Blood pressure facts, pointers, and best practices
Helpful definitions
Systolic pressure
When ventricles contract and pump blood out of your heart, the point at which blood
pressure reaches its maximum value in the cycle.
Diastolic pressure
When the ventricles relax, the point at which blood pressure reaches its minimum
value in the cycle.
Pulse rate
A measurement of the heart rate, or the number of times the heart beats per minute.
As the heart pushes blood through the arteries, the arteries expand and contract
with the flow of the blood.
Irregular heartbeat detector
An irregular heartbeat (IHB) is detected when a heartbeat rhythm varies while the unit is
measuring the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. During each measurement, the
monitor records the heartbeat intervals and calculates the average. If any average is
larger than or equal to 25%, the irregular heartbeat symbol appears on the display when
the measurement results appear.
CAUTION
The appearance of the IHB icon indicates that a pulse
irregularity consistent with an irregular heartbeat was detected during
measurement. Usually this is NOT a cause for concern. However, if the
symbol appears often, we recommend you seek medical advice. The
device does not replace a cardiac examination but detects pulse
irregularities at an early stage.
Why does my blood pressure fluctuate throughout the day?
•
Individual blood pressure varies multiple times every day because of weather,
emotion, and activity.
•
The way you position your cuff and your measurement posture can affect blood
pressure. Try to take blood pressure measurements under similar conditions.
•
Sometimes blood pressure on one arm is different from blood pressure on your
other arm. Use the same arm for blood pressure measurements.
•
Medication might affect your blood pressure.
•
The "white coat effect" might cause your blood pressure to be higher in a hospital or
doctor's office.
Factors that could cause inaccurate measurements
•
Cuff position is poor
•
Cuff is too loose or too tight
•
Cuff is applied over clothing rather than on a bare upper arm
•
Taking a measurement within 1 hour of eating or drinking
•
Taking a measurement within 20 minutes of taking a bath
•
Being in a cold environment
16 Measuring blood pressure
Welch Allyn Remote Monitoring Blood Pressure Device RPM-BP100SBP
