Different Ways to Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home

Stroke and other cerebrovascular accidents are prevalent in our household, for which the primary cause stands to be hypertension. Hence, it is essential to keep track of your blood pressure recordings. This will help you promptly seek medical help if you notice any abnormality.

This article revolves around blood pressure monitoring and other relevant details. Scroll down if you wish to learn more!

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What Is a Blood Pressure (BP) Monitor?

Also known as a sphygmomanometer, the blood pressure monitor is a device that records the blood pressure. The manual one has a cuff, a pressure gauge, and a bulb, while the digital sphygmomanometer has a cuff and a device with a screen to show the results.

The BP machines help us to assess a person and determine whether they are prone to developing hypertension. The usual blood pressure range is between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg. People showing readings above 140/90 are said to be hypertensive and need medical attention.

How Does a Blood Pressure Monitor Work?

Blood Pressure machines work on the principle of measuring the blood volume in arteries. When there is no blood flow through the fully inflated cuff, and as the cuff is deflated, the blood returns to the arteries gradually.

The return of the blood causes some vibration in the arterial wall, which is detected by the BP machine. Digital devices also follow this oscillometric technology, where the vibrations of the arterial wall are converted into digital readings.

How To Take Blood Pressure Readings?

People with hypertension and older adults need to keep track of their blood pressure to rule out the chances of cardiovascular accidents.

There are two ways to monitor your blood pressure:

1. Manual Blood Pressure Monitors

Step 1: Look for the pulse near the brachial artery. You can also use the stethoscope for this purpose.
Step 2: Slide the cuff onto the arm, 2 fingers above the elbow bend, and secure it. Place the head of the stethoscope over the elbow bend and the tail in your ears to hear the pulse.
Step 3: Inflate the cuff by holding the bulb in your right hand and monitor the pressure gauge.
Step 4: Inflate it until the pulse sound ceases and the gauge has a reading 30 points above the expected value.
Step 5: Now, slowly deflate the cuff by gradually opening the airflow valve the other way.
Step 6: Listen to the first heartbeat as you deflate the cuff. The reading against it is your systolic pressure.
Step 7: Now, listen for the last heartbeat; the reading against it is your diastolic pressure.
Step 8: Deflate the cuff completely.

2. Digital Blood Pressure Monitors

Step 1: Slide the cuff, 2 fingers above the elbow bend, and secure it.
Step 2: Press the power button and wait until all the symbols appear on the screen.
Step 3: Now, press the start button.
Step 4: The cuff will gradually inflate and deflate on its own.
Step 5: After this, the result is displayed on the screen.
Step 6: Open the cuff and allow the person to rest.

When To Check Blood Pressure?

According to experts, blood pressure should be recorded twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. If you need clarification on any of the readings, you can take another reading with a time difference of at least one minute.

Avoid consuming any food or beverage within 30 minutes of recording your blood pressure. This might generate false results. Blood pressure is the lowest in the morning, gradually rises during the day, and then slowly lowers in the late afternoon and evening.

If you notice a rise or drop in your blood pressure, immediately contact your healthcare provider and seek medical help, as it may cause several severe medical conditions if left untreated. Keeping a record helps your physician have a clear picture of your health. However, the treatment only partially depends on the reading but eases the process.

FAQs about Blood Pressure Monitoring

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What is the correct arm position for taking blood pressure?

When taking blood pressure readings, the arm should be at the heart level horizontally.

When not to take blood pressure?

Blood Pressure should not be measured right after someone wakes up as it might give you incorrect readings.

What factors can cause an incorrect blood pressure reading?

The factors leading to incorrect blood pressure readings are:

Inappropriate cuff size
Improper placement of cuff
Frivolous lifestyle, including smoking and alcoholism
Other factors are stress, anxiety, etc.

Can you put a blood pressure cuff on too tightly?

A blood pressure cuff placed too tightly can generate a false reading.

I have a high BP. Should I consider getting a health insurance policy?

Yes, definitely. A high blood pressure can result in heart problems which might require treatment in the future. Hence, having a health insurance policy can be beneficial to cover the expenses incurred in the treament.