On the occasion of World Hypertension Day, celebrated every May 17, cardiologist Yunona Khametskaya outlined five rules for measuring blood pressure levels. The expert discussed various devices used to measure blood pressure at home, in medical clinics, and hospitals, as well as devices that monitor blood pressure throughout the day.
According to her, there are a set of rules for measuring blood pressure:
- The cuff must be suitable for each individual.
- Blood pressure should be measured before taking antihypertensive medication if the individual is undergoing treatment.
- Smoking or drinking coffee should be avoided half an hour before measuring blood pressure.
- One should go to the restroom before measuring blood pressure and sit quietly for five minutes.
- The arm should be relaxed and positioned on a flat surface at heart level.
She states: "The cuff must be placed on bare skin, not over clothing. It should be positioned at the level of the mid-point of the sternum, 2-3 cm above the elbow pit. The person being measured should sit on a chair with their legs uncrossed. They should relax their arm and place it on a flat surface at heart level. During this, they should sit quietly and refrain from talking."
The primary issue concerning elevated blood pressure is either not measuring it and ignoring the high levels or measuring it incorrectly. Furthermore, some patients, fearful of high blood pressure, measure it continuously, which can lead to increased levels in response to stress.
She advises: "Before visiting the doctor, it is sufficient to measure blood pressure twice a day for a week, or at least for three days, with a minimum of 12 readings to monitor treatment effectiveness over the long term. For ongoing monitoring, it is recommended to measure blood pressure once or twice a week, or once a month."
