Blood pressure is an important indicator for cardiovascular health. Elevated blood pressure can indicate that the heart is having to work too hard and can put you at a greater risk of having a heart attack or a stroke, whereas low blood pressure can indicate dehydration or shock. Blood pressure is often measured from the arm, but it can also be measured from the calf muscles when getting the pressure from the arm is difficult.
Step 1
Wrap the blood pressure cuff securely around the calf, a few inches below the knee.
Step 2
Place the bell of the stethoscope under the blood pressure cuff, on the mid-line of the back of the calf.
Step 3
Close the air valve for the cuff---the valve is located just above the ball that inflates the cuff and can be closed by turning the valve clockwise.
Step 4
Squeeze the ball of the blood pressure cuff to inflate it. Squeeze until the pressure on the gauge---located on the cuff---is at 180 or higher.
Step 5
Listen using your stethoscope, while slowly opening the air valve (turn counter-clockwise) and note the pressure readings when you start being able to hear the pulse and also when you can't. The pressure when you are first able to hear the pulse is the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure is the pressure at which you can no longer hear the pulse.
Things You'll Need
- Blood pressure cuff
- Stethoscope
