Blood Pressure Monitors: Ask A Pharmacist

We often get common questions when patients come in, and one very common question is: What blood pressure monitor do you recommend? Measuring and monitoring your blood pressure regularly helps you and your health care team diagnose any potential health problems early on. Your health care team - and you! - can take the necessary steps to help control your blood pressure if there are any problems, such as it being too high. High BP, also known as hypertension, is a very common condition that can lead to severe health issues, such as heart disease.

Well, why do I need to measure my blood pressure? Can't I do it at the doctors?

Measuring your own BP regularly is the best and only way to know whether you have high blood pressure. Did you know that high BP typically has little to no warning signs or symptoms? Many people that do have it, do not know they have it! A very few number of people might experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath. Because these are not specific symptoms, these symptoms can be attributed to anything.

Some helpful terms to know when reading your BP:

- Systolic blood pressure (top number) – reflects pressure within the arteries when theheart beats;- Diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) – pressure in the arteries when the heartrests between beats.Did you know? Normal BP for adults is 120/80 mmHg (normal value can vary per individual).

Types of BP monitors:

Manual blood pressure monitors (upper arm placement)

– includes a cuff to wrap aroundyour arm, a rubber squeeze bulb and a gauge which measures the blood pressure. Thecuff is placed 2-3 cm above the antecubital fossa (the area above of transition betweenthe arm and forearm) and the stethoscope is placed over the brachial artery with a goodseal (inner side of upper arm). The values can be seen on the dial and the systolic-diastolic pressure is noted based upon Korotkoff sounds. “The first Korotkoff sound isthe systolic pressure, and the diastolic pressure is when the Korokoff sounds go silent.”-This is typically used in physician’s office and by pharmacists.

Digital blood pressure monitors (upper arm placement)

– an electronic cuff which inflateswhen a button is pushed on the machine. The pressure will be released after the cuffhas inflated and the systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be shown on the screen. Itis important to stay still during the reading and have your arm supported/placed on atable at the level of your heart. Feet on floor should be uncrossed and readings shouldnot be taken when under stress, had caffeine/tobacco products in the last 30 minutes orrecently exercised. This will improve the accuracy of the reading from the machine.-This is typically used by patients tracking blood pressure at home.

Digital blood pressure monitors (wrist placement)

– an electronic cuff that is putthrough your arm with palm facing upward. It is positioned to have 1/2 to 1 inch betweenthe cuff and the bottom of the palm with no clothing under the monitor. The cuff shouldbe the same height as your heart and should be unclenched.-Typically, wrist blood pressures are usually higher and less accurate than thepressure measured at the upper arm. This is due to wrist arteries being narrowerand closer to the upper skin. The wrist monitor can be more sensitive to bodyposition making it difficult for accurate readings.What can affect your BP reading? If you are nervous or anxious while having your blood pressure taken this can adversely affect your reading. Try to be relaxed and calm. A reading that is lower than your actual blood pressure can provide a false sense of security about your health.Prior to taking your BP measurement:- Avoid drinking caffeine, tobacco products or exercising 30 minutes prior to themeasurement for BP.- Know that the cuff can be worn on left or right arm.- Ensure to have your arm supported on a table at heart level and feet flat on thefloor.- Use the restroom prior to your reading.- Do not talk while your BP is being measured.Have more questions about your blood pressure? Ask a pharmacist today.