Published on Nov 23, 2023 07:00 AM IST
For an accurate blood pressure reading, some rules have to be followed. Here are 7 of those rules to keep in mind for BP measurement at home
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Published on Nov 23, 2023 07:00 AM IST
Not so long ago, blood pressure measurements were considered “accurate” only if they were done by a doctor but not anymore as these days, there is evidence to recommend that routine home BP measurements are as good and probably better than those made in a doctor’s office however, for an accurate BP reading, some rules have to be followed. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Dr Kaushal Chhatrapati, MD DM, FACC FSCAI FESC, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, highlighted those rules – (Unsplash)
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1. Cuff Placement: The BP cuff should be directly above the elbow. It should fit snugly without being tight. There should be no clothes between the cuff and the skin. (Pixabay)
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2. Take BP readings at the same time every day. Like morning, afternoons, and evenings.(Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay )
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3. Take care of Instrument and Patient Specific factors – A) Wrist (“Watch BP Monitors”) and Finger (“Ring BP Monitors”) are not validated. Do not use them. B) Choose a Validated BP Machine Model. You will find a list of Validated BP Monitors at validatebp.org. C) When selecting a BP instrument for pregnant ladies or kids, use a BP Instrument validated specifically for that population. D) Choose the cuff size proportional to arm circumference. Thin, average and obese people need different cuff sizes. This is very important as too-tight cuffs overestimate and lose cuffs underestimate BP.(Pixabay)
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4. Sitting Posture: sit with your back firmly supported and feet on the floor. Legs should not be crossed. The upper arm should be at the level of the heart, supported by a firm flat surface like a table. (File Photo)
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5. If the Blood Pressure is over 180/120, measure again after 5 minutes. If the reading is persistently high, call the Emergency Service of a nearby hospital and get yourself examined. You may be having a hypertensive crisis. (istockphoto)
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6. Conditions of BP Measurements: One should drink, eat, smoke or exercise 30 minutes before measuring blood pressure. The bladder should be empty.(Unsplash)
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