How To Read Blood Pressure Monitor

If your doctor told you that you have high blood pressure, they might have asked you to check it at home through your own blood pressure monitor regularly. It helps you keep track of your blood pressure and heart health. The numbers you get can tell you if you need to change your medicines, lifestyle, or other parts of how you’re being treated.

Understanding your blood pressure results can help you take charge of your health, as you’re the most important person in your healthcare team. Here’s some info about checking your blood pressure at home and how you can use the numbers to your advantage.

Table of Contents

• 1.What are the factors that Affect BP measurement?

• 2.Blood Pressure Readings Explained

• 3.How do I read blood pressure monitor?

• 4.What should I do if my blood pressure reading is too high?

• 5.Should I take multiple readings and average them?

• 6.How long does it take to get a reading?

• 7.Conclusion  

What are the factors that Affect BP measurement?

It’s crucial to follow instructions when checking your blood pressure because many things can influence the reading. Understanding some common factors that can affect your blood pressure can be helpful if you get a surprising result from your blood pressure monitor.

   ∆ If you’ve exercised in the last 30 minutes, your blood pressure reading might be higher.

   ∆ Drinking coffee, alcohol, or smoking in the last 30 minutes can also make your blood pressure go up.

   ∆ Having to pee a lot can make your blood pressure go up.

   ∆ Sitting with your legs crossed or with your arm lower than your chest can also make your blood pressure reading higher.

   ∆ If you’ve eaten in the last 30 minutes, some people might experience a drop in blood pressure, especially if they have high blood pressure, diabetes, or are older.

   ∆ Putting the blood pressure cuff over your clothes instead of directly on your skin can give you a lower reading.

If you’re not sure if your blood pressure machine is right, you can check it against one at a doctor’s office or pharmacy. Just call your healthcare provider or a nearby pharmacy to ask if you can compare your monitor with theirs.

You can trust Finicare Medical FC-BP113. The Finicare Medical FC-BP113 is made by a popular Chinese company (Finicare) known for blood pressure products. It’s a successful device for measuring blood pressure over time. It’s approved by the European Society of Hypertension (ESH).

Blood Pressure Readings Explained

Our heart works like a pumping machine. To circulate the blood throughout our body, it inflates and deflates in a rhythm. When the blood circulates in our body, it creates a force on the walls of the arteries. A blood pressure machine mainly measures the pressure created by blood. However, the pressure is not always the same as the heart pumping up and pumping down in a short span of time, which is why the blood pressure machine measures and expresses two numbers as a fraction.

In medical terms, these numbers are called systolic and diastolic numbers. It is written like 132/96 mmHg. Here, the systolic number is 132 mmHg, which represents the maximum pressure of the blood while pumping up, and 96 mmHg is the diastolic number, which represents the minimum pressure of the blood during the deflation of two heartbeats. The unit used for measuring blood pressure is “mmHg”, and it stands for millimetres of mercury.

Traditionally, all blood pressure machines are equipped with mercury, and blood pressure was measured by seeing the mercury behaviour in the sphygmomanometers. Also, doctors have considered mercury sphygmomanometers as an ideal machine for decades. In addition, some blood pressure monitors, such as Finicare Medical FC-BP103, also show heart rate readings, irregular heartbeat, and other features.

How do I read blood pressure monitor?

Your blood pressure reading has two numbers: the top one is called systolic, and the bottom one is called diastolic. In this example, the blood pressure is good, but the diastolic number is a bit higher than usual. If your blood pressure is high or close to being high, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how to manage it.

It can help lower your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. If your blood pressure is below 120/80 or at the levels your doctor wants, that’s really good. You might want to consider what you’ve been doing to keep it that way, like exercising more, eating less salt, or taking your medicines as directed.

If your blood pressure is a bit higher than it should be or keeps going up, it’s worth thinking about why. Maybe you had caffeine before checking, missed some exercises, or forgot to take your medicine. Also, make sure you measure your blood pressure correctly

Blood pressure values indicate the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. Here’s what different values mean:

   ∆ Low Blood Pressure: Blood pressure below 90/60 mm Hg is considered low Blood pressure.

   ∆ Normal: Blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal.

   ∆ Elevated: Between 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic.

   ∆ Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89.

   ∆ Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic of 140 or higher or diastolic of 90 or higher.

   ∆ Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120. Immediate medical attention is needed.

There are many blood pressure monitors available at different prices, making it hard to choose. After trying many, we suggest the Finicare Medical FC-BP113. It gives accurate readings like the ones in the doctor’s office. It’s small and easy to carry, with a good battery life. The cuff fits well on the upper arm. It is an ABPM that works as a typical ABPM (24-hour measurement process).

What should I do if my blood pressure reading is too high?

If your blood pressure reading is too high, it’s important to take action. First, remain calm and take a few deep breaths to relax. If you’re feeling any symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek medical help immediately.

Otherwise, consider rechecking your blood pressure after resting for a few minutes in a comfortable position. If it remains high, contact your healthcare provider for advice. They may recommend lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, managing stress, and possibly medication if necessary.

Monitoring your blood pressure regularly and following your doctor’s guidance can help lower your risk of complications like heart attack and stroke.

Should I take multiple readings and average them?

Taking multiple blood pressure readings and averaging them can provide a more accurate representation of your blood pressure. However, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines when doing so.

Ensure each reading is taken at the same time of day, under similar conditions, and with a brief rest period in between measurements. Additionally, avoid excessive movement or talking during the readings, as this can affect the results.

Averaging multiple readings helps minimize the impact of temporary fluctuations and provides a better understanding of your overall blood pressure levels. If you’re unsure about the best approach for monitoring your blood pressure, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

How long does it take to get a reading?

The time it takes to get a blood pressure reading varies depending on the type of monitor and its specific features. Generally, automatic digital blood pressure monitors provide readings within a minute or two.

These monitors inflate the cuff automatically and display the results on a digital screen. Manual blood pressure monitors, where you inflate the cuff yourself using a bulb, may take a bit longer as you need to adjust the pressure and listen for the heartbeat manually sounds with a stethoscope.

Regardless of the type, it’s essential to remain still and quiet during the measurement process to ensure accuracy. Always refer to the instructions provided with your specific blood pressure monitor for precise guidance.

Conclusion 

Reading blood pressure monitor measurements accurately is essential for understanding your cardiovascular health. Whether using an automatic digital blood pressure monitor or a manual one, following proper techniques and guidelines ensures reliable results.

Remember to maintain a consistent routine, including rest before measuring. Regular monitoring and collaboration with healthcare professionals help manage blood pressure effectively, reduce the risk of associated complications, and promote overall well-being.