How to Use an Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor

Using automatic blood pressure monitors is a convenient and easy way to track your blood pressure over time. In this “how to”, we will look at how to use them, the various types available, and how to interpret the results for your own health. No matter the reason for tracking your blood pressure, with regular use of an automatic blood pressure monitor, you can easily and effectively monitor and track your blood pressure.
Using an automatic blood pressure monitor can save your life by helping to identify hypertension early. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a silent killer as it often has no overt symptoms. By keeping track of your blood pressure on a regular basis, you can stay ahead of any potential health issues. According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke ("Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics"). Early detection of high blood pressure is essential for preventing more serious medical issues which is why automatic blood pressure monitors can be a useful tool for tracking your health.

Using an automatic blood pressure monitor can help you save your life. According to a study done by the Worldwide Health Organization, high blood pressure is a leading cause of death and disability among adults and can increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. An automatic blood pressure monitor can be used to keep track of your blood pressure levels on a regular basis and alert you of any changes. This can help you to identify any potential problems before they become too serious (“Blood Pressure and Stroke,”2020). Taking preventative steps to monitor your health, such as using an automatic blood pressure monitor, can save your life.

Automatic blood pressure monitors are an important tool for tracking changes in a person's blood pressure reading over time. According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases (“High Blood Pressure”). Automatic blood pressure monitors allow individuals to track changes in their readings, and if necessary, adjust their lifestyle to reduce the risk of potential health problems. Additionally, as many individuals can be uncomfortable with manually taking their own blood pressure readings, automatic blood pressure monitors allow users to take these readings more easily and conveniently in the comfort of their own home (Cavanaugh et al., 2012).

Automatically inflating blood pressure monitors can be useful for monitoring a patient's vitals, but they should not be used in all circumstances. According to the American Heart Association, automatic monitors should not be used during stress tests or if a patient has an irregular heart rhythm ("Automatic Blood"). Furthermore, they are not recommended in general medical settings such as medical offices ("Using a Manual"). In these cases, manual blood pressure cuffs should be used to take accurate readings. Thus, it is important to consider the situation before deciding which method is most appropriate for a patient ("Automatic Blood").

Using an automatic blood pressure monitor is a simple and effective way to keep track of your blood pressure. Taking regular readings offers an accurate and reliable way to assess your heart health and detect any issues that may need treatment. Being mindful of your blood pressure numbers can help inform decisions about lifestyle and diet changes. To sum up, consistent and accurate use of an automatic blood pressure monitor can play an invaluable role in your overall heart health.

To use an automatic blood pressure monitor, follow these steps:

Find a comfortable, seated position with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
Rest your arm on a table so that the cuff is at the same level as your heart.
Follow the instructions that came with your specific blood pressure monitor to turn it on and ensure it is properly set up.
Slide the cuff up your arm until it is positioned around your upper arm, about one inch above your elbow. The bottom of the cuff should be level with your heart.
Close the Velcro strap around your upper arm, securing the cuff in place.
Press the "Start" or "Measure" button on the monitor.
The monitor will inflate the cuff and take your blood pressure reading. When it is finished, the monitor will display your systolic blood pressure (the higher number) and your diastolic blood pressure (the lower number).
Record the blood pressure reading and the time it was taken. It is important to keep track of your blood pressure readings over time to monitor for any changes or trends.

It's important to use the blood pressure monitor according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure accurate readings. If you have any questions or concerns about your blood pressure readings, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional.

References:

Cavanaugh, Angela B., et al. "A Comparison of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement to Home Vs Clinically Measured Blood Pressure." International Journal of Hypertension, vol. 2012, 2012, p. 1.

"Using a Manual Blood Pressure Cuff in the Office Setting." American Diabetes Association,
www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/blood-pressure-cuff.html.

"Automatic Blood Pressure Monitors." American Heart Association, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/diagnosing-high-blood-pressure/automatic-blood-pressure-monitors.

"Blood Pressure and Stroke." World Health Organization, 2020, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blood-pressure-and-stroke.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics. American Heart Association, 2020, www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_323399.pdf.

High Blood Pressure. American Heart Association, 2020, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure.