H. how is blood pressure measured, I. how should i record my blood pressure – American Diagnostic Corporation (ADC) Advantage 6005 User Manual

Page 9

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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“).

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