Measuring blood pressure: you should be aware of this

If you have problems with blood pressure, you should measure it regularly. It is not difficult to learn. In this article, we show you what you should consider in order to determine a correct value.

Measuring blood pressure: you should know that

• There are several ways to measure blood pressure. The measurement on the upper arm is common, but the blood pressure can also be measured on the wrist using appropriate devices. You can also determine the blood pressure on the leg. This is usually the case with amputees on both sides - or when both arms are in plaster.
• A blood pressure measurement gives you two values, an upper and a lower value. The upper value is called the systolic pressure and refers to the highest pressure in the vessels that occurs when the heart muscle contracts. The lower value is the diastolic pressure that is present in the vessels during the relaxation phase of the heart muscle.
• Blood pressure is given in "mmHg", which stands for millimeters of mercury. According to the WHO, the desired blood pressure in adults is a blood pressure of 120 to 80 mmHg. If the upper value is over 140 mmHg permanently and without stress, one speaks of high blood pressure or hypertension. The blood pressure is too low if the upper value is permanently below 105 mmHg. Then one speaks of hypotension. In both cases, you should see a doctor, you may need medication for blood pressure.

How to measure your blood pressure correctly

• Blood pressure should be measured while sitting and at rest. This means that you should not put any physical strain or get upset beforehand. So sit still for five minutes before you measure. You should not cross your legs as this can falsify the measured value. We explain in another article why you shouldn't do this in general.
• You have several device variants to choose from for the measurement. The most accurate results are obtained by hand measurement using a stethoscope, which, however, requires a little practice and instructions at the beginning. The upper arm measurement with electrical measuring devices is easier and still quite accurate. Finally, there are the handy wrist gauges, but they are not as accurate.
• Which arm you measure on doesn't matter. However, don't be surprised if you find a small difference between the measurement results in the comparison, this is normal. Therefore, you should always measure on the same arm if you monitor your blood pressure over a period of time.
• It is important that you put on the blood pressure cuff correctly: On the one hand, the cuff must not be too loose and not too tight. It must sit on the upper arm above the elbow and not slip. The two hoses should lie in the middle of the elbow.
• Measure with a device whose value you can trust. At best, the blood pressure device should have a valid calibration seal. You can usually only find calibrated devices in medical practices or hospitals, so it is difficult to acquire them. You are also on the safe side if the blood pressure device has been checked by the German High Pressure League and has been given a seal of approval.
• Not every blood pressure device is suitable for everyone. There are large and small as well as strong and very slim people. The choice of the cuff should be adapted to these circumstances. A cuff that is too narrow gives incorrect values, they are usually higher than the actual blood pressure. Conversely, the values ​​turn out to be too low if the cuff is too wide.
• When you measure your blood pressure, it is not just a matter of a relaxed sitting posture. The position of the arm plays an important role in the correct measurement. The measuring point, i.e. the elbow, should be at heart level. If the arm is lower, the values ​​are too high. If the location is too high, the values ​​are then incorrectly low.

In the next article, you will learn how to prevent varicose veins and what you should know about this topic.