Proper Technique for Blood Pressure Measurement

There is no reason for you to expect your doctor or nurse to use anything less than perfect technique when measuring your blood pressure. If you see your doctor making any mistakes or not following proper procedure, you should ask why. While variations on technique are sometimes necessary, he should be able to clearly explain these to you, or he should apologize for not following accepted procedure and start the measurement over.

You should also tell your doctor if you have taken any medicines prior to your appointment, or if you have smoked, exercised, or eaten anything in the past hour - even if he doesn't ask.

_{Sources:
Pickering, et al., Recommendations for Blood Pressure Measurement in Humans & Experimental Animals: Part 1: Blood Pressure Measurement in Humans: A Statement for Professionals from the Subcommitee of Professional & Public Education of the American Heart Association Council on High Blood Pressure Research. Circulation, 111(5)697-716, 2005.}

Index: Proper Technique for Blood Pressure Measurement

1. Proper Technique Can Save Your Life
2. When Should Blood Pressure Be Measured?
3. Choose the Proper Cuff Size
4. Accurate Blood Pressure Readings Require Proper Positioning
5. Multiple Blood Pressure Readings Should Be Taken
6. Expect Correct Technique