How to Take Your Blood Pressure.

QUESTION: I am one of those people who now monitor their blood pressure at
home. I am getting better at it, but I must admit I get a wide range of
readings that just don't seem to make much sense. Are there any tips you can
offer to me and others in the same predicament that might help straighten us
out?
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ANSWER: There are many things patients and sometimes even doctors and nurses
do wrong when taking blood pressure. The result can be inaccurate and
inconsistent readings. First of all, you should make sure you are comfortable
before taking your blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends
that prior to taking the measurement, you relax in a quiet room for a half
hour. During that time, avoid anxiety, exertion, eating or smoking, and be
sure your bladder is empty. Wear loose fitting clothes so that the flow of
blood is unrestricted and don't cross your legs or fold your arms. Try to
relax your arm muscles as much as possible as muscle tension can lead to
distorted blood pressure readings.
Always take your blood pressure while you are in the same position,
whether it be sitting, standing or lying down, and use the same arm. Make
sure you have the proper size cuff for your arm. A cuff too narrow could give
you a false high reading, while one that is too wide will give you a false low
pressure reading. Inflate the cuff rapidly (in 7 to 10 seconds) to minimize
trapping of venous blood--a common cause of false readings.
Have a doctor or nurse show you the proper way to read your measurement,
and if you are using a new machine be sure you understand its proper use.
Don't be shy, if you don't understand or need them to show you how to do
something again, ask again--until you get it right.