Blood Pressure Monitoring
How to use a blood pressure monitor
How to take your blood pressure using a home blood pressure monitor:
- Put the cuff on following the instructions that came with your monitor.
- Make sure you are relaxed and comfortable. If you are anxious or uncomfortable, this will make your blood pressure rise temporarily.
- When you are taking your reading, keep still and silent. Moving and talking can affect your reading.
- Take two or three readings, each about two minutes apart, and then work out the average. Some people find that their first reading is much higher than the next readings. If this is true for you, keep taking readings until they level out and stop falling, then use this as your reading.
- Record your reading, either in the memory of your monitor or on computer or paper.
How to wear a blood pressure cuff
Place the cuff on your bare upper arm one inch above the bend of your elbow. Make sure the tubing falls over the front centre of your arm so that the sensor is correctly placed. Pull the end of the cuff so that it’s evenly tight around your arm.
Roll up the sleeve on your left arm or remove any tight-sleeved clothing, if needed. (It’s best to take blood pressure from the left arm, if possible). Rest in a chair next to a table for five to 10 minutes. (Your left arm should rest comfortably at heart level).
Sources: Blood Pressure UK, Mayo Clinic