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A regular and
appropriate check on one’s blood pressure is very important to keep
a healthy state of the body. With age, blood pressure generally shows
a little variation from its normal measurements. And people having
frequent fluctuations between high and low blood pressure are
required to have a constant tab on their blood pressure readings.
With such people it is not even tangible to give a regular visit to a
doctor. So the only solution that follows is to keep a blood pressure
monitor handy at home.
Blood pressure monitors are generally
available in two models: one is digital and the other is manual. Be
it of any type they are composed of similar and basic components,
which are a cuff and a gauge. A cuff is composed of an inner rubber
layer with an outer nylon covering. The gauge on the other hand is
either digital or aneroid that features the systolic and the
diastolic readings of the blood pressure.
Whatever is the type of your blood
pressure monitor, there is a set of rules and guidelines you need to
follow and practice.
Know The Process
Before giving a reading to yourself or
to others at home, you should know how to use the monitor accurately.
Always start your blood pressure
measurement learning classes from a professional hand. Take the help
of a nearby medical professional or a nurse for that matter.
Understand the basics of the blood pressure measuring machine and the
concept of blood pressure. You should be clear of the normal
measurements of people belonging to different age groups. For
instance, a man and a woman from the same age group will have
different normal blood pressure measurements.
Put
It Right
Always place the cuff on the right
position on the arm to get an accurate reading. Generally a cuff is
fastened on the left arm of the patient. The gauge should be kept
straight, while measuring the pressure. The stethoscope should also
be placed at a right position, a little under the fastened cuff on
the left arm.
Certain
Precautions
Besides, there are certain other things
that you should keep in mind before measuring your blood pressure.
Never take a reading after exercising. Instead take a reading before
going out for a workout or early mornings. Also, for attaining an
absolute correct blood pressure reading do not consume products rich
in caffeine or nicotine. Also refrain from binging much on tobacco or
alcohol before taking a blood pressure measurement. All these
substances can increase your blood pressure to a slight higher level.
Maintain Right Posture
Always sit in a comfortable and erect
position while measuring blood pressure. Do not place the cuff of the
blood pressure monitor on the clothes that you are wearing but on the
bare skin of your left arm.
Follow these simple guidelines while
measuring blood pressure and you can keep a proper tab on it even
while comfortably relaxing in your home.
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