How do you use a wrist monitor? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

lifeoriley · 10-06-2006, 07:14 PM

I would like to know the best position for my arm while testing bp with a wrist monitor. Should I put it over my heart? Against my chest? extended over a table? Anyone have experience with these? Thanks.

mistys · 10-07-2006, 07:29 PM

My instructions advise to relax your arm on chair arm and bend elbow to raise wrist up approximately level with the heart.

madfit · 10-08-2006, 02:59 PM

Hi,
I have used a wrist bp monitor for almost 4 years. It works great! You can sit next to a kitchen table, or and arm chair. Bend your arm, almost in a right degree angle, and rest it on the table or arm chair. That works best.

By the way, the next time you go to the doctor's office, bring it with you. Have the doctor take your pressure with his cuff, then about 5 minutes later while still in his office, take yours with the wrist monitor. Then you'll be able to see if yours is calibrated correctly. I did that with mine, and it was off only 1 or 2 points. The doctor said that was fine.

Hope this helps.

Canyondweller · 10-12-2006, 11:34 PM

It must be at heart level to get a correct reading. That is where the cuff is on the arm one. If you lay it on a table make sure it is heart level.

Lenin · 10-13-2006, 07:11 AM

My dentist uses one regularly on me and the way he says it is to be done is while reclining at an angle as one does in the dentist's chair to put the tester wrist on the chest over the heart and use the other hand to support it so basically both hands are lightly clasped together over the heart.
That sounds about right to me.