It is important to know what is the procedure of taking blood pressure correctly, so as to be sure of the readings you get. The article is intended to throw some light on the various steps of taking blood pressure correctly.
Blood pressure is an important indicator of heart health and hence, the significance of taking blood pressure correctly is of paramount importance as well. Taking blood pressure correctly is as much an art as it is a science. There are many fine points that need to be taken into consideration while taking accurate blood pressure. The basic way of taking blood pressure is with the help of a device known as sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. Before we move on to know how to check blood pressure, it is important to understand the various parts of a sphygmomanometer. This device consists of the following parts:
Blood pressure is an important indicator of heart health and hence, the significance of taking blood pressure correctly is of paramount importance as well. Taking blood pressure correctly is as much an art as it is a science. There are many fine points that need to be taken into consideration while taking accurate blood pressure. The basic way of taking blood pressure is with the help of a device known as sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. Before we move on to know how to check blood pressure, it is important to understand the various parts of a sphygmomanometer. This device consists of the following parts:
- Mercury column / Aneroid gauge
- Cuff
- Tube
- Air bulb
- Pressure valve
While taking blood pressure, each part of the sphygmomanometer has a specific function.
Taking Blood Pressure Correctly
Given below is a step by step guide that will help you to ensure that you are taking blood pressure correctly, at home and elsewhere.
Step 1
First the patient must be made to lie down. Taking blood pressure while standing is not advisable, as the correct blood pressure is only recorded when a patient is in a supine position. This is the position in which the person's heart is not under any kind of stress and the heart beat is normal.
Step 2
The brachial artery is palpable on the medial side of the brachialis tendon which can be found on the inside of the arm. In simple words, flex your arm slightly and you will be able to palpate a tendon and on the inner side of this tendon (towards the body) you will find the brachial artery. So, once the brachial artery is identified, wrap the cuff tightly, around the area, just above the brachial artery. Take care of placing the diaphragm part of the chest-piece of the stethoscope on the brachial artery.
Step 3
After the cuff is secured into place, close the valve and slowly start pumping the air bulb, which will make the mercury column rise. Be sure to do this slowly, so that the person does not feel sudden pain due to ischemia. Also, do not raise the pressure to more than 150mm of Hg to be on the safe side, unless it is known that the person is suffering from high blood pressure. Ideally, raise the pressure till the heart sounds are not heard anymore through the stethoscope.
Step 4
Now, slowly release the pressure and wait till you hear heart sounds. These sounds are known as Korotkoff sounds. They are heard, because the normal streamline flow of blood is suddenly hindered and again, when the pressure is released, the blood flows turbulently and gushes through, causing these sounds. Thus, the level of pressure at which the first sound is heard marks the systolic blood pressure. Then, when the sound slowly starts to fade away and just before, it completely disappears, that reading will mark the diastolic blood pressure.
Step 5
If you perform the procedure but are not sure of the readings you have got while measuring blood pressure, you can repeat the procedure immediately, provided the person is not complaining of pain in the arm. During the procedure, if the persons arm suddenly turns white and spasmodic and the person complains of pain, then it is best to immediately release the pressure by opening the valve completely.
Taking Blood Pressure Correctly
Given below is a step by step guide that will help you to ensure that you are taking blood pressure correctly, at home and elsewhere.
Step 1
First the patient must be made to lie down. Taking blood pressure while standing is not advisable, as the correct blood pressure is only recorded when a patient is in a supine position. This is the position in which the person's heart is not under any kind of stress and the heart beat is normal.
Step 2
The brachial artery is palpable on the medial side of the brachialis tendon which can be found on the inside of the arm. In simple words, flex your arm slightly and you will be able to palpate a tendon and on the inner side of this tendon (towards the body) you will find the brachial artery. So, once the brachial artery is identified, wrap the cuff tightly, around the area, just above the brachial artery. Take care of placing the diaphragm part of the chest-piece of the stethoscope on the brachial artery.
Step 3
After the cuff is secured into place, close the valve and slowly start pumping the air bulb, which will make the mercury column rise. Be sure to do this slowly, so that the person does not feel sudden pain due to ischemia. Also, do not raise the pressure to more than 150mm of Hg to be on the safe side, unless it is known that the person is suffering from high blood pressure. Ideally, raise the pressure till the heart sounds are not heard anymore through the stethoscope.
Step 4
Now, slowly release the pressure and wait till you hear heart sounds. These sounds are known as Korotkoff sounds. They are heard, because the normal streamline flow of blood is suddenly hindered and again, when the pressure is released, the blood flows turbulently and gushes through, causing these sounds. Thus, the level of pressure at which the first sound is heard marks the systolic blood pressure. Then, when the sound slowly starts to fade away and just before, it completely disappears, that reading will mark the diastolic blood pressure.
Step 5
If you perform the procedure but are not sure of the readings you have got while measuring blood pressure, you can repeat the procedure immediately, provided the person is not complaining of pain in the arm. During the procedure, if the persons arm suddenly turns white and spasmodic and the person complains of pain, then it is best to immediately release the pressure by opening the valve completely.