Wrist blood pressure monitors are a simple, fast way to monitor your blood pressure. Although the American Heart Association recommends using the traditional bicep monitor for the highest level of accuracy, "Wrist blood pressure monitors can be accurate if used exactly as directed," says Dr. Sheldon G. Sheps of MayoClinic.com. Therefore, it is essential to follow proper instructions for using these monitors. See your model's manufacturer instructions for complete details. It is best to take your monitor to your doctor so that he or she can demonstrate proper use and validate the accuracy of the readings.
Measure Blood Pressure
Step 1
Sit down on a chair. Turn your forearm so that your palm is facing up.
Step 2
Wrap the cuff around your left wrist. The cuff should fit snugly around your wrist, but not too tight that it puts pressure on the wrist, as this could cause the reading to be inaccurate. The sphygmomanometer, or blood pressure measuring device, should lie directly over your wrist, about 1 to 2 inches from the joint.
Step 3
Place your hand on a table. Keep your wrist level with your heart.
Step 4
Press the start button on the monitor. The cuff will begin to tighten as it measures your blood pressure. Do not move or talk during this process.
Step 5
Read your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. You can also see your heart rate after the monitor has completed the measurement. Your systolic pressure is the higher number and your diastolic pressure is the lower number. Your heart rate will be displayed as a separate number, often located next to a "heart" symbol.
Step 6
Record the reading. Also record the time and date of the reading each time you measure your blood pressure. This is a useful tool to keep track of your blood pressure readings.
Tips and Warnings
- Your blood pressure is very sensitive to a variety of factors including body position, eating, movement, caffeine and stress. To maintain the highest level of accuracy, refrain from eating, drinking alcohol, using tobacco or consuming caffeine for at least 30 minutes prior to taking your readings. Sit quietly for at least five minutes prior to taking your blood pressure. Refrain from talking, moving or crossing your legs when you take the reading.
- Blood pressure readings that are consistently high merit a trip to your doctor's office. Normal systolic blood pressure is 120 and normal diastolic blood pressure is 80. Systolic readings between 120 and 139 and diastolic readings between 80 and 89 are defined as "prehypertension."
Things You'll Need
- Wrist blood pressure monitor
