For taking accurate blood pressure readings, not only a good BP monitor and skilled personnel is required but several factors also influence the readings either one way or another. In case of a false blood pressure reading, the patient is likely to increase or decrease their medications often without asking the opinion of their physician just to avoid hustle. This practice can lead to severe consequences, especially in patients with serious cardiac complications.
Keeping this in view, it is essential to educate home-based patients on the appropriate methods of taking their blood pressure measurements along with the factors that can negatively influence their readings. Let us dive into these factors and understand what steps can be taken to shift your blood pressure readings as close to accuracy as possible.
Accurate Blood Pressure Readings: Dos and Don’ts
Learning how to measure blood pressure readings is easy. However, checking blood pressure at home might become tricky for some people as they always get a fluctuating value. Therefore, the following tips and techniques should be considered for getting accurate blood pressure readings using a home blood pressure monitor:
Select the Right Blood Pressure Monitoring System
To obtain accurate blood pressure readings, the first thing you need is a reliable and accurate measuring system. Among the devices available in the US market that have been validated by Healthcare Organizations, both manual as well as digital and automatic BP measuring systems can be accessed.
Even though both provide reliable accurate blood pressure readings, automatic monitors are generally preferred for home use due to their ease of operation.
Select the Right Cuff size
Another key factor that should be considered while choosing your device is the right blood pressure cuff size. The correct-sized cuff will neither be too tight nor too loose on the patient’s upper arm. A smaller cuff can lead to an overestimation of the blood pressure while a loose one often gives a lower than actual value. For the estimation of the correct cuff size for you, the following protocol can be referred to based on the recommendations of the American Heart Association:
| Cuff | Arm circumference (cm) | Bladder width (cm) | Bladder length (cm) |
| Newborn | Less than 6 | 3 | 6 |
| Infant | 6 to 15 | 5 | 15 |
| Child | 16 to 21 | 8 | 21 |
| Small adult | 22 to 26 | 10 | 24 |
| Adult | 27 to 34 | 13 | 30 |
| Large adult | 35 to 44 | 16 | 38 |
| Adult thigh | 45 to 52 | 20 | 42 |
Set the Right Environment
Even with a top-notch blood pressure monitor, achieving accurate blood pressure readings necessitates adjusting various factors that might impact the precision of the measurements. One of these is the environment in which the value is taken. An uncomfortable environment immediately influences the patient causing an increase in their heart rate as well as blood pressure. Therefore, ensure the following before starting the measurement process:
● Make sure that the patient is sitting comfortably and is not being disturbed by say an uncomfortable chair or an uneasy couch, etc.
● Loud noises should also be avoided in the vicinity as these may raise the patient’s blood pressure temporarily which may affect the readings.
● If the patient is nervous at a certain place, a change of environment can be offered as some people feel uncomfortable in the presence of other people around them.
Stay Calm Before Taking the Reading
Some patients habitually come under the effect of what in medical terms is called the ‘white coat effect’. It is a condition in which a patient’s blood pressure and heart rate start changing, usually increasing, whenever they see a doctor or a healthcare provider.
The reason is more psychological than physiological, making it crucial to ensure the patient relaxes before obtaining accurate blood pressure readings. Once seated for the measurement, the patient should be allowed 5 minutes to reach a resting state, facilitating more precise readings.
Body Positioning is Important
While using any kind of blood pressure monitoring system, proper positioning while taking the reading cannot be stressed enough. Therefore, the following points should be ensured before starting the process:
● The patient needs to be seated straight with proper back support.
● The arm on which the cuff is to be applied should be at the heart level.
● The cuff should be positioned in a way that it remains at least one inch above the elbow. It should also align with the brachial artery. If the arm is moved down this level, the recorded BP value will appear to be higher than the actual reading.
● Legs or feet should not be crossed.
● The feet should be flat on the floor.
● Moving or talking should be discouraged while the reading is being taken.
Stay Consistent in BP Monitoring
Taking your blood pressure readings regularly helps track the fluctuations much quicker. It is advised to check your blood pressure every morning and evening followed by keeping a record of these readings using a log book or a digital storage system. This way, your physician can easily go through the intra-day as well as inter-day changes in your BP which then assist in setting a suitable treatment regimen.
Avoid Disrupters
Certain food items are known to cause disruptions in our blood pressure for a brief period after consumption. Therefore, if the patient consumes one of these within 30 minutes before taking the BP value, the readings are most likely to be affected. These food items include caffeinated drinks, tobacco, etc.
Adopt Stress Management Techniques
Stress is one of the major disrupters of the normality of our blood pressure. If a patient is chronically stressed, this constant state of tension and anxiety keeps the blood pressure higher than normal. For such patients, it becomes necessary to manage their stress by exercising, meditation, or any other means apart from using anti-hypertensive medication.
Blood Pressure Monitors: Brands and Specifications
Among the various products used for measuring blood pressure, certain devices are favored by healthcare professionals for their consistent performance and ability to provide accurate blood pressure readings. Let’s explore the exceptional features of these trusted products:
● Omron IntelliSense Blood Pressure Monitor
Omron Professional Intellisense blood pressure monitor is a clinically validated device employed for the measurement of BP with high accuracy. The product has a vast utilization in different settings including hospitals, clinics, as well as at home.
● Masimo Root with Noninvasive Blood Pressure and Temperature Monitoring System
Masimo Root with a noninvasive blood pressure as well as temperature measuring system is a device that instantly takes the required readings and displays them on a clear visual display. It comes in two versions i.e. Radical-7 handheld monitoring system and Radius-7 patient-worn monitor. As the Masimo Root blood pressure monitor has been designed for hospital use, its easy multi-touch navigation system is efficient in saving time.
● Omron 7 Series Wireless Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
The Omron 7 series wrist blood pressure monitor is a wireless instrument that connects with your smartphone via Bluetooth. It can be easily donned by patients of every size and weight as its cuff covers 5.3″ to 8.5″ in circumference.
The Omron 7 series blood pressure measurement system can also keep a storage of up to 90 readings which enables the user to track the blood pressure values over time. In addition, the product is lightweight, easy to use, and comfortable for the users as well as the physicians.
● BP785 Omron 10 Series Blood Pressure Monitor
BP785 Omron 10 series is the latest upper arm blood pressure monitoring system which comes with a push-button start display system for ease of usage as well as clear visualization. The screen is also back-lit which further enhances the user-visibility while reading the values.
Furthermore, its extra-large digits make it a user-friendly product for the elderly. In addition to the usual analysis of blood pressure, the Omron 10 series is also capable of detection and measurement of irregular heartbeats. The device also automatically alerts the user upon detection of high blood pressure.
Due to its reliability and accuracy, the system is often considered the best blood pressure monitoring system in the US being presently marketed and is therefore one of the most suitable items for measuring blood pressure at home.
● Welch Allyn Connex ProBP 2400 Digital Blood Pressure Device
Welch Allyn Connex ProBP 2400 digital blood pressure device is one of the most accurate and reliable portable systems being marketed in the US when it comes to blood pressure measurement. With a 2400 mAh battery, this blood pressure measuring system can be used for extended periods of time once it is fully charged.
This feature also makes the Welch Allyn Connex digital BP device ideal for healthcare settings where the utility of blood pressure measuring devices is extensive. Moreover, the charging system is fast quick due to the NiMH battery technology affixed to the system. Furthermore, the device can record and save up to 99 readings which can be accessed later.
● Welch Allyn 767 Series Wall Aneroid 7670-01 Blood Pressure Monitor
Welch Allyn 767 series wall aneroid system is a BP measuring device that is a reliable and durable system that provides a guaranteed long-lasting performance even with high usage frequency. Its wall mounting feature saves so much space in healthcare settings as well as at home.
The product’s durable double brass construction ensures it can withstand daily pressure, facilitating accurate blood pressure readings. Its ease of interpretation makes the results accessible to all users. Additionally, the wall-mounting feature greatly conserves space in both healthcare environments and home settings.
The device is also portable and comes with different cuff sizes to cater to different patients. These cuffs include adult cuffs, large adult cuffs, as well as thigh cuffs.
The blood pressure measuring systems featured in this article ensure accurate blood pressure readings and, along with a wide range of medical supplies, are available from Health Supply 770, your trusted provider of medical products. We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and swift delivery of your products. Explore our extensive selection of blood pressure measurement devices.
Conclusion
For a number of individuals who deal with blood pressure issues, checking their blood pressure on a regular basis is essential.
However, issues with accurate blood pressure readings can arise. If a patient consistently receives high readings on the monitor, despite having normal actual blood pressure, it could lead to unnecessary alterations in their treatment regimen.
Therefore, the need for accurate blood pressure monitors is undeniable. In addition, the patients should also avoid manual errors for which the above-mentioned tips and techniques should be followed.
Maintaining a high-quality blood pressure monitor at home ensures the capability of frequent and accurate blood pressure readings.
For this purpose, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached to grab a blood pressure monitor from the wide range of options they have. The company also ensures the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
Click to Order from Health Supply 770
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3639494/
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
