Home Blood Pressure Monitor

[237SJ]

Just bought one and have used it for the first time. It states that the cuff has to be level with the heart. Does it have to be exact or will a cm or two either way make much difference?

[Cloverjo]

Mine has a guide that beeps if it's out of position. I wouldn't have thought a distance of a couple of cm would make much difference.

[Jackdaw33]

In my experience they are worse than useless. They are not properly calibrated so can give wildly different readings within the space of 30 seconds.

[Sqad]

If you notice, your cuff, if it is on your upper arm IS at the same level as your heart.

[ummmm]

I get my blood pressure taken quite often and it always goes just above the elbow which would be in line with the heart.

[FreyaBee]

I have used a wrist monitor for years and very pleased with it. I usually sit on a chair up to the dining table and when my arm is stretched out onto the table, it is level (more or less) with my heart. Readings can fluctuate even within a few minutes as blood pressure is never static. This is normal. Allow at least 3 minutes if you feel you want to check BP again.

[FreyaBee]

oops. I did not read your post properly. I see you have an upper arm cuff.

[237SJ]

Thanks for the replies. Just making sure I didn't have it too far up the arm

[gingejbee]

Jackdaw's answer...they can give wildly different readings within the space of 30 seconds. Which is why you are told to leave several minutes before repeating the procedure....nothing to do with "calibration".

[237SJ]

^ Yes, it says that you shouldn't use it twice within a matter of a few minutes. I can't see why anyone would want to anyway. I probably won't even use it once per week but I have used it again now to see if the results are consistent with yesterday and they are.

[dannyk13]

237 sj
Question Author^ Yes, it says that you shouldn't use it twice within a matter of a few minutes. I can't see why anyone would want to
anyway.
Because the correct way to check blood pressure involves taking two readings approx 5 minutes apart.