SELF HEALTH CHECK-UP-CHECK YOUR B.P AT HOME BY YOUR SELF-II

HOW TO USE MANUAL B.P METERS

Both manual and electronic meters use oscillometric methods to measure B.P.
There are two types of manual meters
1.Aneroid
2.Mercury

But they are quite different when we handle them. Digital electronic meters are very sensitive and need many precautions to have precise readings. They need repeated measurements to get satisfactory results. But mechanical and manual meters such as mercury and aneroid meters are very convenient in handling and needless precautions to get results satisfactorily with a single measurement. In this method patient's movements do not disturb the accuracy. Albeit their easiness to handle they have their own disadvantages.

span style="font-size: x-large;">When using manual meters one should be familiar with the so-called KOROTKOFF sounds that can be heard through a stethoscope. This is the correct auscultatory method of B.P measurement.

In the following diagram there are 5 sounds that can be heard which are represented by 5 blue unequal straight lines.

During measurements distinguishing these sounds are very important to get an accurate result. This can be possible through experiences of using a stethoscope.

Method

Preparations for the measurement are similar to the electronic methods with relaxation and easiness while sitting on a chair.

The table height is not very important but it must be inconvenient.

It is not a must to keep the cuff sensor in a straight line with the heart.

1. Put the arm with fingers relaxed on the table.

2. Place the cuff around your elbow and tight it.

3. Place the bulb of the stethoscope on the brachial artery of your upper arm-elbow joint and inflate the cuff to just above your assessed systolic pressure. Allow the cuff to deflate slowly.

4. Carefully watch the five Korotkoff sounds as follows:-

          1.The first clear weak sound that slowly increases

           2.The second stronger and clear sound but still somewhat weaker than the 3rd sound.

           3.The clear strong sound that approaches the peak. At this point stop the deflation and note down the reading-Systolic Pressure.

           4. Allow to further deflate and note down the sound gets weaker and weaker

           5. The final fifth swashing and murmuring sound follows and disappears at a point. Stop the deflation and note down the reading-The diastolic Pressure

In this manual method Pulse, reading cannot be measured.