Nurse explains how to measure blood pressure accurately - and what to do if it's high
by Christine Younan · ChronicleLiveHigh blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often goes unnoticed but poses significant risks to health if not managed properly. This silent condition happens when the force of blood pressing against artery walls becomes excessive and can lead to heart disease, strokes, or kidney failure in the longer term.
Blood pressure is measured with two figures: systolic (upper number) and diastolic (lower number), with a reading considered normal by the NHS when it's below 120/80 mm Hg. Despite its prevalence, many remain unaware of the correct way to monitor their blood pressure at home, prompting a cardiac nurse to provide guidance on TikTok.
In her tips-rich video, Angela says: "I'm a cardiac nurse and you've seen some of my videos before about blood pressure, you know I love all things about the heart. So I'm going to take my blood pressure and show you all the tricks I tell my patients to make sure it's accurate."
One of the crucial steps she highlights is the necessity of resting quietly for about five minutes prior to checking blood pressure, a step commonly overlooked. For an accurate self-checking process, Angela instructs: "Next you're going to slide your arm in and make sure that tube is pointing down towards your fingers. Pull it nice and tight, sometimes you need a little bit of help with this, make sure it fits and this bit isn't too floppy or really struggling to be attached."
She elaborated: "Next that little dot should be in line with the middle of your elbow, then we're going to press start and there you have it. Mine is pretty normal for me there today. If it's a bit high, take it three times.", reports Surrey Live.
The nurse recommended documenting the best result out of those readings. Her advice video has since gone viral, garnering 21,400 likes and nearly 1,000 comments.
In response to one viewer's question, "Does it matter which arm? " Angela said: "Yes usually."
Another queried: "How come my blood pressure is different in each arm?" The cardiac nurse explained this could be because the right arm is further from the heart so the reading can sometimes be higher.
While home monitoring is an option, the NHS firmly suggests seeing a GP if there's any concern over high blood pressure. They also urge anyone aged 40 and up, who hasn't been checked for high blood pressure in the last five years, to get tested by their doctor.
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