When it comes to measuring blood pressure, do you really do?

1. Selection of blood pressure monitor

The main types of blood pressure monitors on the market are mercury sphygmomanometers and electronic sphygmomanometers. The electronic sphygmomanometer has wrist type, finger type, and upper arm type, and the first choice is the upper arm electronic sphygmomanometer. It is not as cumbersome as a mercury sphygmomanometer, which requires two people to operate at the same time and has high technical requirements, and it is not like a finger and wrist sphygmomanometer that has poor accuracy. The advantage is that the cuff compresses the brachial artery of the upper arm, and the arm where blood pressure is measured can easily be at the same level as the heart.

2. The time to measure blood pressure

Blood pressure varies throughout the day, and it is important to measure blood pressure at a fixed time each day. It is generally higher in the morning and lower in the evening, so a test in the morning and evening can provide a more comprehensive understanding of blood pressure. It should be reminded that when measuring blood pressure in the morning, it must be measured before taking antihypertensive drugs, so that the efficacy of the drug can be truly reflected. Morning blood pressure monitoring is especially important for early morning hypertension control. When measuring blood pressure at night, it is recommended to do it after eating, taking medicine, and when you are about to fall asleep.

In addition, when you experience dizziness, headache, or other discomfort, it is also recommended to increase the number of measurements to know whether it is caused by high blood pressure or low blood pressure.

3. Correct posture to measure blood pressure

Wear it in the correct position: the bottom of the cuff should be 1-2 cm above the elbow socket of the arm, and the hose or arrow sign at the lower end of the sphygmomanometer cuff should be facing the elbow fossa. If the cuff is worn too high or too low, the measurement may be biased.

Roll the cuff moderately: when measuring blood pressure, the cuff should not be rolled too tightly, and it is most appropriate to put one finger in; If the cuffs of the clothes are too tight, do not roll up the sleeves, otherwise it is easy to affect blood circulation and cause the measured blood pressure to be high.

The pressure measurement posture should be standard: it is best to choose a chair with a backrest, sit on the chair and relax for at least 5 minutes before measuring blood pressure. The arm and sphygmomanometer are placed flat on the table, at the same level as the heart, and the position of the sphygmomanometer is too high or too low will be off. During the measurement, do not move your arms and do not speak.

4. How to record blood pressure after taking it

It is generally recommended that when measuring blood pressure, 3 times per cycle, with an interval of 1~2 minutes each time, and the average of the three times is taken. It is recommended that you record the results completely, and the specific content should include: measurement date and time, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse, etc., if there are special circumstances such as headache, dizziness, etc., should also be recorded, and can be provided to the doctor for reference when you go to the hospital.