TAKING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
11.After opening the air release valve, listen carefully for a pulse beat. The moment you hear the first thumping sounds of your pulse beat, note the reading on the gauge. This is your systolic blood pressure measurement.
12.When you can no longer hear any sounds, read the gauge. This is your diastolic blood pressure measurement.
13.Remove cuff and make note of your blood pressure on the blood pressure record located on page
NOTE: To be certain your technique was good and the readings were as accurate as possible, wait
Two-party method
1.If you plan on taking someone else’s blood pressure, have the person whose blood pressure is to be taken to rest and relax at least 15 minutes beforehand.
2.Have the person extend his or her left arm toward you, palm up. Be sure the arm rests at the same level as the heart.
3.Position the cuff as indicated in the
4.Attach the manometer to the loop on the cuff, so that it is clearly visible to you.
5.Perform Steps
If possible, have your physician watch your technique to be sure it is correct.
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts; diastolic pressure occurs when the heart expands. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
What Affects Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is affected by many factors: age, weight, time of day, activity level, climate, altitude and season. Certain activities can sig- nificantly alter one’s blood pressure. Walking can raise systolic pressure by 12 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 5.5 mmHg.
Sleeping can decrease systolic blood pressure by as much as 10 mmHg. Taking your blood pressure repeatedly without waiting an interval of 5 to 10 minutes between readings, or without raising your arm to allow blood to flow back to the heart, can also affect it.
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