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How to Take Blood Pressure: a step by step guide

by Christine Kennard
for About.com

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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A Look Over the Blood Pressure Machine

bpmachine.jpg
A Typical Automatic Blood Pressure Machine
image: c. kennard
Blood pressure machines (sphygmomanometers) may vary slightly in design but their operation is usually very simple. In this example the dark blue button is the on/off switch and the start button is pressed once you are ready to take the reading; it’s as simple as that.
  1. Check Equipment is Ready
  2. A Look Over the Blood Pressure Machine
  3. Positioning the Arm and Equipment
  4. Taking the Blood Pressure
  5. Reading Blood Pressure & Pulse
  6. Understanding The Blood Pressure Reading

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