FIRST AID BLOG " 0

How to Use a Digital Blood Pressure

Monitor
BY JOHN FURST · JUNE 17, 2020

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A digital blood pressure monitor is a fully or semi-

automated, simple, lightweight machine used for monitoring
blood pressure. It measures blood pressure and pulse simply
and quickly and is easy to use, reliable and portable.

Digital blood pressure monitors are battery operated and

consist of a case with on/off switch, start button, and in
some machines a pre-set switch and memory button.
Different models and brands will have different designs.

An example of a digital blood pressure monitor

The monitor will have a display showing the systolic blood

pressure, diastolic blood pressure and pulse. The machine
comes with an arm cuff with air tube and air jack to connect
the cuff to the machine. The regular adult blood pressure cuff
measures 14 x 48cm and is designed for an arm
circumference of 22 – 32cms. Large cuffs are available size
16 x 65cm and designed for an arm circumference of 32 –
42cms.

Some digital blood pressure monitors will have wireless

capability allowing them to transmit recordings to a
smartphone app or computer.

Using a Digital Blood Pressure Monitor

The exact method of use will depend on the brand of blood
pressure monitor. As a general guide, the following steps
may be required:

Make sure the machine has functioning batteries

Insert the air tube from the cuff into the air jack (if
present)
Switch the button to ON. The symbols on the display
light up for a few seconds to check the display. Then all
the symbols go out and the air release symbol starts to
flash. When the machine has finished its self-test the
heart symbol indicates the machine is ready
Wrap the cuff around the bare arm so that the centre of
the bladder is positioned 2-3cms above the elbow joint
on the inside of the arm
Close the cuff with the fabric fastener
If possible lay the arm out with the palm of the hand
facing upwards and the cuff at approximately heart level
Press the start button. When a target value is reached,
air is released and the value in the display counts
downwards. As soon as the machine detects the pulse
the heart symbol flashes and a buzzer sounds
When the machine no longer detects the pulse and
whilst the cuff pressure is dropping the systolic and
diastolic blood pressures are displayed
The pressure drop symbol appears to announce the end
of the measurement
When all the air has been released the heart symbol
appears in the display and the pulse and blood pressure
are displayed alternately for about 5 minutes
If the machine has a memory button, after each
measurement the result is automatically entered in the
memory and the preceding measurement is erased. If
you want to call up the last reading hold down the
memory button in order to display it.
Switch off the machine. If you forget to do so the
machine will switch itself off after 5 minutes

If an error occurs during measurement the letter E or EE is

displayed. This may occur because:

There was too much movement of the arm for a reading

to be taken – the casualty should keep as still as
possible
The cuff was not fitted correctly – remove and replace
Clothing constricted the blood flow – remove or cut the
clothing
There was still air in the cuff when the machine switched
on – the machine may be defective
The cuff was not inflated sufficiently in comparison to
the expected blood pressure – repeat with an increased
expected pressure

Best Digital Blood Pressure Monitors

Beurer BM55
Upper Arm Blood
Pressure Monitor,
Large Cuff |
Automatic &
Digital, 2-Users, Omron 10 Series
XL Display, Irreg. Wireless Upper
Heartbeat Arm Blood
Detector, Cuff Pressure Monitor
Circ. 8.7”-16.5” | (Health and
Home Use BP Beauty)
Machine Kit |
Patented
Technology
(Health and
Beauty)

New: $59.99 New: $68.48

Read More Read More

Lovia Blood
Pressure Monitor –
Automatic Upper
Arm Machine &
Digital Adjustable
Digital BP Cuff Kit,
Pulse Rate
Monitoring Meter
with Cuff 8.7-
15.7inch,120 Sets
Memory, Backlit
Display (Health
and Beauty)

New: $39.95

Read More

Kai Garden
Residences
DMCI Homes

John Furst
JOHN FURST is an experienced emergency
# medical technician and qualified first aid and CPR
instructor. John is passionate about first aid and
believes everyone should have the skills and
confidence to take action in an emergency
situation.

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