Measuring blood pressure in the proper way and recording the correct readings is very important for all, but especially so for elders. This is because already blood pressure is bound to increase with age, so an incorrect reading would result in wrong medical treatment, thus endangering the life of the individual. Hypertension or high blood pressure is the leading cause of concern worldwide, not just in the United States. It increases the risk of coronary heart disease, hemorrhagic stroke and renal or retinal impairment to mention just a few. Early diagnosis and treatment would benefit senior people who are most likely to be affected by it.
Irrespective of whether a manual, aneroid or digital sphygmomanometer (blood pressure monitor) is used to measure blood pressure, certain factors must be remembered. The first step is to use a proper sized inflatable bladder to mere blood pressure. The second is to position it correctly over an artery that is at heart level in the cuff of an arm. Thirdly, the patient’s arm must be rested on a solid surface, a flat table maybe. Lastly, before the procedure is started, the patient must sit with the back straight and place their feet flat on the floor.
Although cheaper in price than the other alternatives, a manual blood pressure monitor that was once considered the best in calculating readings is starting to be viewed with suspicion nowadays. Manual blood pressure cuffs do not need electricity but they are no longer considered reliable because if they are not calibrated correctly, then doctors feel the readings are less accurate, and also the mercury used in this machine is not very safe for the environment. The difference in the readings between the manual and digital blood pressure cuffs is considerable. The apprehension about using a manual blood pressure cuff especially for elderly patients is that they might either be overtreated or not be given the correct treatment for high blood pressure. So in the United States, the wrist-mounted blood pressure monitor that is more sensitive to body position and that produces an accurate reading is recommended.