How to Take Blood Pressures

Learn how to take blood pressure readings using a sphygmomanometer(blood pressure cuff) and a stethoscope.

Things You'll Need

• Blood pressure cuff
• stethoscope

Instructions

1. 

   Place the blood pressure cuff on the upper arm above the elbow. Wrap the cuff somewhat tight around the bicep as shown.

2. 

   Using your stethoscope place the bell on the inside of the elbow as shown.

3. 

   Close the valve on the bulb of the blood pressure cuff by turning all the way clockwise.

4. 

   Pump the bulb of the cuff, inflating it, until the gauge reads 180 mmHg.

5. 

   While listening to the stethoscope and watching the gauge, slowly turn the valve counterclockwise until the gauge slowly drops in pressure.

6. Once you hear the first beat in the stethoscope, note the gauge reading. This is the systolic pressure.

7. Continue watching the gauge and listening to the stethoscope as the pressure falls, at the last beat you hear, note the pressure reading. This is the diastolic pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• When notating blood pressure, write the numbers as a fraction with the systolic number on the top and diastolic on the bottom.

• Taking blood pressure readings is not a substitute for true medical advice. If you are not well, see a doctor.