Omron 104 - Manual Blood Pressure Kit

How do I know if the arm cuff is wrapped too tight or too loose?
We recommend you apply the cuff using the following directions:

First, make sure you have removed any tight-fitting clothing from your left arm. Put your left arm through the cuff loop. The bottom of the cuff should be about one-half inch above your elbow. Turn your arm so your palm is facing up. Adjust the cuff around your arm so that the tubing runs down the center of your arm. Secure the cuff so it stays in place.

D- Ring Cuff: You should be able to fit one finger between the cuff and your arm. This space is imperative for an accurate reading because Omron's digital blood pressure monitors use the oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement that detects your blood's movement through your brachial artery and converts the movements into a digital reading.

Comfit Cuff: The cuff should be wrapped tightly around the arm. If the cuff slips or easily turns, the cuff should be tightened.

If the cuff is wrapped too loose or too tight, you may get an inaccurate reading or error message.

What size cuff do I need?
It is very important to use the appropriate size cuff for your arm to get accurate measurement results when using your blood pressure monitor. In order to determine the appropriate cuff size, you need to measure the circumference of your arm. You should periodically measure your arm size. This is especially needed if you have a borderline arm size measurement, or may have gained or lost weight.
Measure the circumference of your arm. Make sure the arm cuff you are using with your monitor is the correct size for you. When the incorrect cuff is used you may get an inaccurate reading at the first measurement you take or after a short period of use because the cuff bladder will be damaged.

To determine your arm size, use a cloth tape measure and place the tape measure midway between your elbow and your shoulder around the circumference of your upper arm. Wrap the tape measure evenly around your arm. Do not pull the tape tight. Note the precise measurement in inches.

Cuff Sizes:
D-Ring Cuff Sizing
Small Adult Cuff - fits arm sizes 7.0 to 9.0 inches.
Standard Adult Cuff - fits arm sizes 9.1 to 13.0 inches.
Large Adult Cuff - fit arm sizes 13.1 to 17.0 inches

Comfit Cuff Sizing
The Comfit cuff will fit arms 9.0 to 17.0 inches.

Why do my blood pressure readings seem to vary?
There are several reasons why you may have inconsistent readings. Many factors exist that can cause a variation in blood pressure measurement values, for example, recent activities or even the time of day can alter the reading.

Additionally, the user's technique is very important for reliable measurement results. Listed below are some of the common reasons you may get an inconsistent or inaccurate reading:

Cuff Size
Measure the circumference of your arm. Make sure the arm cuff you are using with your monitor is the correct size for you. When the incorrect cuff is used you may get an inaccurate reading at the first measurement you take or after a short period of use because the cuff bladder will be damaged. To determine your arm size, use a cloth tape measure and place midway between your elbow and your shoulder around the circumference of your upper arm. Wrap the tape measure evenly around your arm. Do not pull the tape tight.

Cuff Application
Make sure you are wrapping the cuff around your arm in the correct position. After wrapping the cuff around your arm check the location of the brachial artery marker. The air tube should run down the center of your arm. The cuff should not be wrapped too tight or too loose.

Before Taking a Measurement
Avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, exercising, and bathing for 30 minutes and rest for 15 before starting the measurement. Avoid taking a measurement during stressful times. Take the measurement in a quiet place.

Body Position
Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on a table with your palm facing upward. The cuff should be level with your heart. Do not talk or move during the measurement.

What Is Blood Pressure?
In a the most basic sense, blood pressure is a way of measuring how much force is being exerted on the walls of your blood vessels (artery) as blood flows through them. Systolic is the pressure exerted as your heart contracts or beats. This is measured as your heart sends a surge of blood through the vessels. A reading of less than120 mm Hg is considered normal. Diastolic is the pressure exerted when your heart relaxes in between heartbeats in the arteries. A reading of less than 80 mm Hg is considered normal.

According to American Heart Association, blood presure should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg for an adult. Blood pressure that stays between 120-139/80-89 is considered prehypertension and above this level (140/90 mm Hg or higher) is considered high (hypertension).

*Your doctor should evaluate unusually low readings.

How is my blood pressure measured using a digital monitor?
Digital monitors measure blood pressure oscillometrically rather than by auscultation. In auscultation, stethoscopes are used to take blood pressure blood pressure by listening for the Korotkoff sounds which correspond to systolic and diastolic pressures. Oscillometric technology measures the vibration of blood traveling through the arteries and converts the movement into digital readings.

Omron digital blood pressure monitors use the oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement. An oscillometric monitor does not need a stethoscope so the monitor is simple to use.