Blood pressure is measured using a cuff, which is usually placed around your bare upper arm, one inch above the elbow bend. The process can be done manually with a pump, stethoscope, and gauge, or automatically using a digital monitor. The cuff is inflated until it tightens the arm and temporarily stops blood flow, then the air is slowly released while listening for heartbeats or using sensors to detect pressure. Here are the key steps to measure blood pressure correctly:
- Sit quietly and rest for 3 to 5 minutes before measuring.
- Sit upright in a chair with feet flat on the floor and arm supported so the cuff is at heart level.
- Place the cuff on your bare upper arm, ensuring it is snug but not too tight; you should be able to slip two fingertips under the cuff.
- If using manual measurement, place the stethoscope disk on the inside of the arm under the cuff, and listen while slowly releasing air from the cuff.
- Note the systolic pressure reading when you first hear the heartbeat, and the diastolic pressure when the heartbeat sound stops.
- If using a digital monitor, the device will display readings automatically.
- Take multiple measurements a couple minutes apart for accuracy.
- Record your readings for reference.
Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), e.g., 120/80 mmHg. The first number (systolic) represents pressure when the heart beats; the second (diastolic) is the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
