Measuring blood pressure correctly is not so easy. Because even before you start measuring, there are already plenty of unanswered questions: when is the ideal time to measure blood pressure? Which arm should I connect the blood pressure monitor to, the right or the left? And what blood pressure values are normal anyway? We answer your questions and give you a little guide on how to measure blood pressure correctly.
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
In order for our body to be supplied with blood, and therefore oxygen and nutrients, the blood must be distributed throughout the circulatory system. This function is performed by our heart, which pumps blood into the vessels with every beat. This exerts pressure on the vessel walls, causing them to expand. As the blood continues to flow, the vessels contract again. When measuring blood pressure, a distinction is generally made between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The systolic value is determined at the moment when the heart contracts and blood is pumped into the vessels. The diastolic value, on the other hand, is measured when the heart muscle is flaccid – that is, during the filling phase of the heart.
Measuring blood pressure: Proper measurement technique is important
To measure your blood pressure, you do not have to go to the doctor, but you can easily determine the values at home with the help of a blood pressure monitor. In general, blood pressure values determined by the patient on a regular basis are in fact more meaningful than if the doctor determines the blood pressure once in his office. However, many people do not know how to take the measurement correctly. This can lead to errors in the measurement and thus to incorrect results.
How is blood pressure measured correctly?
Before measuring blood pressure, take a break for at least three to five minutes. Sit on a chair and avoid any exertion, no matter how small, otherwise the blood pressure can be driven up. At the doctor’s office, the measurement is taken classically with the help of an inflatable cuff, which is usually attached to the upper arm. For measurement at home, on the other hand, digital devices are often used that measure the blood pressure by themselves. These can be attached either to the bare upper arm or to the wrist. When taking a measurement on the wrist, you should first feel your pulse and then attach the device to that exact spot. It is important for the measurement that the measuring point is approximately at the same level as the heart. If the measurement is taken on the upper arm, this is usually automatically the case. If the blood pressure is measured at the wrist, you should support the elbow slightly on a table top and raise the forearm slightly. If you perform the measurement on the upper arm, the forearm should rest loosely on the tabletop.
Which arm: right or left?
In general, you can measure your blood pressure on both your right and left arm. Ideally, however, blood pressure should always be determined on the arm where it is higher. To find this out, you should always measure your blood pressure on both your right and left arms during your first measurements. If you find that the values are higher on one arm than on the other, you should always use this arm for future measurements. This is because the higher values are always decisive for assessing blood pressure. Blood pressure quiz
Time of day – When is the best time to measure blood pressure?
Ideally, you should measure blood pressure directly in the morning. This is because high blood pressure readings in the morning are considered particularly dangerous. Measuring in the morning is especially important for patients who take blood pressure-lowering medication. The measurement should always be taken before taking the medication. However, since blood pressure is subject to fluctuations during the course of the day, it is advisable, at least at the beginning of the measurement, to determine the blood pressure at different times of the day. This way you can easily find out when your blood pressure values are at their highest.
Blood pressure: too high or too low?
When measuring blood pressure, two values are always given, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The systolic value is always given first, followed by the diastolic value. Blood pressure is already considered elevated if one of the two values is too high in several measurements. Values below 140 mmHg (systolic) and below 90mmHg (diastolic) are considered normal for adults. If you regularly experience blood pressure values above these limits, you should consult a doctor.
Instructions – How to measure blood pressure correctly in 7 steps
In our short instructions, we have once again compiled for you the most important rules for the correct measurement of blood pressure:
- Take a break of three to five minutes before measuring blood pressure.
- Measure blood pressure on both arms at the beginning, and later on the arm with the higher values.
- Perform the measurement before taking antihypertensive medication.
- Make sure that the measurement point is at heart level and that the arm is relaxed. Place it ideally on a table top.
- Behave quietly during the measurement – coughing, laughing or talking can distort the results. Also, avoid crossing your legs – this can also affect the results.
- Don’t panic if the meter reads too high. Instead, measure your blood pressure regularly over the next few days to see if the elevated reading is confirmed.
- Before using the blood pressure monitor for the first time, ask your doctor if the cuff width of the device is suitable for your arm. If the cuff is too wide or too narrow, namely, false readings may result.
