How To Take Blood Pressure Step By Step With and Without A Monitor

It is quite common nowadays to find a person who is suffering from Blood Pressure related issues. You don’t need to visit a doctor’s office to get your BP checked. For this, you can use the Best BP Monitor in India for Home Use. For first-timers, checking the blood pressure accurately can be a challenging task. You can follow the guidelines on how to take blood pressure step by step.

You can check blood pressure manually or by using a BP monitor. We recommend using a digital BP monitor at your home.

Before letting you know how to take blood pressure step by step there are a few things that you generally have to keep in mind before taking a reading:

1. Finding a quiet place, as you have to listen to your heartbeat.
2. Be relaxed and sit down on a chair before taking a reading.
3. Empty your bladder as a full bladder may affect your readings.
4. Remove any tight clothes or roll up sleeves such that the flow of blood is normal

Here’s how to take blood pressure readings step by step with the help of a Digital BP monitor:

• Locate your pulse

Use your index and middle finger to locate the pulse slightly to the center of the bend of your elbow. Try to find the beat and if you are not able to find it then locate the arm cuff in that general area.

• Securing the Arm-Cuff

Gently place the arm cuff in such a position that the lower end of the cuff and your elbow has a 1-inch difference.

Secure the cuff and make it tight, but not too much. There should be a normal flow of blood when the cuff is tied.

• Take reading

Keep your arm straight for best results and press the start button. The cuff will start to deflate and inflate.

The machine is going to take 10-20 seconds only to give you the reading. Relax and wait for the long beep or the cuff to deflate completely.

• Keep Record

Keep a record of your systolic and diastolic pressure (Upper and Lower limit) as per direction by your physician.

Take a note of your blood pressure readings after you do certain activities such as eating, running, exercising, or during stress.

Here’s how to take blood pressure readings step by step manually

You must be wondering how can you check your blood pressure manually without using any equipment. Just in case if you can recall whenever you visit a doctor’s clinic he can check your blood pressure by putting a little pressure on your wrist with his fingers.

However, this method does not give you an exact reading but it will give you an idea about your BP.

Steps to take blood pressure step by step manually:

1. Feel your pulse using the index and middle finger of the other hand.
2. Once you feel the pulsating start noticing how many times the pulse goes up and down in 10 seconds.
3. Multiply the number by 6. This will give you the heart rate for one minute.
4. Note down the readings.
5. It is better to use a manual sphygmomanometer or visiting a doctor.

It is better if you go to a nearby clinic to check your blood pressure instead of taking just an idea from noting your pulse.

Some Facts related to Blood Pressure:

• The normal blood range is 120/80 for systolic and diastolic readings if you are not on any medications.
• Getting different reading after different activities such as eating, exercising, and even your emotions is a normal thing.
• One high BP reading does not mean you are having a blood pressure-related issue. It can be due to your recent activities as well.
• Blood pressure can be controlled by taking proper medications regularly.
• You should not take high or low blood pressure readings casually, consult a physician.

Difference between Hypertension and Hypotension

Hypertension:

This is the condition in which the blood pressure reading is more than the prescribed 120/80 mm/Hg. Also known as high blood pressure.

High BP occurs due to the tightening of arteries. In this condition, the flow of blood is on the higher side and may cause cardiovascular-related problems.

High blood pressure is also known as the “Silent Killer” because most people don’t even know they have this condition.

High BP may lead to heart attack, kidney failure, or a stroke.

Some general indicators of High BP are:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Pounding in chest or pain
• Sweating
• Severe Headache
• Blurry Vision
• Insomnia

It is advisable to get yourself checked if you are having any of the symptoms mentioned above.

Hypotension:

Hypotension is the opposite of Hypertension. In this condition, the rate of blood flow is on the lower side.

Generally, it is not so dangerous but if the levels are severely low then the flow of blood to the brain may get decreased and this can lead to unconsciousness.

Anything below 60 mm/Hg is considered low blood pressure.

Usually, hypotension is found in the old age group.

Some general indicators of low BP are:

• Light-head or dizziness
• Palpitations
• Shallow and rapid breathing
• Lack of consciousness
• Weak pulse

If you notice any of these symptoms get in touch with a physician as soon as possible.

Blood Pressure related issues can be taken care of if the proper medication is followed. Most of the accidents related to BP happens due to a lack of knowledge or improper medication schedule.

Exercising regularly and taking proper diets also helps in this condition. Keep a BP monitor at home for frequent checkups of your blood pressure and keep a note of the readings.

Show the chart to your physician the next time you visit him so that he can understand the pattern and give you the proper treatment accordingly.

If you are already a BP patient then make a habit of checking your BP twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening.

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