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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. You slide the slider until it's snug. To get the most accurate blood pressure reading, remember the following tips: Make sure the blood pressure cuff is the right size for you. Take your blood pressure at the same time every day, or as your healthcare provider recommends. Knowing how to read a blood pressure chart can help you identify if you’re at risk for hypertension. Using the numbers on the aneroid monitor, inflate the cuff about 20-30 mm Hg over your normal blood pressure. If you want to check if your systolic blood pressure (the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is pumping) is normal, you can use your pulse for a rough estimate. Diastolic blood pressure (the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is resting between beats) must always be done with an arm cuff or stethoscope. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Write down the top number (your systolic pressure) and the bottom number (your diastolic pressure). Make sure the blood pressure cuff is the right size for you. Bring your own at-home monitor to your doctor’s office at least once a year to calibrate it and make sure it’s working correctly. [1] Your feet shouldn’t be crossed. Blood pressure is measured using two different readings. Purchase an automated blood pressure cuff online. Check the readings. Eliminate fatty meats and limit dairy consumption to lower your blood pressure. When you're ready to take your blood pressure, sit quietly for three to five minutes beforehand. Find a quiet place where you are not distracted, sit down, and after at least 10 minutes (to ensure you obtain a resting pulse) count your pulse by gently placing two fingers on the inside of your other wrist, below your thumb and count the beats for 30 seconds (don’t use … However, some patients tend to turn this simple precautionary measure into a lot of worry and false alarms. Try to consume at least 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day. Take your blood pressure reading in front of your physician, nurse or PA so they can ensure you are using it properly. Your blood pressure measure the force your blood exerts on the sides of the blood vessels as it moves around your body and is an important indicator of your health. Position your arm straight, palm facing up on a level surface, such as a table. All rights reserved. In general, a normal blood pressure is considered anything less than 120/80. If you feel a pulse, this means that your systolic measurement is probably above 80, since a lower blood pressure wouldn’t reach the artery in your wrist. Hold your finger on the camera until the app tells you that its measurement is complete. A blood pressure test is a simple way of checking if your blood pressure is too high or too low. If your blood pressure is high, your doctor will probably prescribe blood pressure lowering medication. Applying an ice pack to the affected area reduces the swelling and pain. What does your blood pressure reading mean? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. High blood pressure means the force of the blood pushing against a person’s artery walls is consistently too high. If one number falls into one of the other categories, you’re blood pressure is considered to be in that category. Have them to take an additional reading on their machine, to compare for accuracy. Don't use your thumb, as your thumb has a strong enough pulse to interfere with this process. Have your blood pressure read at your annual or semi-annual physical. Smart Blood Pressure has an intuitive interface and a modern design. Blood pressure is an important indicator of health. Home / Learning Center / About Sphygmomanometers / How to Take Blood Pressure. Do not check your blood pressure within 30 minutes of smoking, drinking coffee, or exercising. This technology essentially analyzes your pulse, heart rate, and other information to arrive at health statistics. Take two fingers, preferably your index and middle fingers, and place them just below the wrist creases on the thumb side of your hand. Pick a few, select them, and read user reviews. Place your feet flat on the floor and rest your arm on a tabletop even with your heart. The readings should be within a few numbers of each other. The application will use photoelectric pulse wave signal stability information to calculate your blood pressure. While everyone is different, the AHA recommends the following ranges for healthy adults: When determining the category you fall into, it’s important to remember that both your systolic and diastolic numbers need to be in the normal range for your blood pressure to be considered normal. That’s the first or top number in a reading. Download speeds may vary based on your internet connection speed. Position your left arm so that it rests at about heart level. Many people measure their blood pressure at home as a way of preventing heart attacks and ischemia. You can also take the monitor to your doctor’s office, or even your local pharmacy, for a demonstration. For example, if your blood pressure is 115/92, you’re blood pressure would be considered high blood pressure stage 2. Between 120 – 139/80 – 89 indicates prehypertension. Often though, medication plays a larger role in contributing to fatigue than the actual condition does. Find a comfortable and appropriate location to take your blood pressure. Press the “download” button on your smartphone. This can be helpful for your doctor. You should be able to comfortably slip one finger between your arm and the cuff when it’s deflated. Your own personal blood pressure will depend on your gender, age, weight, and any medical conditions you have. Not feeling your pulse does not indicate health problems. There are a variety of treatments that can help you manage your…, Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is important, whether you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition or not. Pressure is then decreased so that the rate of drop is 2 millimeters per second. Wrap the cuff around the upper arm with the cuff's lower edge one inch above the antecubital fossa. Before taking your blood pressure, make sure you’re relaxed. You’ll hear the blood pulsing, so keep listening and allow the balloon to slowly deflate until that rhythm stops. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. A blood pressure reading is the pressure that blood puts on the walls of arteries. Higher numbers in either recording can show that the heart is working extra hard to pump blood through your arteries. If your blood pressure ever goes over 180 systolic or over 120 diastolic after a repeat reading, seek emergency medical care right away. To increase the speed, make sure to connect your phone to a wireless network. For more tips, including how to improve your blood pressure, read on. Here’s 17 ways to lower your…, Many medications can be used to treat high blood pressure. You should also take your pulse again after moderate activity to see if it's increased. 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