With telemedicine on the rise, there has never been a better time to purchase top diagnostic equipment like a hospital-grade blood pressure monitoring device and stethoscope that is an important part of wellness and sick visits. Use this simple guideline and our contact-free curbside pickup at Northside Medical Supply in Roswell, Georgia to purchase and understand your equipment. After a few readings, you will be able to give your doctor the information needed for more effective treatment planning.
Which Size Cuff is Right for You?
Before purchasing a blood pressure machine, it is helpful to known which size of cuff to buy. Getting the wrong size may produce false readings. To learn your cuff size, use a tape measure to note the circumference of your arm around the middle of your bicep located in the upper arm between the elbow and shoulder. The chart below offers general sizing information for adults in cm. However, it is always beneficial to read the information on your selected cuff to ensure a proper fit and accurate results.
Other Considerations for Purchasing
Do you want an aneroid or a digital device? The aneroid system requires a stethoscope and may offer more accuracy whereas the digital machine is often considered more convenient and easier to read. Also, some digital systems include added functions such as stored memory features. With either method, pricing may vary with the sound clarity for stethoscopes and extra features for digital devices. All our diagnostic equipment at Northside Medical Supply are top-rated with physicians and patients alike for accuracy so you can feel comfortable selecting the one that works best for your data collection, budget, and sound needs.
Prior to Using Your Selected Device
At this point, you have a preferred system with the correct cuff size purchased and ready to go for your next blood pressure check. However, before you begin, there are a few
Receive an Accurate Automatic Digital Reading
When you are ready to take your measurements, wrap the cuff around the middle of your left bare arm between the elbow and shoulder. After securing your cuff, check for a snug fit that still enables you to slip one fingertip underneath. The bottom edge of the cuff sits approximately an inch above your elbow crease.
Turn off electronic devices and try to remove any distractions for a few minutes to achieve a more relaxed environment. Next, elevate your left arm to your heart level using a table or pillow, let your palm face upward, and sit up straight with nice posture. With uncrossed legs and ankles, try to take a few slow deep breaths and exhale each one through pursed lips. Once you are feeling comfortable and calm, it is time to turn the power on for your device to automatically inflate and deflate the cuff and provide your blood pressure data. As you write your numbers, your systolic or top measurement is noted before the diastolic or second measurement such as 120/80mmHG. Press the exhaust button to release all of the air from the cuff. Please note, it is often helpful to take a few measurements with three to five minutes of continued rest in between for best results.
How to Use an Aneroid Monitor and Manual Digital Monitor
Follow the instructions mentioned above for the cuff fit and placement, relaxed setting, sitting posture, and arm position. Stethoscope earpieces should face forward in your ears and the disk should be placed inside the elbow crease of your left arm. For aneroid methods, squeeze the rubber bulb quickly to inflate the cuff rapidly until the dial reaches 30 to 40 points higher than your last top number (systolic) reading. If you inflate the cuff too slowly, you may not receive an accurate reading.
Loosen the valve on the unit to allow a small amount of the air to escape and continue to deflate the cuff by 2 to 3 millimeters per second. Record the systolic blood pressure reading on the dial when you first hear a sound from your heartbeat. When you stop hearing your heartbeat, record the diastolic pressure reading from the dial. Write the numbers the same way you would with the digital automatic device with the systolic number followed by the diastolic number. If you are using a manual digital monitor, you would use this same rapid inflating and slow deflating process.
At Northside Medical Supply, we value your health and well-being which is why we only stock the highest quality brands and our staff is experienced and knowledgeable about the products we carry. Come learn about the Northside Medical Supply difference for yourself. Place your safe and secure no-contact curbside pickup order for blood pressure diagnostic equipment, face masks, no-touch infrared thermometers, hand sanitizer, and much more by calling (770) 425-7718.
