How To Use An Automated Blood Pressure Cuff Correctly
Using an upper arm blood pressure cuff might require practice, but once you get it down, its very simple. Follow the below steps suggested by Dr. Del Conde:
- Relax. Sit quietly and in an upright position for two to five minutes before checking your blood pressure.
- Keep your feet flat on the ground and your arm supported at heart levelon a table, for example.
- Place the machine on a table next to you so while youre seated, you can keep your arm next to it comfortably.
- Wear the cuff over bare skin. Place it around your upper arm about one inch above the bend of your elbow. Secure the cuff tightly and evenly, but make sure you still have room to slide two fingers under the top edge of the cuff.
- Turn the power on.
- Press the start button to begin inflation. Automatic models inflate on their own and, once inflated, release air slowly.
- Look at the screen to get your blood pressure reading, separated into two numbers: your systolic and diastolic pressures.
- Write down your blood pressure reading so you can track it over time. The systolic pressure is listed before the diastolic pressure, so it should look something like 120/80 mmHg.
What Is Normal Blood Pressure And When Is Blood Pressure Considered To Be High
Blood pressure is always measured on a number of different days and when you are at rest. If several of these measurements are too high, you are said to have high blood pressure, even if only one of the two either the systolic or the diastolic one is high. The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. In adults, blood pressure is considered to be normal under a systolic value of 140 mmHg and under a diastolic value of 90 mmHg.
When taking your blood pressure for the first time, it makes sense to measure the blood pressure in both arms, because it’s sometimes high on only one side. The values that are higher are always the ones used for assessing blood pressure. After that it is enough to measure the blood pressure only in the arm that produced the higher reading. A person is considered to have high blood pressure if the systolic value is over 140 mmHg, the diastolic value is over 90 mmHg, or if both are higher than these readings.
Table: Normal and high blood pressure readings
| systolic over 140 mmHg and/or diastolic over 90 mmHg |
How Do I Know If I Have Put On The Arm Cuff Correctly
We recommend you apply the cuff using the following directions. First, make sure you have removed any tight-fitting clothing from your left arm. Put your left arm through the cuff loop. The bottom of the cuff should be about one-half inch above your elbow. Turn your arm so your palm is facing up. Adjust the cuff around your arm so that the tubing runs down the center of your arm. Secure the cuff so it stays in place.
Read Also: How To Decrease Blood Pressure Naturally
What Affects A Blood Pressure Reading
Many things can affect a blood pressure reading, including:
- Nervousness about having your blood pressure taken. This is called white coat syndrome. As many as 1 in 3 people who have a high blood pressure reading at the doctors office may have normal blood pressure readings outside of it.1
- What you ate, drank, or did before your reading. If you smoked, drank alcohol or caffeine, or exercised within 30 minutes of having your blood pressure measured, your reading might be higher.2
- How you are sitting. Crossing your legs and letting your arm droop at your side rather than rest on a table at chest height can make your blood pressure go up.2
Its important to get an accurate blood pressure reading so that you have a clearer picture of your risk for heart disease and stroke.
A reading that says your blood pressure is lower than it actually is may give you a false sense of security about your health. A reading that says your blood pressure is higher than it actually is may lead to treatment you dont need.
Do I Have High Blood Pressure
Anyone can have high blood pressure. Some medical conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, and thyroid problems, can cause high blood pressure. Some people have a greater chance of having it because of things they cant change. These are:
- Age. The chance of having high blood pressure increases as you get older, especially isolated systolic hypertension.
- Gender. Before age 55, men have a greater chance of having high blood pressure. Women are more likely to have high blood pressure after menopause.
- Family history. High blood pressure tends to run in some families.
- Race. African Americans are at increased risk for high blood pressure.
High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms, but routine checks of your blood pressure will help detect increasing levels. If your blood pressure reading is high at two or more check-ups, the doctor may also ask you to measure your blood pressure at home.
There are important considerations for older adults in deciding whether to start treatment for high blood pressure if it is above 130/80, including other health conditions and overall fitness. Your doctor may work with you to find a blood pressure target that is best for your well-being and may suggest exercise, changes in your diet, and medications.
Recommended Reading: Are Bananas Good For Blood Pressure
Why You Should Get A Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor
Monitoring your blood pressure at home is a good idea for everyone.
Danielle Kosecki
Danielle Kosecki is an award-winning journalist who has covered health and fitness for 15 years. She’s written for Glamour, More, Prevention and Bicycling magazines, among others, and is the editor of The Bicycling Big Book of Training. A New York native, Danielle now lives in Oakland where she doesn’t miss winter at all.
There’s a reason why your doctor takes your blood pressure nearly every time you step into their office: It’s a quick and painless way to get a snapshot of your heart health. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best way.
That’s because blood pressure can change based on a variety of factors, including pain, temperature, physical exertion and even doctor’s visits.
So how do you avoid these potentially false positives and false negatives? Do DIY testing.
Read: The best blood pressure monitors for at-home use
If you can’t imagine yourself sitting at your kitchen table manually pumping up a blood pressure cuff, don’t worry. The newest crop of over-the-counter monitors are wireless, digital and easier than ever to use. Here’s what you need to know before buying one.
Isolated Systolic Hypertension In The Elderly
Systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age. This is due to the increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term plaque buildup and an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.
According to a recent study, persons who reached age 65, if they lived another 20 years, had a 90% lifetime risk of developing isolated systolic hypertension or high blood pressure 5.
Read Also: Calibrate Omron
Read Also: Does Aleve Cause High Blood Pressure
What Do Your Blood Pressure Numbers Actually Mean
When it comes to blood pressure, the highs, lows and whats normal can be confusing. Learn more about what these numbers mean and why they should matter to you and your heart.
webonJune 1, 2020
At a recent appointment, your doctor says, Youll be happy to hear your blood pressure is down from 140 over 90 to 120 over 80.
Great news! you reply. But what do these fraction-like numbers actually mean?
Dont worry. You wont need advanced math skills to figure it out.
What Your Blood Pressure Reading Means
Blood pressure readings include two numbers. The top number is called the systolic blood pressure and it changes with every heartbeat, says Dr. Del Conde. When the heart contracts and pumps extra blood into the circulatory system, the pressure increases. This increased pressure corresponds to the top number, or the systolic blood pressure.
The bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure. When the heart is at rest and not contracting, the pressure that exists within the system is called the diastolic pressure, says Dr. Del Conde.
You May Also Be Interested In Blood Pressure Monitor From Our Featured Partner
iHealth Track Blood Pressure Monitor
Read Also: Can Viagra Lower Blood Pressure
Who Should Use A Blood Pressure Monitor
Blood pressure monitors are a quality, practical investment for anyone whod like to monitor their levels, though Ghazi outlines those with specific health types and concerns who would especially benefit from using one.
For adults 40 year or older and those at increased risk of hypertension yearly screening is recommended, she explains. For adults aged 18-39 years not an increased risk, screening every three to five years is recommended.
According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force , screeningfor hypertension in adults 18 year or older with office blood pressure measurement isrecommended, too.
Omron Bp Cuff Sizes And Their Monitors
1. Omron 10 Series Home Blood Pressure Monitor
The blood pressure cuff that comes with the Omron 10 Series:
- Pre-formed Easy-Wrap Comfit Cuff: Fits upper arms 9 to 17 in circumference
Other blood pressure cuff sizes compatible with the Omron 10 Series:
- None
2. Omron Platinum Home Blood Pressure Monitor
The blood pressure cuff that comes with the Omron Platinum:
- Wide Range Cuff: Fits upper arms 9 to 17 in circumference
Other blood pressure cuff sizes compatible with the Omron Platinum:
- Small Cuff: Fits upper arms 7 to 9 in circumference
3. Omron Gold Home Blood Pressure Monitor
The Blood Pressure Cuff that comes with the Omron Gold:
- Wide Range Cuff: Fits upper arms 9 to 17 in circumference
Other blood pressure cuff sizes compatible with the Omron Gold:
- Small Cuff: Fits upper arms 7 to 9 in circumference
4. Omron 7 Series Home Blood Pressure Monitor
The blood pressure cuff that comes with the Omron 7 Series:
- Pre-formed Easy-Wrap Comfit Cuff: Fits upper arms 9 to 17 in circumference
Other blood pressure cuff sizes compatible with the Omron 7 Series:
- None
Theres seven more Omron home monitors available, check out all the blood pressure cuff sizes included with them in this article I wrote recently, Omron Home Blood Pressure Cuff Sizes.
Also Check: Can Being Nervous Cause High Blood Pressure
Systemic Arterial Pressure And Age
Fetal blood pressure
In pregnancy, it is the fetal heart and not the mother’s heart that builds up the fetal blood pressure to drive blood through the fetal circulation. The blood pressure in the fetal aorta is approximately 30 mmHg at 20 weeks of gestation, and increases to approximately 45 mmHg at 40 weeks of gestation.
The average blood pressure for full-term infants:
- Systolic 6595 mmHg
| 95140 | 6090 |
In children, the normal ranges for blood pressure are lower than for adults and depend on height. Reference blood pressure values have been developed for children in different countries, based on the distribution of blood pressure in children of these countries.
Aging adults
How Does Your Circulatory System Work
Your circulatory system is an amazing, complicated and efficient way your body delivers oxygen and nutrients to every part of your body. Following is a simplified version of how it works.
Your heart consists of four chambers: the left and right atrium and the left and right ventricle . When the heart relaxes, blood flows from the atria to the ventricles. Then the ventricles pump, sending oxygen-rich blood to the arteries.
The arteries send blood throughout your bodys network of capillaries, where it releases nutrients. The blood then gathers carbon dioxide and returns to the heart through the veins where the process starts over again.
Read Also: Which Hormone Controls Blood Pressure
Digital Blood Pressure Monitors
Digital blood pressure monitors are often used on the wrist, but they can also be placed on the finger or upper arm and are activated simply by pressing a button. They read the blood pressure automatically based on variations in the volume of blood in the arteries. When taking blood pressure measurements on the wrist, it’s important to keep the hand level with the heart. Otherwise it can affect the readings.
Digital meters can sometimes be inaccurate and produce unreliable readings anyway especially in people with certain heart rhythm problems or arteries that have hardened due to arteriosclerosis.
What Does A Blood Pressure Reading Look Like
When you have your , you will be given two numbers, a top number and a bottom number.
- Systolic blood pressure. This is the first, or top, number. This is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart beats, forcing blood around your body.
- Diastolic blood pressure. The second number, or bottom number, is the lowest level your blood pressure reaches as your heart relaxes between beats.
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury . If the first number is 120 and the second number is 80, this would be written as 120/80mmHg, and youd call it 120 over 80.
This video explains more about systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Don’t Miss: Does Cholesterol Affect Blood Pressure
What To Look For In A Blood Pressure Monitor
According to Ghazi, its important to use a validated device that has been shown to provide accurate readings. Two resources include ValidateBP and StrideBP.
I recommend selecting home under device type for the ValidateBP site and selecting adults, home, upper arm and automatic oscillometric when searching the StrideBP site, she advises. Other considerations: checking that you have the appropriate cuff size and that the cuff is not snug.
Always take your blood pressure monitor with you when you visit your primary care physician to calibrate the device, in other words, to establish a baseline between readings on your device and office blood pressure readings for future reference, Ghazi tips off.
High Systolic Blood Pressure Stage 1
A high systolic blood pressure stage 1 reading is when systolic blood pressure is between 130-139 mmHg, regardless of the diastolic number 3.
Doctors will recommend lifestyle changes and may consider prescribing medicine based on the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Systolic is just one of over ten topics in my article, What Is The Blood Pressure Chart? All Five BP Categories. Check it out and find out why the elevated pressure range is a major concern moving forward.
Also Check: Can You Take Claritin With High Blood Pressure
You May Like: What Is The Best Medicine For High Blood Pressure
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.
What Are The Different Styles Of Cuffs
- D-Ring Cuff: A d-ring cuff is a standard type of blood pressure cuff that you would usually see in your doctors office. It is a cuff where the user loops one end of the cuff through a metal ring, then fastens it to the arm. D-ring cuffs come in different sizes of small, standard and large. It is important to pick out the right size cuff based on your individual arm circumference. Please see the questions in this Omron FAQ regarding the different types of cuffs and how to measure your arm circumference.
- Expandable Cuff: The Omron ComFit Cuff is a pre-formed upper arm cuff that expands to fit both regular and large sized arms . It is designed to ensure more comfortable, accurate readings.
- Wrist Cuff: A wrist cuff is similar to an upper arm cuff however you can wrap it around your wrist instead of your upper arm.
You May Like: Can Depression Cause Low Blood Pressure
What Are The Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure
Most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms. This is why its sometimes called the silent killer. It is very important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Some people experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath with high blood pressure. However, those symptoms can mimic many other things . Usually, these symptoms occur once blood pressure has reached a dangerously high level over a period of time.
What Equipment Do I Need To Measure My Blood Pressure At Home
To measure your blood pressure at home, you can use either an aneroid monitor or digital monitor. Choose the type of monitor that best meets your needs. Look at the following features when you select a monitor.
- Size: The right cuff size is very important. The cuff size you need is based on the size of your arm. You can ask the doctor, nurse, orpharmacist to help you. Blood pressure readings can be wrong if your cuff is the wrong size.
- Price: Cost may be a key factor. Home blood pressure units vary in price. You may want to shop around to find the best deal. Keep in mind that pricey units may not be the best or most accurate.
- Display: The numbers on the monitor should be easy for you to read.
- Sound: You must be able to hear your heartbeat through the stethoscope.
Tests show that finger and wrist devices do not always provide correct measurements. These devices are sensitive to placement and body temperature. They also are expensive and can cost more than $100.
Aneroid monitor
The aneroid monitor manually checks your blood pressure. It has a gauge that you read by looking at a pointer on the dial. The cuff goes around your upper arm and you squeeze a rubber bulb to inflate it by hand.
Digital monitor
Inflation of the cuff is either automatic or manual, depending on the model. Deflation is automatic. Digital monitors are good for hearing-impaired patients, since there is no need to listen to your heartbeat through the stethoscope.
Recommended Reading: Does Wine Raise Your Blood Pressure