How Do I Evaluate My Blood Pressure; Using The Device For The First Time; Selecting The Correct Cuff; Taking A Blood Pressure Measurement - Microlife BP AG1-20 Mode D'emploi

 It is quite normal for two measurements taken in quick succes-
sion to produce significantly different results.
 Deviations between measurements taken by your doctor or in
the pharmacy and those taken at home are quite normal, as
these situations are completely different.
 Several measurements provide a much clearer picture than
just one single measurement.
 Leave a small break of at least 15 seconds between two
measurements.
 If you are pregnant, you should monitor your blood pressure
regularly as it can change drastically during this time.

How do I evaluate my blood pressure?

Table for classifying home blood pressure values in adults in
accordance with the international Guidelines (ESH, ESC, JSH).
Data in mmHg.
Range Systolic
1. blood pressure < 120
normal
2. blood pressure 120 - 129 74 - 79
optimum
3. blood pressure 130 - 134 80 - 84
elevated
4. blood pressure too 135 - 159 85 - 99
high
≥ 160
5. blood pressure
dangerously high
The higher value is the one that determines the evaluation.
Example: a blood pressure value of 140/80 mmHg or a value of
130/90 mmHg indicates «blood pressure too high».

2. Using the Device for the First Time

Selecting the correct cuff

When choosing the correct size cuff the arm circumference should
be measured at the centre of the upper arm. 22 - 32 cm (8.75 - 12.5
inches) should be the correct size for the majority of people.

Only use Microlife cuffs.
Contact your local Microlife Service if the enclosed cuff 2 does

not fit.
2
Recommenda-
Diastolic tion
< 74 Self-check
Self-check
Self-check
Seek medical
advice
≥ 100
Urgently seek
medical advice!

3. Taking a Blood Pressure Measurement

Checklist for taking a reliable measurement
1. Avoid activity, eating or smoking immediately before the
measurement.
2. Sit down on a back-supported chair and relax for 5 minutes.
Keep the feet flat on the floor and do not cross your legs.
3. Always measure on the same arm (normally left).
4. Remove close-fitting garments from the upper arm. To avoid
constriction, shirt sleeves should not be rolled up - they do not
interfere with the cuff if they are laid flat.
5. Always ensure that the correct cuff size is used (marking on the
cuff).
 Fit the cuff closely, but not too tight.
 Make sure that the cuff is positioned 1-2 cm above the elbow.
 The artery mark on the cuff (ca. 3 cm long bar) must lie over
the artery which runs down the inner side of the arm.
 Support your arm so it is relaxed.
 Ensure that the cuff is at the same height as your heart.
6. Any improper setup or damage to the stethoscope will cause
distorted sound or poor sound transmission causing inaccurate
readings.
7. Proper deflation rate is essential for an accurate reading.
Practice and master a recommended deflation rate of 2-3 mmHg
per second or a drop of 1-2 marks on the manometer 1 for each
heartbeat.

Measuring procedure

1. Place the chest piece 6 underneath the cuff 2 or 1-2 cm
below it. Make sure the chest piece is in contact with the skin
and lies on the brachial artery.
2. Plug in the ear piece 7 and check, if the chest piece is placed
correctly, so that the Korotkoff sounds appear the loudest.
3. Close the valve 4 on the pump ball 3 by turning the screw
clockwise. Do not over-tighten.
4. Take the pump ball 3 in your free hand (the arm you are not
using to measure) and pump up the cuff. Watch the pressure indi-
cator on the manometer 1 and pump up to approx. 40 mmHg
higher than the expected systolic value (the upper value).
 Inflate to 200 mmHg if you are not sure about the expected
value.
5. Open the valve 4 slowly by turning the screw counter clock-
wise whilst holding the stethoscope chest piece 6 on the
brachial artery. Listen carefully as the cuff begins to deflate.