1. How the Heck Do You Pronounce It?
To be fair, you can go into any store equipped with such devices and ask for a blood pressure monitor, and the store clerks are happy to direct you to them. But, just for fun and your own vocabulary expansion, learn the actual term. The root of the word "sphygmomanometer" comes from the Greek word "sphygmos" which means "pulse." Pronounce it correctly by putting the stress on the fourth syllable.
2. Monitors Measure How Strong Your Blood Is
Blood pressure monitors tell you and your medical care specialist about the strength of your blood's force against the arterial walls, measured in terms of what are called systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the higher number, and it corresponds to the blood's highest pressure as the heart pumps it through your body. Diastolic pressure shows the blood's pressure when the heart is not pumping, therefore, it is a comparatively low number.
3. What Do the Numbers Mean?
When you talk to your doctor about systolic and diastolic pressures, you refer to them in this way: 122 over 82 (for example). Keep a daily reading, especially if you know that you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure). A normal systolic pressure reading is less than 120. Middle range is 120 to 139, and your doctor may suggest that you work get it lower. Above 140 puts you in the high blood pressure range. Under 80 is good for your diastolic pressure, while above 90 is cause for concern.
4. Cuff Yourself With an Aneroid Monitor
The aneroid monitor requires no batteries or electrical charge. It is more traditional, but it can be more difficult to use. First, put the cuff around your arm, being sure that the bottom of the cuff is within 1 inch of the elbow crease. Make sure it fits snugly, but is not restrictively tight. With the stethoscope on your elbow's crease, inflate the cuff rapidly, then let the air out at the rate of 2 or 3 millimeters per second. When you first hear the heartbeat, look at the gauge's needle: the indicated number is your systolic pressure. Listen for the heartbeat to stop: at that point, the gauge shows your diastolic pressure.
5. Go Digital
Digital sphygmomanometers are easier to use to monitor blood pressure, in that the cuff inflates by itself and you can see your pressure in the readout window. An "exhaust" button lets the cuff deflate. Take 3 or 4 readings in succession, waiting a few minutes between each, to get as accurate a score as you can.
