Blood pressure is measured by the amount of blood the heart pumps out, as well as the amount of resistance to blood flow measured in the arterial walls. The two measurements taken when manually checking blood pressure are the systolic and the diastolic pressures. Systolic blood pressure is measured when the heart beats, pumping blood through the arteries. When the heart is at rest, between beats, the diastolic blood pressure is measured. The blood pressure is written as two numbers. The systolic first, on top, and the diastolic second, on the bottom. An example of a blood pressure reading is 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury), or verbally read as "120 over 80." Blood pressure can be taken manually with a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff.
Step 1
Allow the person to rest quietly for several minutes if he was involved in physical activity. Sit quietly for 5 minutes to rest the heart and get an accurate blood pressure reading.
Step 2
Place the cuff on the upper portion of the arm. Tighten the cuff so only one finger can be slipped under the cuff. Ensure the sphygmomanometer, or measurement valve, is visible on the inside of the arm. Check to see if the valve is closed on the cuff; turn the screw clockwise until tight.
Step 3
Manually locate the brachial pulse using your pointer and middle fingers. Locate the artery beneath the elbow, on the inside of the arm.
Step 4
Put stethoscope earpieces into ears. Place the round end of the stethoscope, the diaphragm, on the brachial artery.
Step 5
Begin pumping the cuff until the meter reads about 150 mmHg. Slowly turn the valve to release the air gradually.
Step 6
Listen for the first sound, and read the meter at that point. Record the number as the systolic pressure. Continue to listen for when the sound changes, or drops off. Record the number as the diastolic.
Step 7
Record blood pressure, date and time. Blood pressure should generally be taken two to three times manually to ensure reading is accurate.
Tips and Warnings
- Hearing the systolic pressure immediately is a sign the blood pressure cuff was under-inflated. Increase air pumped into the cuff so valve reads 20 mm higher than the initial attempt. The first sound should be heard slightly after air is released from cuff, not immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Stethoscope
- Blood Pressure cuff with sphygmomanometer
