How do you take a blood pressure?

Question

plain english please

Answer 1

For a manual "cuff": Apply the cuff about 2-3 inches above the bend in the arm at the elbow.The cuff has a mark on it (like a circle with a line through it) that goes where the artery is in the bend in the arm. You feel for the artery in the elbow bend--its on the inner part and has a pulse. Then the cuff wraps around and closes with the velcro. You then put the stethoscope over the artery & pump the cuff up (close the screw valve). To "199" should be plenty & then let the air out slowly. When you hear the pulse (the thump thump noise); the number the needle is on is the "systolic" or top number of the blood pressure. When that pulse noise disappears is the "diastolic" or bottom number (like: 120/86).

You can see this is tricky & takes practice. Those automated ones are better if you are not completely clear on the whole thing.

Answer 2

Get one of those electric ones! You just put them on your wrist and they do all the work!!
They sell them in most places like boots or a local pharmacy.