How to measure blood pressure correctly?

It should be borne in mind that arterial hypertension can occur in its own way in each patient. So, in some cases, the so-called "white coat" hypertension is observed, i.e. elevated blood pressure figures are detected only when measuring blood pressure (BP) by medical professionals, and at home the blood pressure level does not exceed normal values. It is impossible to ignore such fluctuations in blood pressure, because in the future they can contribute to the development of complications.

It is very important for all patients suffering from arterial hypertension to control their blood pressure level, to contact medical professionals in a timely manner or to learn how to measure it independently. Blood pressure monitoring is necessary for the timely detection of arterial hypertension, fluctuations in blood pressure, hypertensive crises, as well as to monitor the correctness of treatment.

Basic measurement rules:

• Before starting the blood pressure measurement, the patient should sit for at least 5 minutes. in a relaxed state in a comfortable chair with support on its back, the legs should be relaxed and not crossed.
• The patient should not be wearing tight, oppressive clothes.
• It is not recommended to talk during blood pressure measurement.
• It is necessary to measure blood pressure sequentially 2-3 times at intervals of 1-2 minutes after the complete bleed of air from the cuff.
• The average value of two or three measurements performed on one hand more accurately reflects the blood pressure level than a single measurement.
• The arm with the cuff placed on the shoulder should be naked and motionless, it should be placed on the table next to the chair.
• The middle of the cuff placed on the shoulder should be at the level of the patient's heart. Deviation from this position can lead to a false measurement of blood pressure (overestimation of blood pressure when the cuff is below the level of the heart and underestimation of blood pressure - above the level of the heart).
• It is desirable to measure blood pressure 2 times a day at the same time (morning and evening) at least 30 minutes after physical exertion, smoking, eating, drinking tea or coffee.
• It is advisable to record the results of blood pressure measurement in a personal diary (you can use a regular notebook for this) in order to then coordinate treatment with your doctor.

Patients suffering from arterial hypertension, it is advisable to purchase a blood pressure measuring device (tonometer) and be able to independently control its level. Semi-automatic or automatic tonometers are convenient at home. An important factor affecting the quality of blood pressure self-monitoring is the use of devices that meet accuracy standards. Tonometers should not be purchased without documents confirming their compliance with accepted standards.