Blood pressure is the measurement of the blood flow's force against the body's arteries. A blood pressure reading is divided into two portions, the diastolic and systolic pressure measurements. The diastolic blood pressure is the first, or top, number in a blood pressure reading. It refers to the amount of pressure when the heart is beating. When the body is at rest, the systolic blood pressure is read. The systolic pressure is the bottom, or second number in a blood pressure reading. To find a person's blood pressure manually use a blood pressure cuff and sphygmomanometer.
Step 1
Find the brachial pulse. Feel for the pulse using your pointer and middle fingers. Palpate the skin 1 to 2 inches above the elbow, in the inner portion of the arm. If you are having difficulty locating a pulse, try the other arm.
Step 2
Wrap the deflated blood pressure cuff around the upper arm, about 1 to 2 inches above the elbow. Make sure the sphygmomanometer, the circular measurement device, is visible to read. Close the valve near the inflation bulb.
Step 3
Place the stethoscope ear pieces into the ears. Put the diaphragm of the stethoscope over the brachial artery. Slowly pump and inflate the blood pressure cuff until it reads 150 mm HG. Slowly deflate the cuff by slightly turning the valve and releasing air.
Step 4
Listen for the first tap or sound through the stethoscope; record as the diastolic blood pressure. Continue to listen until the tapping or beating sounds changes to a muffled sound. The change in sound is distinct; record as the systolic. Repeat taking the blood pressure to ensure the readings are accurate.
Tips and Warnings
- If the first beating of sound is immediately heard, reinflate the cuff an additional 20 mm HG.
