how to use wrist blood pressure monitor

How to Measure Blood Pressure

Blood pressure levels change over the course of time. They can also change according to
physical or mental conditions, the measurement environment, or other factors. It's also
nearly impossible to get accurate readings unless you follow the correct procedures. So
make sure to measure your blood pressure correctly and keep a record of your readings.

Timing of measurement

Blood pressure fluctuates constantly during the course of a day. To ensure accuracy, the Japanese Society of Hypertension recommends taking blood pressure readings at about the same time everyday-preferably, soon after you get up in the morning and before you go to bed at night. In the morning, you should take a measurement within an hour after you get up. Make sure to empty your bladder before measuring your blood pressure. Avoid eating or taking medication before checking your blood pressure. I-or night time measurement, wait at least an hour after taking a bath.

Monitoring blood pressure—5 key points

POINT1 Make sure you are comfortable and relaxed: Your physical or mental conditions immediately before measuring your blood pressure affect your readings. So if you are frustrated or nervous,you won't be able to take an accurate reading. Before measuring your blood pressure, rest in a chair for 1 or 2 minutes. It's recommended that you take 5 or 6 deep breaths before you start the measurement.

POINT2 Empty your bladder and bowels: Measure your blood pressure several minutes after you have emptied your bladder and bowels. Do not measure your blood pressure when you have an urge to urinate or defecate.

POINT3 Sit on a chair with your legs flat on the floor and secure the cuff to your arm/wrist: Maintaining a correct sitting posture and correct application of the cuff are the keys for getting accurate blood pressure readings. Sit up straight with your back against the chair and keep relaxed, with your legs uncrossed. To make the height of your arm or wrist aligned with the heart level (position of nipples), adjust the height of the desk with a book or cushion if the desk is too low. The cuff should be wrapped snuggly and securely.

POINT4 Measure your blood pressure at about the same time each day: Checking blood pressure readings regularly over a long period makes your monitored data more effective in the detection and prevention of hypertension. Choose the time period when you are in the most stable condition and take a blood pressure reading at about the same time each day.

POINT5 Maintain the room's temperature at a proper level: An excessively hot or cold environment may affect your blood pressure readings, so maintain the temperature of the room at around 20°C (68°F) when checking your blood pressure.

How to apply the cuff correctly

Upper arm blood pressure monitor

CHECK.1 Apply the cuff to bare skin or light innerwear: Wrap the cuff snuggly around the arm, on bare skin or light innerwear,making sure the cuff is securely in place. Remove heavy clothes such as a sweater before measurement, instead of rolling up the sleeves.

CHECK.2 Make the air tube run down the inside of your arm: Adjust the position of the air tube so that it runs down the inside of your arm and is positioned at the center of your arm.

CHECK.3 Cuff wrapping position: Position the cuff about 1-2cm (1/2 inch) above the bend of your elbow.Make sure that the cuff does not cover the joint region.

Wrist blood pressure monitor

CHECK.1 Wrap the cuff snuggly: Wrap the wrist cuff securely around your wrist. Do not apply the cuff over clothing.

CHECK.2 Wrap the cuff around whichever wrist is easier to apply to: The cuff may be wrapped around either the right or left wrist. However, because measurement values vary between the right and left wrists, make sure to always measure on the same side.

CHECK.3 Cuff wrapping position: Position the cuff leaving a clearance of about 1-1.5cm (1/2 inch) between the cuff and the bottom of your palm. Make sure the wrist cuff does not cover the wrist bone.