In order to know your blood pressure, taking a blood pressure measurement is necessary. This can be done at home, in a pharmacy or store, or at your doctor’s office. Many people are unaware of their blood pressure.
If you’re not seeing your doctor each year for a physical, it’s a good idea to do so. This will help you to know where your blood pressure stands. Taking a blood pressure measurement is quite simple. However, there are many things to keep in mind.
First, make sure you’re using the cuff correctly. At the doctor’s office a professional that’s trained will know how to do this. But if you’re taking it on your own, you need to pay attention to where you place the cuff.
The cuff needs to be only about an inch from the bend in your elbow. If it’s lower or higher, you won’t get an accurate reading. It’s also important to make sure the cuff is fastened snuggly to your arm.
If you’re using an automated machine at home, the machine will do the rest of the work for you. It’s not recommended that you try to use a stethoscope unless you’ve been trained by a professional to do so.
When taking a blood pressure measurement, it’s important to make sure you’re sitting up straight. Being in a slouchy position with bad posture can make the reading inaccurate. It’s also important to be very still and quiet so that the machine can pick up on the sound of your pulse.
Make sure to avoid caffeine or tobacco for at least an hour before taking your blood pressure. These items contain stimulants that can raise your blood pressure temporarily and give you a false reading. However, if you smoke you may have higher blood pressure as a result of chronic tobacco use.
After you get your arm placed in the cuff, it’s a good idea to sit for a few minutes before beginning the test. The movement of walking around the room and getting your arm in the right position can increase your blood pressure for a few moments.
Try sitting for five or even ten minutes to get a true resting blood pressure. This is the best indicator of your health. Your blood pressure does go up when you’re physically active and this usually is normal.
If you’re confused about how to take your blood pressure correctly, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she can help you understand the proper way of taking a blood pressure measurement with your equipment.
