How to measure blood pressure correctly. Izvestia's instructions

Blood pressure (BP) measurement is an important practice for maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. You can determine the blood pressure level using a special device — a blood pressure monitor. Read about how to use it correctly and what indicators are considered the norm in the Izvestia article.

How to choose a blood pressure measuring device

The modern medical equipment market offers three main types of tonometers: mechanical, semi-automatic and automatic. Each model has its own characteristics that affect the convenience of its use.

• A mechanical tonometer is a classic device that is more often used by medical professionals. It consists of a cuff, a bulb for pumping air and a pressure gauge with an arrow. A stethoscope is used to listen to Korotkov's tones.;
• The semi—automatic blood pressure monitor is a more modern model that combines manual air injection with automatic analysis. The user pumps the cuff with a pear, and the electronic unit independently vents the air, calculates the readings and displays them on the display.;
• The automatic blood pressure monitor is the easiest model to operate. The compressor independently pumps and vents air, it is enough for the user to put on a cuff and start the device.

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Experts recommend giving preference to certified tonometers with a shoulder cuff, as their error is minimal. There are also several key factors to consider when choosing a device.:

• the presence of an arrhythmia indicator for patients with heart problems;
• the size of the cuff corresponding to the arm circumference;
• the amount of memory required when using the device by several people;
• the mobility of the device (compact wrist models are suitable for frequent trips).

How to prepare for blood pressure measurement

Proper preparation for blood pressure measurement ensures the accuracy of the device. The procedure should be performed sitting on a chair with a back in a relaxed position. The arm should be removed from clothing, but it is better not to roll up the sleeve — it can constrict blood vessels and affect performance. The legs should be on the floor, they should not be crossed or thrown one on top of the other.

Shortly before measurements, the following recommendations should be followed:

• rest for 5-10 minutes, avoiding physical activity;
• refrain from measuring immediately after stressful situations, otherwise the indicators will be overestimated.;
• Do not consume food, caffeine, alcohol, or smoke 30 minutes before the procedure.;
• Do not talk during the procedure.;
• pre-empty the bladder.

The cuff should be placed on the forearm, placing its lower edge 1-2 cm above the elbow bend. The arm with the cuff should rest freely on the table at the level of the heart. You can take measurements on any arm, but for regular monitoring, it is recommended to measure blood pressure on the same arm.

How to measure blood pressure with a mechanical blood pressure monitor

Working with a mechanical tonometer requires certain skills. The measurement process involves several sequential steps, the accuracy of which determines the final result.

• The stethoscope membrane should be installed 1-2 cm inside from the center of the ulnar fossa.;
• The air in the cuff should be pumped to a level exceeding the normal operating pressure by 20-30 mmHg.;
• gradually bleed the air, 3-4 mmHg per second.;
• note the appearance of the first Korotkov tones on the pressure gauge scale (the sound of pulsation in the stethoscope) — this is the upper pressure;
• record the moment when the pulsation sounds disappear completely — this is the lower pressure.

How to measure blood pressure with a semi-automatic and electronic blood pressure monitor

Using a semi-automatic blood pressure monitor greatly simplifies the pressure measurement process. The user pumps air into the cuff using a bulb, and then presses the button to start the analysis. The device will independently bleed the air and calculate the readings, displaying the values of blood pressure and pulse.

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This amount will help save the lives of more than 1.2 million people, experts believe.

Automatic blood pressure monitors are even easier to use. It is enough to put on the cuff correctly and press the "Start" button. The device will perform all operations on its own and show the result on the display. Many models also keep a measurement history, which allows you to track the dynamics of indicators.

What indicators of blood pressure are considered normal?

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury and written in two digits. The first value shows systolic (upper) pressure, the second — diastolic (lower). Both parameters are equally important for diagnosis.

The average norm is considered to be 120/80 mmHg. However, individual deviations are possible due to body characteristics, heredity, and general well-being. For example, a pressure of 130/80 mmHg may be normal for athletes, and 110/70 mmHg for thin people.

Deviations above 140/90 mmHg and below 100/60 mmHg require the attention of specialists. In some cases, there may be an isolated increase or decrease in one of the indicators, which indicates certain disorders in the body.

Earlier, Irina Volgina, associate professor of the Department of Therapy at the Medical Faculty of the State University of Education, told how to provide first aid to a person with high blood pressure.