How to measure blood pressure correctly? The digital blood pressure monitor explained to the citizen

By Cristiano Antonino On Jun 12, 2023

The blood pressure monitor is a device that is recognised by medical specialists because it allows blood pressure to be monitored accurately

However, for the measurement to be truly effective, the meter must be well positioned and meet certain conditions.

Before starting the measurement, it is necessary to be in a quiet environment at a comfortable temperature and to sit or lie down for a few minutes before starting.

Stress, body position or physical exertion are all factors that can influence blood pressure measurement.

Measurement in certain pathological pictures is really important, and if you do not have the opportunity to visit your doctor or nurse on a daily basis, taking it correctly can give you an exact profile of the situation.

Special attention must be paid to the positioning of the blood pressure monitor cuff

Studies show that one in three people do not measure their blood pressure correctly.

This may be due to the incorrect positioning of traditional cuffs, which have a narrow measuring area and absolutely must be positioned correctly on the artery and skin.

Pressure can be measured on both arms, however, automatic blood pressure monitors are designed to measure on the left.

When using a blood pressure monitor at home, the measuring area must be cleared so as not to alter the results: it is best to roll up the sleeve and remove any cuff or accessory that is too tight.

Finally, during the measurement, avoid talking and moving around.

This operation only takes a few seconds.

Breathe slowly and remain as calm as possible.

When to measure blood pressure?

The best times to take your blood pressure are:

In the morning on an empty stomach: before breakfast and before taking medication
In the evening before going to bed

Ideally, you should take your blood pressure at regular intervals during the day as blood pressure is a dynamic value that can change easily.

If you are measuring your blood pressure for the first time at home and do not know how much it normally corresponds to, you can for example use the rule of 3 to get the most accurate measurement possible.

-> 3 measurements in the morning, 3 measurements in the evening, for 3 consecutive days

Between each measurement, wait a couple of minutes and take the result with the lowest value.

Seek advice from your doctor in case of doubt.

It is also important not to smoke, drink coffee or engage in physical activity about 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure, as these elements may alter the blood pressure value.

How to use the digital blood pressure monitor?

The digital blood pressure monitor is the most suitable device for those who want to monitor their blood pressure quickly right from home.

Its main advantage is that it is quick and easy to use.

Sometimes, being in a doctor’s office can be a cause of stress for the patient and have a negative effect on the pressure value, this is the ‘white coat effect’.

This is why it is also advisable to measure blood pressure at home, where it can be done quietly and in a familiar environment.

Once you have your electronic blood pressure monitor, operation is simple

Consult the user manual of your blood pressure monitor or ask your doctor or pharmacist how it works.

Get into the habit of measuring your blood pressure in a quiet and familiar environment.

Sit down without crossing your legs and keep your feet on the floor. If you have a wrist blood pressure monitor, place your arm in front of you at heart level. If you use an arm pressure monitor, place your arm on a table.

Place the cuff correctly on your left arm or wrist.

Relax for about five minutes before taking the measurement.

Avoid talking or making sudden movements while measuring and inflating the cuff.

Read the results when the cuff has completely deflated. In most cases, an acoustic signal indicates the end of the measurement. If unusual values are obtained, wait a few minutes, then repeat the operation. If in doubt, consult your doctor (do not change the treatment under any circumstances without the advice of a specialist).

A digital meter offers very accurate results. The margin of error is estimated to average only about 3 mm Hg. It is also recommended to have the device checked every two years or in the event of a shock. This check consists of performing a calibration using a mercury column to update the accuracy of the data.

Some blood pressure monitors have a memory function to record the last values taken, but you can also write down the results in a notebook to keep track of your blood pressure.

How to wear the cuff correctly?

For arm pressure monitors, place the lower part of the cuff about 1 to 2 cm above the elbow.

Note that as the measurement is generally taken on the left arm, the air tube of the cuff should be positioned on the inside of the arm and aligned towards the palm of the left hand.

Conversely, if measuring on the right arm, the tube should be positioned along the elbow.

For wrist blood pressure monitors, ensure that the cuff does not cover the bone protruding from the wrist.

Generally, a space of about 1 cm should be left between the hand and the edge of the cuff.

How to use a manual blood pressure monitor?

First of all, in order to use a manual blood pressure monitor, often also called a sphygmomanometer, you need a stethoscope.

Here is how to perform a manual blood pressure measurement step by step:

Ask the patient to release their left arm and make themselves comfortable in a chair by resting their arm on the table.
Place the cuff around the arm about 2 cm above the bend in the elbow and adjust it. The cuff should be sufficiently tight, but not too tight. It should be possible to insert one or two fingers between the arm and the cuff. The air hose should be positioned along the brachial artery towards the palm of the patient’s hand, which should be open.
Place the stethoscope diaphragm over the brachial artery at the bend of the elbow: the edge of the diaphragm should be below the sleeve. The patient’s arm should be outstretched, without tension or stiffness. Then put the earphones in the ears.
Close the valve by turning it clockwise until it locks, but do not force it.
Inflate the sleeve until the needle on the pressure gauge indicates 180-200 mmHg.
Open the valve by gently turning it anti-clockwise to release the air in the sleeve.
As soon as you hear the pulsating sound (Korotkoff sound) you will have systolic pressure, i.e. maximum.
The sound then turns into an intense ‘swoosh’.
As soon as this sound stops, you can take note of the diastolic pressure, also called the minimum.
At this point, the blood circulates freely and no sound can be heard with the stethoscope.
Remove the stethoscope and let the cuff deflate completely.

This method of detection is more complicated and therefore only recommended for doctors and specialists.

How to interpret the results obtained with a blood pressure monitor?

Blood pressure measures the force exerted by blood on artery walls.

The results obtained are divided into two values and the unit of measurement is the mm of Mercury.

The first value measured indicates the systolic pressure, commonly called ‘maximum’, and corresponds to the moment when the heart pumps blood into the arteries.

The second value indicates diastolic pressure, also called ‘minimum’, and corresponds to the pressure that remains in the arteries at the moment when the heart recharges with blood for the next beat.

According to the SIIA, the Italian Society of Hypertension, and the Ministry of Health, the following table classifies blood pressure values in adults.

In a healthy individual, the ideal blood pressure corresponds to a maximum of 140/90 mm/Hg, above these values we speak of hypertension.

What are abnormal blood pressure values due to?

There are many factors that can influence the level of blood pressure.

The latter also varies during the day and night and also depends on where you are when the measurement is taken.

Other elements that can influence the blood pressure values obtained and which can be checked are:

Using a cuff of the wrong size: the fact that the cuff holds firmly in place does not mean that the measurement is the right one. If you use an arm blood pressure monitor, the circumference of the arm must be taken into account and measured at the height between the shoulder and the elbow. Then choose the right size.
Incorrect use of the cuff: make sure the cuff is positioned correctly. After putting it on, check that the sensor is well positioned on the brachial/humeral artery. The cuff should fit tightly, but not too tightly. The air hose should run down the inside of the arm. For further details, please refer to the device-specific user manual.
Perform certain activities before measurement: Avoid eating, drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages, exercising or smoking 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. In addition, it is advisable to relax 5-15 minutes before taking your blood pressure measurement. Ideal times of the day are just after getting up or before going to bed. It is also advisable not to measure your blood pressure when you are under stress, preferring a quiet, familiar place.
Incorrect posture: Remember that in order to have more accurate values, it is necessary to assume a correct posture and avoid abrupt movements.

Why is it important to monitor blood pressure?

Cardiologists recommend measuring blood pressure for the following purposes:

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Confirm the diagnosis and verify that hypertension has only appeared during the medical examination.
Identify hypertension that has not presented any symptoms.
Assess the effectiveness of treatment.
To monitor one’s own heart health.

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