Blood pressure refers to the force against your blood vessels as your blood flows through your body. According to the American Heart Association, your blood pressure is composed of two readings: the systolic and the diastolic number. The systolic number refers to the pressure created when your heart pumps blood to your body. The diastolic number refers to the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart relaxes. It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly because high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to a heart attack or stroke, while a low blood pressure (hypotension) can result in dizziness or fainting.
Step 1
Sit with your back supported against a chair and your feet flat on the floor.
Step 2
Stretch your right arm out with your palm facing the ceiling. Make sure your arm is above your heart.
Step 3
Place the blood pressure cuff around your right arm and above your elbow. Make sure it is snug. Remove the cuff and adjust it if your arm is turning blue or the cuff is too painful.
Step 4
Press the "On" switch located on the digital blood pressure monitor and make sure the digital numbers are displayed.
Step 5
Press the "start" button and the cuff will begin to inflate with air. After it reaches its full inflation capacity, the device will automatically release the air and obtain your blood pressure.
Step 6
Wait for the digital display monitor to reveal your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The systolic number is the top number and the diastolic number is the bottom number. For example, your blood pressure may be 130 over 60. A normal systolic blood pressure is less than 120 and a normal diastolic number is less than 80.
Step 7
Remove the inflation cuff from your right arm and write down your blood pressure measurements in a notebook. Repeat steps 1 to 6 to take your blood pressure in your left arm.
Step 8
Take your blood pressure daily when you are at rest. Record your blood pressure numbers and bring them with you when you go to the doctor.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure you use the proper cuff size. If you don't use the right size, this can dramatically affect your blood pressure readings. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to advise you on what is your cuff size.
Things You'll Need
- Digital blood pressure
- Notebook
- Pen
