Lesson 8 - Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

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Once you're in possession of a blood pressure monitor, it's time to crack the cellophane open and put it to good use.

Believe me, you'll be glad you did.

Regardless of which machine you have, there are a few necessary precautions that must be adhered to prior to taking a reading.

• Be sure to test the machine out before purchasing it (to make sure you understand how it works, and to ensure that the particular unit functions properly).

• Rest for about five to ten minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Be sure to sit up straight and still, relaxed, legs and arms uncrossed, and remain silent.

• Raise the arm you will use for the measurement (usually the right arm) above your heart, supported by a pillow.

• Do not eat, smoke, drink (especially alcohol and caffeine), or engage in vigorous exercise for about an hour before taking the reading.

• Be sure to use the bathroom before taking a reading.

• Check with your physician about how often you need to take your blood pressure readings (most will always suggest you use the same arm, and perform the measurement at approximately the same time of day, but be sure to double-check before proceeding).

• Be sure the cuff fits, and that it is securely fastened on your arm, finger, or wrist, against your skin. You want the cuff to be snug and secure, without being too loose or tight (this will lead to non-accurate readings).

• Depending on where the cuff is placed be sure to leave about a fingertip's amount of room.

• Be sure the cuff is properly inflated (a finger cuff unit should not be inflated to more than 300 mm Hg, and up to 280 mm Hg for all other monitor types). As a good rule of thumb, begin by inflating the cuff until the gauge reads about 30 mm Hg above your anticipated systolic blood pressure reading.

• If you are using an aneroid monitor, test it a few times to get an idea of which beats to listen for, and how to record them.

You may have already seen this at least twice before (especially if you already checked out lesson #2), but for a refresher course in using a digital blood pressure monitor, click here for a video called--surprise, surprise--"Using a Home Blood Pressure Monitor."

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