To use these electronic BP machines to get correct reading, one should follow strict rules while using them like
1. Size of Cuff A BP cuff that is too large will give falsely low readings, while an overly small cuff will provide readings that are falsely high The most practical way to quickly and properly size a BP cuff is to pick a cuff that covers two-thirds of the distance between your patient?s elbow and shoulder.
2. Incorrectly position of Patient's bodyA seated upright position provides the most accurate blood pressure, as long as the arm in which the pressure is taken remains at the patient?s side. Patients lying on their side, or in other positions, can pose problems for accurate pressure measurement. To correctly assess BP in a side lying patient, hold the BP cuff extremity at mid heart level while taking the pressure. In seated patients, be certain to leave the arm at the patient?s side.
3. Placed the cuff incorrectly The standard for blood pressure cuff placement is the upper arm using a cuff on bare skin with a stethoscope placed at the elbow fold over the brachial artery.The patient should be sitting, with the arm supported at mid heart level, legs uncrossed, and not talking.
4. Do not be Prejudiced Prejudice for normal readings significantly contributes to inaccuracies in blood pressure measurement.
5. You?re not factoring in electronic units correctly Electronic blood pressure units also called Non Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) machines, sense air pressure changes in the cuff caused by blood flowing through the BP cuff extremity. Sensors estimate the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and the patient?s pulse rate. Software in the machine uses these two values to calculate the systolic and diastolic BP. To assure accuracy from electronic units, it is important to verify the displayed pulse with an actual patient pulse. Differences of more than 10 percent will seriously alter the unit?s calculations and produce incorrect systolic and diastolic values on the display screen.
So my point to explain all this above 5 points is that these electronics gadgets can only be helpful if we follow strict guidelines as these gadgets are provided strict instructions in their software but we people every time chk our BP in different bodily conditions
Blood pressure readings in the right and left arms that differ by a few points aren?t anything to worry about. It?s actually quite normal. A difference of more than 10 points, though, could suggest trouble.In younger people, side-to-side differences in blood pressure can occur when a muscle or something else compresses an artery supplying the arm, or by a structural problem that prevents smooth blood flow through an artery.In older people, it?s usually due to a blockage arising from atherosclerosis, the artery-clogging disease process at the root of most heart attacks, strokes, peripheral artery disease, and other cardiovascular conditions, but the possibility of a damaged BP monitor cannot be ruled out in your case-
Here are a few tips to help you start monitoring your blood pressure at home:
1. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine during the 30 minutes before you take your reading.
2. Sit quietly for a few minutes with your back supported and your feet on the floor.
3. When making the measurement, rest your arm so your elbow is at the level of your heart.
4. Wrap the cuff over the bare skin of your upper arm. Measure your blood pressure according to the machine?s instructions. Leave the deflated cuff in place, wait a minute, then take a second reading. If the readings are close, average them. If not, take a third reading and average the three.
Repeat the procedure in the other arm.
4. If the blood pressure readings in your arms are off by more than 10 or 15 points, mention this at your next doctor visit and ask your doctor or nurse to check both arms.
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