How to take blood pressure

Before revealing how to take blood pressure correctly and step by step, you should take into account some tips. Take a look at these instructions before you pick up your blood pressure monitor and learn how to measure your blood pressure at home:

• Right-handed people should take their pressure on their left arm, while left-handed people should use their right arm. That is, of course, as long as the doctor does not specify otherwise.
• Blood pressure should always be measured before taking any type of medication.
• You should be in a quiet place that allows you to support your arm comfortably and where you can clearly see the screen of the device.
• Obese people will need to purchase a larger cuff, as the standard size may not suit them.
• The appropriate blood pressure values ​​for each individual should be consulted with the doctor. AMPA is a good technique but it may not be indicated for certain hypertensive patients.

In the following image we show you graphically how to measure tension at home.

Now that you know the indications to take into account before starting, the time has come for you to learn how to take blood pressure step by step correctly. Follow the steps that we discover below:

1. Sit quietly at a table where you can support your arm well and watch the monitor screen.
2. Support your back on a high-backed chair. Try to stand straight during the measurement.
3. The cuff of the blood pressure monitor must always be placed at the level of the heart. Make sure it fits well on your arm (you don’t need to press too hard) and try to fit it over the brachial artery, located in the forearm.
4. Rest your elbow on the table but don’t force your posture; if you want, you can put a cushion under your arm to make it more comfortable. Before you start, sit down for about 3-4 minutes.
5. Once you have taken the first shot, rest for two minutes and repeat the action. Once again, you will need to rest for a few minutes and then take the third and final feed. Remember that 3 measurements should be taken a day.
6. Do not forget to write down the exact results well on a sheet to show them to the doctor; It is important that you do not round the figures.

As we have indicated, you will have to take the first doses in the morning, always before taking your medication. The second batch should be done during noon, before eating. The last measurement with the blood pressure monitor will have to be done at night, before dinner and, as always, before taking the medication. You will have to repeat this process for 3 consecutive days before your visit to the doctor.

Can I take my blood pressure lying down?

Although it is true that many times doctors and other health professionals decide to take measurements in different positions, if the objective is to learn how to measure tension at home, the most advisable thing is that you do not lie down.

Stay seated, as we have indicated in the previous instructions and consult the results with your doctor.

Do I have normal blood pressure? How do I know if I have high blood pressure? These are the most common questions that haunt everyone when it comes to learning how to take your blood pressure correctly.

The normal values ​​with this system are those that do not exceed 120 mm Hg for maximum or systolic and 80 mm Hg for minimum or diastolic. It is common for the first values ​​of the tap to be above the second and third, which is why it is important to repeat the process. This is due, in large part, to the variability of blood pressure itself and the so-called alert reaction that many patients adopt when taking their blood pressure.

Do I have high blood pressure?

If the values ​​that you can observe in your blood pressure monitor are higher than those indicated above but do not exceed 140/90 mm Hg, they are in a prehypertensive phase that should be monitored but that is not entirely serious yet. However, if you don’t watch your blood pressure and this reaches over 140/90 mm Hg, you will already find yourself in a phase of high blood pressure and you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.

You should bear in mind that what are considered normal blood pressure values ​​may vary depending on factors such as gender or age. Discover, below, a table of normal values ​​of blood pressure by age and sex.

If you wonder how to measure blood pressure without equipmentYou should know that it is totally possible, although it can be considered less effective due to the knowledge that is required to find the correct values. Knowing the rhythm with which the heart conducts blood through the body is essential for anyone who wants to take care of their health, so if you want to discover how to measure blood pressure without a blood pressure monitor, follow the steps that we indicate:

1. Place your index and ring fingers on your other wrist or on the wrist of the person whose heart rate you want to know. Do not use your thumb in any case, as it has its own circulation and you could feel your own pulse.
2. The goal is to find the radial artery, which runs through the forearm and is easy to palpate. You may need to play with your fingers a bit to find the exact point where you can feel your heart pumping.
3. Remember that the more you feel your pulse, the higher your blood pressureSo if you can easily feel it when you place both fingers on your wrist, the tension may already be quite high.
4. Next, count your heartbeat over 30 seconds and, when these exact seconds have passed, multiply the figure by two. That is, if you count 70 beats over 30 seconds, your blood pressure will be 140 mm Hg (it is normal to count 60 to 100 beats per minute).

This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to take blood pressure step by step, we recommend that you enter our category of Diseases and side effects.

Advice

• It is important not to smoke, not to drink any type of drink or coffee and it is necessary to urinate before the first measurement in the morning.
• The tensiometers are homologated and are provided with an instruction manual.
• It is recommended once a year to calibrate and check the blood pressure monitor sent to technical service.