To get accurate results, Wait shares how to measure the right and correct blood pressure.

Some of them
are:

1. Posture of patient

Whether the patient is sitting or lying (supine) makes no difference to the blood pressure readings,
provided that the arm is in the correct position. However, pressure should also be measured in the
standing position in patients whose symptoms or drug regimen may be associated with a
disproportionate postural fall.

The patient should be in a warm environment. Tight or restrictive clothing should be removed from the
arm. A simple measure is to request that patients wear a loose fitting, short sleeved garment when
attending for blood pressure measurement.

2. Attach the cuff to the upper arm, with the lower limit of the cuff 2-3 cm from the elbow fold and
note the position of the cuff pipe which will press right above the folded artery pulsation of the
elbow (brachial artery).

The position of maximal pulsation of the brachial artery in the arm, just above the antecubital fossa,
may be marked lightly with a pen. A cuff with a long enough bladder should then be applied to the
upper arm. As contact of the stethoscope with the tubing of the cuff may produce artefactual sounds,
the tubing from the blood pressure cuff should not cross the auscultatory area. The centre of the
bladder should be positioned over the line of the artery. The lower edge of the bladder should be 2-3 cm
above the marked point. The cuff should fit firmly and comfortably and be well secured.

3. Place the stethoscope just above the brachial artery.

The mercury column of the sphygmomanometer must be vertical, at eye level, and not more than 3 feet
from the observer. Stand mounted manometers are recommended, largely because they are mobile and
easily adjusted for height. Box and desk models are more easily damaged and less convenient to use.

4. Treat the cuff until the cuff pressure reaches 30 mmHg after the radial artery pulses disappear.

The pressure is then raised by inflating the bladder to 30 mm Hg above the systolic blood pressure as
estimated by palpation.

5. Open the cuff valve and the cuff pressure to let it slow down at a speed of 2-3 mmHg / sec.

Next the pressure is reduced at 2-3 mm Hg per second. The point at which repetitive, clear tapping
sounds first appear for at least two consecutive beats gives the systolic blood pressure. The point where
the repetitive sounds finally disappear gives the diastolic blood pressure (phase 5). Both measurements
should be taken to the nearest 2 mm Hg to avoid digit preference.

6. When the first sound is heard, remember and note it as systolic pressure and the last sound that
is still heard is recorded as diastolic pressure.
 Phase 1 The first appearance of faint, repetitive, clear tapping sounds that gradually increase in
intensity for at least two consecutive beats is the systolic blood pressure.
 Phase 2 A brief period may follow during which the sounds soften and acquire a swishing
quality.
 Auscultatory gap In some patients sounds may disappear altogether for a short time.
 Phase 3 The return of sharper sounds, which become crisper to regain, or even exceed, the
intensity of phase 1 sounds. The clinical significance, if any, of phases 2 and 3 has not been
established.
 Phase 4 The distinct, abrupt muffling sounds, which become soft and blowing in quality.
 Phase 5 The point at which all sounds finally disappear completely is the diastolic pressure.

7. Lower the cuff pressure to 0 mmHg, then release the cuff.