What is the proper way to take blood pressure reading using the spygometer?

Question

The result of the blood pressure reading at the doctor's office is very important. The reading is recorded and if it is abnormal, a form of treatment is discussede, based on this one reading yet the way the doctor's assistant take the blood pressure reading if improper could produce an incorrect reading. Some take it with arms down, some with arms extended, and others with the patient standing up. Each produced varying results. Isn't it the correct way to have the arm patient sitting with the arm the same level as the heart?

Answer 1

Blood pressure is usually measured while you are seated with your arm resting on a table. Your arm should be slightly bent so that it is at the same level as your heart. The upper arm should be bare, with your sleeve comfortably rolled up.
Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and usually given as 2 numbers. For example, 110 over 70 (written as 110/70).
* The top number is the systolic blood pressure reading. It represents the maximum pressure exerted when the heart contracts.
* The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure reading. It represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
To obtain your blood pressure measurement, your health care provider will wrap the blood pressure cuff snugly around your upper arm, positioning it so that the lower edge of the cuff is 1 inch above the bend of the elbow.
The health care provider will locate the large artery on the inside of the elbow by feeling for the pulse and will place the head of the stethoscope over this artery, below the cuff. It should not rub the cuff or any clothing because these noises may block out the pulse sounds. Correct positioning of the stethoscope is important to get an accurate recording.
Your health care provider will close the valve on the rubber inflating bulb and then will squeeze it rapidly to inflate the cuff until the dial or column of mercury reads 30 mmHg higher than the usual systolic pressure. If the usual systolic pressure is unknown, the cuff is inflated to 210 mmHg.
Next, the valve is opened slightly, allowing the pressure to fall gradually (2 to 3 mmHg per second). As the pressure falls, the level on the dial or mercury tube at which the pulsing is first heard is recorded. This is the systolic pressure.
As the air continues to be let out, the sounds will disappear. The point at which the sound disappears is recorded. This is the diastolic pressure (the lowest amount of pressure in the arteries as the heart rests).
The procedure may be performed two or more times.
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