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Regularly checking the pressure level is an expression of caring for one’s own health in the basic dimension, necessary in the current verification of the current physical condition. Therefore, this activity cannot be associated with an indication of people struggling with the problem of the circulatory system. Measuring blood pressure should become a habit of everyone who is not indifferent to the state of their own body. It is worth getting acquainted with the methodology of measuring blood pressure and making the best choice of equipment intended for this purpose.
How to measure blood pressure easily? Which blood pressure monitor should I buy?
What is meant by pressure anyway? Well, this expression refers to the blood pressure that acts on the walls of the arteries in which blood flows. When measuring the pressure, two values obtained during the test are given. One is when the heart contracts and pushes blood out of itself—hence its name: systolic pressure. The other records the moment when the heart relaxes and blood flows into it – this condition is diastolic pressure. The highest value indicates the systolic pressure, the lowest the diastolic pressure.
First of all, we should abandon the archaic belief that blood pressure can only be measured in medical facilities under the watchful eye of a doctor or nurse. Currently, you can take advantage of many facilities in this area and perform this activity at home using equipment previously purchased at a pharmacy. There are many different devices available on the market, but most of them are simple, accurate and cheap. The most recommended currently is the electric blood pressure monitor, which can be available in two versions – for the wrist or for the arm. It is right to associate a wrist blood pressure monitor with small equipment – this is, apart from ease of use and practical use, its unquestionable advantage. On the other hand, the upper arm blood pressure monitor boasts the attribute of greater accuracy and greater possibilities when it comes to additional functions. When making a measurement, you should follow a few basic rules that are universal for any equipment and, above all, read the instruction manual, which in turn may distinguish individual devices. In addition, it is worth remembering to inspect your blood pressure monitor and calibrate it once every two years.
How do I measure my blood pressure?
There are several factors that affect the accuracy of the test result. Therefore, when measuring blood pressure, it is advisable not to feel stress or fatigue. It is important to take the measurement at normal body temperature, avoiding hypothermia or warming up, and repeat it after a few minutes. Another indication for this test is not to perform it immediately after a large meal – it is recommended to wait at least an hour after eating it. It is absolutely forbidden to take stimulants before the measurement (especially alcohol and drugs). The examination is performed on the left hand, after removing the jewelry, watch and exposing the skin. During the measurement, the body should be still, so it is necessary to support the arm with a soft object. Sitting on a chair, take an upright position and relax. The Velcro cuffs of the blood pressure monitor must be tightened firmly.
What blood pressure monitor? — differences in the study
The differences in conducting the test relate to what we measure the pressure with. The wrist blood pressure monitor should be worn with the palm facing upwards, the cuff of the device should be approximately 1,5 cm from the palm of the hand. In the case of an upper arm blood pressure monitor, the cuff should be approximately 1,5 cm from the elbow. In both types of measuring equipment, the cuff should be positioned at the same height as the heart.