Blood pressure (BP) is one of the vital signs that indicate the amount of force exerted by the blood as it flows through the arteries. BP readings offer important information related to your overall health.

High or low BP can indicate an underlying health issue and can even lead to severe complications if left untreated.

It’s essential to measure blood pressure correctly to get accurate results. In this article, we will discuss the correct way to measure blood pressure and provide some additional information regarding the interpretation of the results.

What is blood pressure?

Before exploring the correct way to measure blood pressure, it’s important to understand what blood pressure is and how it’s measured.

Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on the walls of the arteries as it flows through them. It’s expressed as systolic and diastolic pressure.

Systolic pressure is the force that blood exerts when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure is the force that blood exerts between the heartbeats.

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. The top number is the systolic pressure, while the bottom number is the diastolic pressure.

Example: 120/80 is a typical blood pressure reading, where 120 represents the systolic pressure and 80 represents the diastolic pressure.

The correct way to measure blood pressure

There are different methods to measure blood pressure, including manual readings, automated devices, and ambulatory monitoring. However, the most commonly used method to measure BP is using a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) and a stethoscope.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to measure blood pressure correctly:.

Step 1: Prepare

Prior to measuring the blood pressure, you should prepare the following:.

Choose the right cuff size for the measurement
Choose a quiet room to conduct the measurement
Make sure the patient has not consumed any caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco within the last 30 minutes
Ensure the patient has emptied their bladder before measuring the blood pressure

Step 2: Prepare the patient

Ask the patient to rest and relax for at least 5 minutes before the measurement. They should sit in a comfortable chair with their back supported and feet flat on the floor. The arm to be measured should be positioned at the level of the heart.

Step 3: Apply the cuff

Wrap the cuff around the arm, leaving enough space for two fingers to fit between the cuff and the arm. Make sure the cuff is snug but not too tight.

Step 4: Inflate the cuff

Inflate the cuff by pumping air into it using the bulb or the automated device until the cuff is snug around the arm. This will temporarily stop blood flow in the artery.

Step 5: Deflate the cuff and listen for the beats

Slowly deflate the cuff by releasing the air using the bulb or the automated device. Listen to the beats through the stethoscope as the blood starts flowing through the artery.

You will hear a whooshing sound, followed by a regular beat that gradually becomes louder.

Step 6: Record the reading

Note the measurement once you hear the final beat. The first beat you hear corresponds to the systolic pressure, while the final beat corresponds to the diastolic pressure. Record both systolic and diastolic pressure measurements.

Step 7: Repeat the measurement

Take at least two measurements at a 2-3 minute interval. This will ensure that the readings are consistent and accurate.

Interpreting the results

Once you have recorded the systolic and diastolic pressure measurements, it’s time to interpret the results.

Here is what the numbers represent:.

Normal BP: Systolic pressure less than 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mmHg
Prehypertension: Systolic pressure between 120-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure between 80-89 mmHg
Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic pressure between 140-159 mmHg or diastolic pressure between 90-99 mmHg
Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic pressure of 160 mmHg or higher or diastolic pressure of 100 mmHg or higher
Hypertensive crisis: Systolic pressure over 180 mmHg and diastolic pressure over 110 mmHg

It’s important to note that blood pressure readings may vary depending on various factors such as age, gender, medication, health conditions, etc.

Therefore, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to interpret the results accurately.