Preliminary remarks on measuring
your own blood pressure
The measurement should always be performed when at
rest. It is recommended that the blood pressure is mea-
sured twice a day - in the morning after getting up, and
in the evening when you have relaxed after a day's work.
Blood pressure readings should be performed while
sitting. Sit down in a comfortable chair and relax. The
chair should have arm rests or be positioned at a table
so that your arm can be supported in a slightly bent
position.
The measurement is carried out on the bare upper arm.
It is important to ensure that the arm is not con-
stricted by tight fitting clothing that has been pushed back
or rolled up. If necessary remove the article of clothing
before starting to measure your blood pressure.
During the measurement, the arm with the cuff must not
be moved.
An interval of at least two minutes should be observed,
before repeating a measurement.
Variations in blood pressure are perfectly normal. Even
a repeat measurement can produce considerable diff-
erences. One-off or irregular measurements are there-
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fore of little value when trying to assess the actual blood
pressure. Reliable assessment of blood pressure is
only possible if you monitor your blood pressure regu-
larly under similar conditions and record the readings in
your blood pressure log book.
Measuring your own blood pressure is not, however, a
therapy. Never alter of your own accord the dosage of
any medication that your doctor has prescribed for you.
Cardiac dysrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) can reduce
the accuracy of, or even give wrong readings. Measu-
rements may also be impaired in the case of those pa-
tients with a pacemaker who have a weak pulse. The
sphygmomanometer does not have any influence on
the pacemaker.
Faulty measurements can also occur if the unit is op-
erated in the vicinity of strong electromagnetic fields
(e.g. radiological applicators, mobile phones, etc.)
Medical Electrical Equipment needs special precauti-
ons regarding EMC. You will get appropriate informa-
tion from the supplier on demand.