff On My Blood Pressure Monitor

    For most models, the warranty coverage for the arm or wrist cuff is one year. Cuffs will need to be periodically replaced throughout the life of the monitor. When purchasing a replacement cuff for an upper arm unit, please be certain to measure the circumference of your arm to purchase the correct cuff size. Please check the instruction manual for your specific unit. Electronic versions of the instruction manuals can be found in the Omron Product Support & Solutions Center.

    Don’t Miss: High Blood Pressure Mayo

    Tips To Measure Your Blood Pressure Correctly

    To determine whether you have hypertension, a medical professional will take a blood pressure reading. How you prepare for the test, the position of your arm, and other factors can change a blood pressure reading by 10% or more. That could be enough to hide high blood pressure, start you on a drug you don’t really need, or lead your doctor to incorrectly adjust your medications.

    National and international guidelines offer specific instructions for measuring blood pressure. If a doctor, nurse, or medical assistant isn’t doing it right, don’t hesitate to ask him or her to get with the guidelines.

    Here’s what you can do to ensure a correct reading:

    Don’t drink a caffeinated beverage or smoke during the 30 minutes before the test.

    Sit quietly for five minutes before the test begins.

    During the measurement, sit in a chair with your feet on the floor and your arm supported so your elbow is at about heart level.

    The inflatable part of the cuff should completely cover at least 80% of your upper arm, and the cuff should be placed on bare skin, not over a shirt.

    Don’t talk during the measurement.

    Have your blood pressure measured twice, with a brief break in between. If the readings are different by 5 points or more, have it done a third time.

    For more on getting your blood pressure under control, buy Controlling Your Blood Pressure, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.

    When To Call A Doctor

    Checking Blood Pressure at Home

    A normal systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg and a normal diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mmHg, says Dr. Del Conde. So, your ideal blood pressure should be under 120/80 mmHg.

    The CDC defines elevated blood pressure as 120/80 mmHg to 129/80 mmHg, stage 1 hypertension as greater than or equal to 130/80 mmHg and stage 2 hypertension as greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg. Dr. Del Conde says to call your doctor if your blood pressure consistently reads higher than 140/90 mmHg.

    Read Also: Can Claritin Cause High Blood Pressure

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Popular Articles