The correct position for measuring blood pressure
Disease description:
The elderly at home have high blood pressure. I bought a blood pressure monitor for home use, but I'm not very sure how to operate it. May I ask, what is the correct position for measuring blood pressure?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
The following are the correct positioning instructions for measuring blood pressure:
1. Arm selection: Determine whether to measure blood pressure in the left or right upper limb. Since blood pressure may not be exactly the same in both arms, the side with higher blood pressure is generally chosen. During the initial measurement, it is recommended to measure both sides to identify the side with higher blood pressure.
2. Cuff placement: The cuff should be placed on the upper arm, with its lower edge approximately 2-2.5 cm above the elbow crease. The cuff should be snug but not too tight—enough to allow two fingers to be inserted underneath.
3. Arm position: The arm should be at the same level as the heart to ensure measurement accuracy.
4. Proper sitting posture: Sit on a chair with back support, feet flat on the ground, and the arm resting on a table so that the upper arm is at the same level as the heart.
5. Relaxed state: Avoid smoking, drinking coffee, or engaging in vigorous exercise for at least 5 minutes prior to measurement, to ensure the body is in a relatively calm state.
6. Multiple measurements: After the initial measurement, wait one to two minutes before taking a second measurement to obtain a more accurate result.
