How to Avoid Mistakes in Measuring High Blood Pressure

It is very important to avoid mistakes in measuring high blood pressure. An incorrect reading can cause a person who does have high blood pressure to go untreated, while a person with low blood pressure might be treated needlessly for a condition that they do not have. High blood pressure can be a very dangerous medical condition and it is essential to learn the proper method of measuring blood pressure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Blood pressure machine
• Chair
• Pillow if needed

1. Check your blood pressure equipment to make sure that it is working properly
2. Relax a few minutes before taking your blood pressure, as it can fluctuate due to the state of your body. Take the time to sit down, relax and breathe slowly.
3. Put the blood pressure cuff on your upper arm with the bottom of the cuff placed at the bend in your elbow. The cuff should cover about 3/4 of your upper arm. It is very important that you use the right size cuff.
4. Place your arm at heart level and use pillows to prop it up if necessary.
5. Sit still with your feet flat on the floor and your back supported and straight. Breathe calmly and deeply while your blood pressure is being taken.
6. Measure your blood pressure and keep a log of your reading by writing it down immediately when you take it. Refer to your log to determine your normal blood pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you are seeing a doctor on a regular basis, get into the routine of taking your blood pressure at home.
• The optimal blood pressure reading is 80 over 120.
• To check to see if you are using the right size blood pressure cuff, measure the bladder of the cuff. It should be at least 80 percent of your arm's circumference.
• Take your blood pressure several times if your reading is out of your normal range. When the cuff isn't positioned properly, you'll get an inaccurate reading.
• Your blood pressure may not be accurate at the doctor's office if you are in pain, nervous, anxious or angry.
• Using the wrong size blood pressure cuff will give an incorrect blood pressure reading.
• Be concerned if your blood pressure reading is 90 over 140. It is considered high blood pressure.