Low or high blood pressure may rarely show symptoms, but it is an important factor in your health to keep track of. Abnormal blood pressure levels can lead to a series of other health problems and should be controlled with careful supervision and medications.
While your doctor can check your blood pressure at your regular visits, you can also use a blood pressure cuff at home to keep more frequent tabs on your blood pressure. You just need to know how to use it correctly to get an accurate measurement.
Step 1
Get your medical equipment together. To measure your blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer, or blood pressure cuff, you also need a stethoscope to be able to hear and record your blood pressure reading properly. Make sure you have the instructions that came with your blood pressure cuff; consult them if necessary. For for the most accurate reading, make sure the blood pressure cuff is deflated before you use it.
Step 2
Get into position. Sit in a chair or lie down--whatever position is most relaxing and comfortable for you. Make sure one arm is stretched out and supported, either on a nearby table, arm of the couch or on the bed.
Step 3
Wrap the blood pressure cuff. You want to place the cuff around the upper arm, above the elbow. Make sure the cuff is fitted securely and fastened with Velcro. You should only be able to fit one finger inside the cuff--no more and no less room.
Step 4
Put the stethoscope ear pieces in your ears. Place the other end, the small round disc, of the stethoscope just below the blood pressure cuff and inside the elbow. Pump up the blood pressure cuff using the rubber ball, doing it quickly.
Step 5
Measure your blood pressure. As you pump the blood pressure cuff, watch the gauge. When the pointer on the gauge hits 150, stop pumping and slowly release some air by loosening the valve on the blood pressure cuff. Each second, turn the valve by about two or three mm to release the pressure at the right speed.
Step 6
Listen to the stethoscope. When you hear the first distinct sound, watch the gauge on the cuff and remember or record the number. This is the first number of the blood pressure reading, called "systolic pressure." Keep going and keep listening. When you hear that sound stop, pay attention to the gauge on the cuff again, and record that reading. That is the "diastolic" blood pressure, or the bottom number.
Step 7
Interpret your results. A normal blood pressure measurement is 120/80 millimeters of mercury, or mmHg. If your results are abnormal, you may want to talk to your doctor about your health risks and any steps you need to take to get your blood pressure back to normal.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure you are nice and relaxed when you take your blood pressure, and avoid exercise and caffeine before taking your measurement.
- Blood pressure is dangerously high if your reading is 160/100 or higher, so talk to your doctor about treatment right away.
Things You'll Need
- Stethoscope
- Sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff)
