Now that high blood pressure is getting higher and higher, many people have bought a home sphygmomanometer and measured their blood pressure at home.
Can I measure my own blood pressure accurately?
It seems simple, but many people simply won't!
The proven upper-arm electronic sphygmomanometer has good accuracy and repeatability, and the measurement method is easy to master, which is the first choice for measuring blood pressure at home [1].
If you buy a wrist sphygmomanometer, you must strictly follow the instructions for using the sphygmomanometer.
Desktop mercury column sphygmomanometers and finger sphygmomanometers are not recommended. (You can save the following picture)
When using a sphygmomanometer, choose a cuff of the right size [1].
The average person can choose a standard cuff (upper arm circumference< 32 cm).
If you are particularly fat, you can choose a large cuff (upper arm circumference ≥ 32 cm).
If the upper arm is particularly thin, or if it is a child and teenager, a small cuff can be selected.
Tips:
During the use of the sphygmomanometer, do not forget to calibrate it regularly, at least once a year.
(You can ask for help at the place of purchase or at the hospital for calibration.) Now many sphygmomanometer manufacturers will also provide calibration services for the sphygmomanometers sold)
It is generally recommended to measure blood pressure every morning and evening[1].
Usually blood pressure measurement in the morning should be measured within 1 hour of waking up, before taking antihypertensive drugs, before breakfast, and before strenuous activity.
Blood pressure should be done at night after dinner and before bedtime[1].
In order to improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement, during blood pressure measurement, don't forget to record the time to wake up, the time to sleep, the time to eat three meals and the time to take medication.
In 2021, the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) published a practical guide for measuring blood pressure, measuring blood pressure at home, which is more accurate and convenient according to this chart [2].
1. Whether in the morning or at night, go to the bathroom to empty the bladder before measuring blood pressure [1].
2. For people who measure blood pressure for the first time, it is best to measure both arms at the same time, and choose the high arm as the arm for long-term blood pressure measurement.
People who have just been diagnosed with hypertension, or who have undergone treatment but whose blood pressure has not yet reached the requirements, should be measured continuously for 5 to 7 days before the next visit, and the data should be recorded and given to the doctor for reference when visiting.
People with well-controlled blood pressure measure at least one day a week.
Blood pressure is measured at home, and may be hypertension if monitored continuously for 5 to 7 days and the average blood pressure exceeds 135/85 mmHg [3].
But to confirm the diagnosis of high blood pressure, you also need to go to the hospital for measurement.
The blood pressure value obtained by medical staff under standard conditions and according to unified specifications is the blood pressure in the clinic.
Systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg measured three times a day without taking antihypertensive drugs is hypertension [3].
(If you are currently taking antihypertensive medications, blood pressure though [3].) ）
Even if there is no family history of hypertension, blood pressure is measured at least once a year.
Will you measure your blood pressure? Remember to share it with those who need it.
bibliography
[1] China Hypertension Alliance "Family Blood Pressure Monitoring Guidelines" Committee. 2019 China Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Guidelines[J]. Chinese Journal of Recycling, 2019, 34(7):5.
[2] Stergiou G S, Palatini P, Parati G, et al. 2021 European Society of Hypertension practice guidelines for office and out-of-office blood pressure measurement[J]. Journal of Hypertension, 2021, 39(7): 1293-1302.
[3]Disease Control Bureau of National Health Commission, Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, et al. Chinese Hypertension Health Management Norms (2019)[J]. Chinese Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 2020, 048(001):10-46.
Author: Zhao Yanan | Editors: Zhao Yanan, Zhang Li, Wang Yan
Typesetting: Han Ningning | Proofreader: Wu Yihe
Operations: Li Yongmin | Coordinator: Wu Wei