Blood Pressure Cuff Size Is Important
Since I am no longer at the clinic to remind you, remember that if you want to reduce your heart disease risk, you need to pay attention to your blood pressure.
If you don't have the proper kind of blood pressure cuff that ain't gonna happen. Don't use a cuff on the wrist unless your arm is of substantial size and no arm cuff will fit.
Use an arm cuff of the proper size.
Here is a standard size arm cuff, set to its largest opening.
Here is the same cuff showing the markings inside.
If the white line on the left end of the cuff doesn't end up in the indicated range, between the arrow-heads, use one that fits you.
If the cuff is too small, your blood pressure will often appear higher than it really is and you may end up taking medication you don't need.
So, to know what your blood pressure runs, remember:
- Use an automatic cuff of the appropriate size. If your cuff isn't automatic, have someone else operate it. Pumping up the pressure in the cuff raises blood pressure.
- Place it properly on your arm.
- Make sure your legs are not crossed.
- Measure after you have been sitting quietly for a few minutes.
- Sometimes a spouse or friend can manipulate the machinery better than we, plus it's more relaxing just to sit and be still. So if readings are still high, let them work the cuff.
- Write down the results each time.
Remember:
- Unusually high spot readings, differing from your norm, are often inaccurate. Still, share them with your healthcare provider and let them decide.
- Measuring at different times of day can help you know when best to take your BP meds.
- Measure your blood pressure whenever you are curious about it and before visiting your provider. They will measure it but they really want to know what it runs at home. Be sure to take your home records with you.
- Measure when changing your blood pressure medication.
It's easy. You can do it.