Carrying Out A Measurement; Before The Measurement; Common Sources Of Error; Fitting The Cuff - vivocare Handy Mode D'emploi

5. Carrying out a measurement

5.1. Before the measurement

 Avoid eating, smoking as well as all forms of exertion directly before the
measurement. All these factors influence the measurement result. Try and
find time to relax by sitting in an armchair in a quite atmosphere for about
ten minutes before the measurement.
 Measure always on the same arm (normally left).
 Attempt to carry out the measurements regularly at the same time of day,
since the blood-pressure changes during the course of the day.

5.2. Common sources of error

Note: Comparable blood-pressure measurements always require the same
conditions! These are normally always quiet conditions.
 All efforts by the patient to support the arm can increase the blood-pres-
sure. Make sure you are in a comfortable, relaxed position and do not
activate any of the muscles in the measurement arm during the measure-
ment. Use a cushion for support if necessary.
 The performance of the automated sphygmomanometer can be affected
by extremes of temperature, humidity and altitude.
 If the wrist artery lies considerably lower (higher) than the heart, an
erroneously higher (lower) blood-pressure will be measured! (Each 15cm
difference in height results in a measurement error of 10mmHg!)
 A loose cuff causes false measurement values.
 With repeated measurements, blood accumulates in the respective wrist
which can lead to false results. Correctly executed blood-pressure mea-
surements should therefore first be repeated after a 5 minute pause or
after the arm has been held up in order to allow the accumulated blood to
flow away (after at least 3 minutes).

5.3. Fitting the cuff

a) Remove all eventual objects and jewellery (e.g. wristwatch) from the wrist in
question. Draw the cuff over the wrist.
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