Check the size of a cuff before buying it. Look at the “index” line. This is the range line on the cuff that tells you if it fits. [2] X Research source Once it is on the patient’s arm it will tell you whether or not the circumference of your arm fits within the “range” area of the cuff. If you do not use the proper cuff size, you may end up with an inaccurate measurement.
Factors that can affect blood pressure include: stress, smoking, exercise, cold temperatures, a full stomach, a full bladder, caffeine, and some medications. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Blood pressure can change throughout the course of the day. If you need to check the patient’s blood pressure regularly, try to do so at the same approximate time each day. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
In addition, if you have a headache or body ache, try to reduce or relieve the pain before taking your blood pressure.
Sit up straight. Your back should be against the back of the chair and your legs should be uncrossed.
If you have difficultly locating your pulse, place the head of the stethoscope (the round piece at the end of the tube) in the same general area and listen until you can hear your heartbeat.
Make sure that your skin is not pinched by the cuff as you wrap it securely. The cuff should have heavy duty velcro on it, which will hold the cuff closed.
Also place the stethoscope earpieces in your ears. The earpieces should face forward and point toward the tip of your nose.
Turn the screw on the pump bulb clockwise to close the airflow valve, if necessary.
If you do not know your normal blood pressure, inflate the cuff until the gauge reads between 160 to 180 mmHg.
The gauge should fall 2 mm, or two lines on the gauge, per second.
Systolic blood pressure refers to the force your blood exerts against the artery walls as your heart pumps. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source This is the blood pressure created when your heart contracts.
Diastolic blood pressure refers to your blood pressure in between heartbeats. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
Mistakes can happen while taking your blood pressure, especially if you are not used to doing it. As such, it is important to double-check your findings by taking a second measurement.
This range is considered “normal. " Healthy behaviors, including diet and exercise, should be maintained in order to maintain this blood pressure range.
Talk to a health care professional about making changes to your diet and lifestyle in order to drop your blood pressure.
Hypertension requires professional medical care. Schedule an appointment with your doctor so that he or she may prescribe an appropriate hypertension medication.
Talk with your doctor to discuss possible reasons behind your drop in blood pressure and possible ways to raise it up to normal levels.
The doctor may also test for other conditions that hinder normal blood pressure, especially if the patient is already on medication. If you are already on medication for your blood pressure, your doctor may suggest therapy or consider testing for additional health problems that prevent the medication from working properly.
