The device medical professionals use to measure your blood pressure is called a sphygmomanometer. Although the pros get formal training, and the device is not intuitive, it's not out of reach for the average layman to measure his own blood pressure using one at home. The key is approaching the process methodically. No individual step is particularly complex, but even one small mistake can give a false reading.
Step 1
Disassemble the blood pressure rig. Untangle any twists or knots in the tubes and cuff.
Step 2
Check the bulb, cuff and tubes for holes and tears. Even a small leak can change the reading.
Step 3
Take off your shirt or roll up your sleeve far enough to expose your upper arm.
Step 4
Sit at a table or other surface positioned high enough to rest you arm on comfortably. Put one arm on the surface so it bends at about 90 degrees. You may want to use a towel as a pillow for comfort.
Step 5
Wrap the cuff around the middle of your upper arm. Pass the top of the cuff through the metal bar and tighten the cuff until it's snug but not tight. It should be snug enough that you can't fit a pinky between it and your arm, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
Step 6
Put on the stethoscope. Place the head on your inner arm just above the bend in your elbow. You're looking for the brachial artery, the same point a technician taps when drawing your blood.
Step 7
Set the gauge of your rig on the table where you can see it easily.
Step 8
Pump the bulb until the gauge reads 20 to 30 points above your usual systolic blood pressure. That's the high number in your blood pressure reading.
Step 9
Listen for the thumping sound of your blood flow as the needle falls. The reading when you first hear the thumping is your systolic blood pressure. The reading when the thumping sound fades out is your diastolic blood pressure.
Things You'll Need
- Blood pressure cuff
- Stethoscope
- Towel
References
- YouTube: How to Check Your Blood Pressure
- "Healthwise Handbook"; Kaiser Permanente Publishing; 2009
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