If you are measuring blood pressure at home, it is crucial for you to understand and follow all instructions, especially about arm positioning. Because the wrong position can lead to inaccuracies. So stop wondering how should I position for arm band blood pressure monitor, and read our quick guide.
Arm Selection and Preparation
Blood pressure can be measured using any of your arms. But typically, it is recommended to use your non-dominant arm. For instance, if you are right-handed, then your left arm will be considered “non-dominant”. This is because muscles can be more active in the dominant arm, which can lead to variations in blood pressure readings.
Once you have selected the arm, place it on a stable surface such as a table, ensuring that it is at the level of your heart. This is essential for accurate readings, as having the arm at the heart level helps minimize the impact of gravity on blood pressure.
1. Tight Cloth Removal
Tight clothing can compress the underlying blood vessels and tissues, potentially influencing blood flow and the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement. Therefore, the next step will be to roll your sleeve up, simply exposing your upper arm. In case the sleeve can not be removed, confirm that it is not too tight.
2. Comfortable Posture
Any discomfort or tension during the measurement can influence the accuracy of the blood pressure readings. Therefore, attention to your overall comfort during the measurement.
It will be best if you properly sit in a relaxed position with your “back” straight. Make sure that your feet are placed flat on the floor and your arm is well-supported.
3. Brachial Artery Identification
Expose the inner side of your arm to locate the pulsating brachial artery just above the elbow. Properly place the blood pressure monitor’s cuff about an inch above your elbow. Align it with the artery, making sure to secure the cuff snugly—neither too tight nor too loose.
4. Arm Band Wrapping
Now it is time to wrap the best home blood pressure monitor arm band around your upper arm. It should be tight enough to stay in place but make sure that it doesn’t restrict blood flow. Simply ensure that there’s space for only two fingers between the monitor’s cuff and your arm.
5. Artery Marker Alignment
Next, you’re required to align the artery marker with the brachial artery. This is because it ensures precision in readings, optimal sensor placement, and consistency in monitoring over time.
Simply locate the marker, position it over the brachial artery on the inner side of your arm, and point it towards the centre.
6. Relaxation and Stillness
Once everything is done, make sure to sit still in a relaxed position. It will be better if you don’t talk and avoid moving during the BP measurement. This is crucial to preventing any interference with the blood pressure monitor results.
Wrapping Up
Don’t forget to refer to the “specific instructions about positioning” given in the manual of your arm band blood pressure monitor. Take all the time required to read and grasp how to set the positioning before initiating the measurement process.
