What is blood pressure?

The force exerted by blood against the arterial walls. It is measured in millimeters of Mercury (mmHg). For example: 127/65 mmHg

Why measure blood pressure?

Blood pressure may be excessively: High = Hypertension or Low = Hypotension. Either condition may lead to heart disease, organ damage, stroke, or early mortality.

What are the guidelines for blood pressure measurements?

The following guidelines may be used for the assessment of blood pressure.

Please consult with your physician when interpreting blood pressure measurements. Guidelines established in the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, May 2003

Factors affecting blood pressure:

• Age
• Weight
• Heredity
• Time of Day
• Physical Activity
• Emotional Stress
• Certain Foods
• Medication

Tips for Successful Monitoring

Step 1) Select Correct Cuff Size. Measure upper arm circumference to determine your correct size.

Step 2) Select the right monitor for you. Auto-inflation models are recommended for those who experience difficulty when squeezing inflation bulb.

Step 3) Read the instruction guide carefully. In you need additional assistance call the QuickMedical Customer Service Dept. or speak with your physician.

Before you Start...

• Install proper battery type
• Connect cuff to monitor

Most digital monitors are not recommended for those with an Irregular Heartbeat. However, A&D Medical has several monitors that provide blood pressure and pulse rate measurements even when an Irregular Heartbeat occurs.

Taking a Blood Pressure Reading - Proper Cuff Placement

• Relax for five minutes before measurement
• Cuff should be placed on bare arm. Remove tight, bulky clothing from upper arm to prevent constriction
• Unless physician says otherwise, use left arm for measurement

1. Hold cuff open with tube pointing downward. Slide cuff onto upper arm.

2. Position cuff with tubing over the brachial artery and aligned with small finger. Lower edge of cuff should be about 1 inch from elbow.

3. Fasten so cuff is snug, but not too tight downward. Two fingers should fit between arm and cuff.

4. Position arm to ensure cuff is at heart level.

Begin Measurement

Auto-inflation Blood Pressure Monitors:

• Press "START" button
• For the UA-767, set the "pressure" setting for 30mmHg above your usual systolic pressure before pressing "START"

Manual-inflation Blood Pressure Monitors:

• Press blue "Power" button
• After display shows "0", pump inflation bulb approximately 30mmHg above systolic pressure

During Measurement

• Remain still and quiet with feet flat on the floor - talking or movement during measurement may elevate your reading or cause an error.
• After cuffs are inflated, they will automatically deflate
• When measurement is complete, read display for pressure and pulse readings
• For a manual digital blood pressure monitor, press the exhaust valve (the button attached to the inflation bulb) to release the residual air from the manual inflation cuff.
• Monitors will turn off automatically in about two minutes.

Keys to Successful Monitoring

Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day so the key to successful monitoring is Consistency Measure your blood pressure:

• In the same manner
• At the same time(s)
• Each and everyday
• Record your results in a logbook

If a second reading is required, turn off monitor, remove cuff and shake your arm which allows arteries to return to normal shape.

• Relax for five minutes
• Repeat monitoring process
• IMPORTANT: Select a quiet place at home to take your measurement at the same time, in the same manner everyday
• For best result-tracking, be consistent!

A consistent approach will best assist your physician with evaluation and treatment.

Recording your measurement

• Blood pressure is recorded as Systolic/Diastolic Pressure, for example 132/78.
• With the LifeSource Blood Pressure Log Book, you can record you blood pressure, pulse and date and time of the reading

Trouble Shooting Questions and Answers

Q. My reading seems high. Is something wrong with my monitor?
A. Your cuff might be too small for you. A cuff that is too small will result in a higher than expected reading and a cuff that is too large will result in a lower than expected reading.

Q. How do I measure my arm for the correct cuff size?
A. With your arm hanging at your side, have someone measure the circumference of your upper arm measured at the midpoint between shoulder and elbow.

Q. What if monitor consistently shows "Error"?
A. Ensure cuff is properly connected to monitor. Check air connector plug. Remain very still during the measurement.

Q. I have a UA-702 Manual Inflation monitor and when I try to take my blood pressure, a "V" appears on the display? What does this symbol mean?
A. The V symbol means there was air in the cuff prior to inflation. Push the exhaust valve button attached to the inflation bulb to release the air from the cuff before taking your blood pressure.