Beurer blood pressure monitor Application photo Grandfather testing the device with his grandson
 

How do I measure my blood pressure correctly?


Healthy blood pressure is crucial for the wellbeing of your heart and your entire body. But how can you be sure you're achieving reliable measurement results when measuring blood pressure at home?

Why is measuring blood pressure important?

Blood pressure is an important indicator of the health of your cardiovascular system. High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious problems such as heart disease, strokes and kidney damage. Low blood pressure (hypotension) can also be harmful to health and trigger dizziness or fainting. Often, no symptoms are initially apparent, which is why too high or too low blood pressure can go unnoticed. By regularly checking your blood pressure, you can identify potential problems early on and take appropriate action.

Basic rules for measuring blood pressure

  • Same time of day 

    To ensure comparability of the measured blood pressure values, we recommend measuring blood pressure regularly and always at the same time of day. It is advisable to measure your blood pressure twice a day: once in the morning after getting up and once in the evening.
  • Rest and relaxation 

    You should not eat, drink or smoke at least 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Before you start the measurement, make sure you are relaxed and calm. Sit comfortably and relax for about 5 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. A common mistake is that there is not sufficient circulatory calm at the time of measurement, which can distort the measurement results compared to the resting blood pressure.

    To guarantee precision in blood pressure measurement, Beurer has developed a special technology - the rest indicator*. A symbol gives you feedback after the measurement about whether you were in sufficient mental and physical rest during the blood pressure measurement or not. If this was not the case, you should repeat the measurement after a 5-minute rest and relaxation period.
  • Assume the correct position 

    Keep your arm still during the blood pressure measurement and do not clench your hand into a fist. Pay attention to the correct application of the cuff. During the measurement, it should always be at heart level. Place your legs side by side on the floor.
  • Do not speak

    You should remain quiet and not speak during the blood pressure measurement, as this could distort the blood pressure values.
  • Right or left arm?

    In principle, blood pressure can be measured on both arms. Certain deviations between the blood pressure measured on the right and left arm are physiologically conditioned and completely normal. Since your left arm is closer to your heart, the pressure exerted by the heart may be different from the blood pressure on the right side. Deviations of up to 10 mmHg may occur. Deviations over 10 mmHg between the arms can be an indication of an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and should be medically clarified. You should always measure your blood pressure on the arm with the higher blood pressure values. We generally recommend that you briefly coordinate with your doctor before the first self-measurement and always measure your blood pressure on the same arm from then on.

Measuring blood pressure with an upper arm blood pressure monitor

If you want to use a blood pressure monitor for the upper arm, follow these tips:

  • Choose a blood pressure cuff that fits your upper arm circumference.
  • Apply the blood pressure cuff to the bare upper arm. The circulation of the arm must not be restricted by tight clothing etc. The cuff is to be placed on the upper arm so that the lower edge is 2 - 3 cm above the elbow and above the artery. The tube of the blood pressure monitor points towards the centre of the palm.
  • Now wrap the blood pressure cuff firmly, but not too tightly, around the arm and fasten it with the Velcro fastener. There should be just enough room for two fingers to fit between the cuff and the arm.
  • Now insert the cuff tube into the cuff plug connection.
  • Comfortably rest your arm on a support or cushion.
Measuring blood pressure with an upper arm blood pressure monitor

Our video tip for the correct blood pressure measurement on the upper arm.

Measuring blood pressure with a wrist blood pressure monitor

If you want to use a blood pressure monitor for the wrist, follow these tips:

  • First, uncover your forearm. Always measure on bare skin, not over a jumper or shirt.
  • Now apply the cuff to the wrist so that your palm and the display of the device face upwards.
  • Position the cuff so that there is a distance of 1.0 - 1.5 cm between it and your palm.
  • Now close the cuff tightly around your wrist using the Velcro fastener. Make sure it fits tightly but does not constrict the wrist.
  • If you want to measure blood pressure at the wrist, it is important that the wrist is at heart level throughout the entire blood pressure measurement. Otherwise, the measurement results will be distorted. To do this, sit down and rest your elbow on a table.
Drawing Measuring blood pressure with a wrist blood pressure monitor

Our video tip for the correct blood pressure measurement at the wrist.

Wrist or upper arm blood pressure monitor?

Blood pressure can be measured on the upper arm or on the wrist. Various tests have shown the measurement results are just as reliable when measuring blood pressure on the wrist as on the upper arm providing the measurement is carried out correctly.

Measuring blood pressure with an upper arm blood pressure monitor always guarantees an automatically correct measurement at heart level. Especially for older people, smokers, and patients with arrhythmia or diabetes, an upper arm blood pressure monitor is recommended. Wrist blood pressure monitors are also perfectly suitable for on-the-go due to their compact, handy size.

Beurer wrist blood pressure monitor for elderly woman with grandchildren

How often should I measure my blood pressure?

It is recommended to measure your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as smoking, overweight, an unhealthy diet, or a family history of heart disease. Your doctor can advise you on how often you should check your blood pressure, based on your individual risk profile.

Interpreting blood pressure values correctly

After you have measured your blood pressure, it is important to interpret the results correctly.

When measuring blood pressure, 2 values are displayed: the systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Systolic blood pressure (upper value): This is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart muscle. An optimal systolic blood pressure is typically below 120 mmHg.

Diastolic blood pressure (lower value): This is the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats, when the heart is relaxed. An optimal diastolic blood pressure is typically below 80 mmHg.

A blood pressure chart gives you a rough guideline for interpreting blood pressure values.

Blood pressure table - Measuring values

However, these standard values serve only as a general guideline, as individual blood pressure varies among different people, genders, and age groups. At the same time, fluctuations in blood pressure are completely normal. Even with a repeat measurement, larger measurement differences can occur. Single or irregular measurements therefore do not provide a reliable statement about the actual blood pressure. A reliable assessment is only possible if you measure your blood pressure regularly and under comparable conditions. If there are abnormalities in the measured values, we recommend that you see a doctor.

The built-in risk indicator in many Beurer blood pressure monitors makes the classification of the measurement results even easier to understand. The colour scale indicates directly during the measurement whether your measured values are within the normal range or deviate and should be observed further.


Share