Blood Pressure Measuring Cuff

Blood pressure cuffs come with a variety of features with the latest technical gizmos, but all serving the same purpose. It is used to determine pressure levels for those suffering from Hypertension, diabetes, irregular palpitations, cholesterol or heart related conditions. The basic components include an arm cuff which is strapped around your upper arm or wrist depending on the type, and a monitor which registers your pressure.

The common method of monitoring is with the pressure cuff strapped around the upper arm about one to two inches above the bend of the elbow and in direct contact. The arm is slightly bend and placed almost in line with the chest region. Both the systolic and diastolic values have to be taken. The values are actually represented one placed over the above, like say, 120/80 with the upper figure representing the systolic and the lower figure the diastolic.

The provider will place the stethoscope over the artery near the elbow to feel the pulse and the bulb at the end of the pressure cuff is pumped rapidly till the monitor shows about 30mm Hg above the normal systolic value. If in case the value is not known then a level of 200 to 210 mm can be taken. Once the desired value has been reached the pressure from the cuff may be released gradually by slowly opening the valve near the bulb.

As the pressure drops gradually at the rate of 2 to 3 mm Hg per second, the reading at which the first pulse is heard through the stethoscope is noted. This is the systolic pressure. As the pressure indicator further drops there will be a point when the pulse totally disappears. This reading indicates the diastolic pressure. The process is repeated for at least 2 more times for further accuracy.

The test can be taken any time, but one should take at east 5 to 10 minutes rest before the procedure. Readings conducted when the patient or subject is excited or nervous might be misleading. If these tests are taken periodically, you will be able to monitor your pressure levels accurately. Understand that high blood pressure is not noticeable and gives off no symptoms till it is too late. Blood pressure cuffs help you to monitor your diet, medication or other control or preventive measures.