H. how is blood pressure measured, I. how should i record my blood pressure – American Diagnostic Corporation (ADC) Advantage 6005 User Manual
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Important Note:
While it is important to keep an accu-
rate record of your blood pressure measurements, don’t be
overly concerned by the results of any one measurement.
Individual results may be influenced by spiking of your
pressure due to diet, anxiety, or mis-measurement re-
sulting from excessive arm movement, or misappli-
cation of the cuff. Many readings taken at the same time
each day give a more comprehensive blood pressure history.
Always be sure to note the date and time when recording blood
pressure measurements.
For best results, and with time permitting, 3 successive
measurements may be taken daily. Make sure to allow
at least 5 to 10 minute intervals between measurements.
Discard any reading that appears suspect and
record the average of the remaining readings.
H. How is Blood Pressure Measured?
Health care professionals traditionally use a device known as a sphygmomanometer along with a stethoscope -essen-
tially a professional version of the very same instrument you have purchased. The sphygmomanometer is a system con-
sisting of an inflatable bladder contained within a cuff, inflation bulb with air control valve, and pressure measuring
manometer (gauge). The gauge may be mechanical or mercurial.
The cuff is wrapped around the limb and inflated to constrict blood flow to the artery. As pressure is released from the
cuff through the deflation valve, blood flow returns to the artery producing pulse beats known as Korotkoff sounds, which
are detected with the stethoscope.
Systolic pressure
is recorded at the onset of these sounds.
Diastolic pressure
is
generally recorded when the sounds disappear (when blood flow to the artery returns to normal).
I. How should I record my blood pressure?
Record by setting up a simple chart in a spiral bound notebook as shown below:
Date Time Reading
4/24 7:50AM 128/83
4/25 8:00AM 135/77
4/26 7:45AM 130/75
4/27 2:00PM 153/89
If you like you can add a column for comments about your condition at the time of measurement, or a listing of any
factors that may have influenced your readings (such as ”had a cold“, or ”just returned from vacation“).