Calibrating a wrist blood pressure monitor involves taking a series of readings to establish a baseline, which is then used to compare your daily blood pressure readings and to monitor whether or not there are any changes. This helps you to pinpoint whether your readings are high because of an actual problem or if they are artificially high due to a particular situation. The Mayo Clinic instructs that, during measurements, you must make sure your arm and wrist are at heart level to get an accurate reading.
Step 1
Begin by reading the manual that comes with your wrist blood pressure monitor. Make sure you understand how it works and what it measures. Also be sure to install fresh batteries so the monitor will take readings properly.
Step 2
Have your doctor take your blood pressure readings with equipment that is known to work properly. Bring your monitor with you to the appointment.
Step 3
Take your blood pressure readings at the doctor's office and write down the numbers. Immediately take your blood pressure using your new wrist blood pressure cuff. Write down those numbers.
Step 4
Repeat the measurements in 10 to 15 minutes to double check. Again, have your doctor measure your blood pressure with his equipment, and immediately afterward measure it using your own blood pressure monitor.
Step 5
Return your home monitor and purchase a new one if the readings differ by more than a few points. If the readings are only off by a few points, make a note in your records so you can get accurate estimates every time you use your home blood pressure cuff.
Tips and Warnings
- Re-calibrate your home blood pressure cuff at least every year. If you are monitoring your blood pressure closely, re-calibrate with your doctor's machines every six months.
Things You'll Need
- Wrist blood pressure cuff
- Pen
- Paper
