Measuring your blood pressure daily is an essential part of everyday life for some people. Those who are struggling with low or high blood pressure, those with any kind of blood pressure condition, as well as the elderly are often required to monitor their BP daily, if not twice a day.
Investing in a good quality blood pressure monitor for home use is the first step in keeping your heart health in check, but once you have the machine some people are unclear as to how to use a blood pressure monitor correctly at home.
We give you some tips now on how to take blood pressure with a machine to make sure you get an accurate reading every time.
How to Use a Blood Pressure Machine Correctly At Home
If you have to take your blood pressure at home, it is advisable that you avoid a few things for at least half an hour before taking your measurement, namely;
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Alcohol
- Exercise
These stimulants as well as exercise can increase your BP reading, so it’s best to avoid these things at least 30 minutes before taking a reading.
Same Time Every Day
Experts advise that you try to take your BP reading at the same time every day so that you can get an accurate observation of your blood pressure over a few days when taken at the same time daily.
Sit Down
Always make sure you are seated in a comfortable chair when taking your blood pressure. You should never be standing or moving around when taking your reading.
Fit the Cuff Well
Make sure you have chosen a cuff that fits the size of your upper arm. If it’s too small or too big, the machine cannot give you an accurate reading. Fit the cuff around your upper arm well, so that it is snug before taking your blood pressure. If you are struggling to fit the cuff by yourself, ask a family member or friend to help fit it for you.
Sit Still
While the blood pressure machine is taking your reading, be sure to sit still and breathe normally.
Keen to know more about how to use a digital blood pressure machine or how to use an electronic blood pressure machine? We recommend always reading through the manufacturer's guidelines on how to use the machine you’ve chosen to buy before taking your first measurement.
Browse our range of Dis-Chem Blood Pressure Monitors online now.
FAQs
How does a bp monitor work?
A blood pressure monitor measures the pulsations of your blood pressure or the pressure your blood is exerting on the walls of the blood vessel, in your arm through the cuff that is covering your arm.
How to use a bp monitor?
To use a blood pressure monitor correctly at home, follow the tips in our article above.
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