2
Always discuss your values with your doctor and tell them if you
have noticed anything unusual or feel unsure. Never rely on
single blood pressure readings.
There are several causes of excessively high blood pressure
values. Your doctor will explain them in more detail and offer
treatment where appropriate.
Under no circumstances should you alter the dosages of
drugs or initiate a treatment without consulting your doctor.
Depending on physical exertion and condition, blood pressure
is subject to wide fluctuations as the day progresses. You
should therefore take your measurements in the same
quiet conditions and when you feel relaxed! Take at least
two readings every time (in the morning: before taking medica-
tions and eating / in the evening: before going to bed, bathing
or taking medication) and average the measurements.
It is quite normal for two measurements taken in quick succes-
sion to produce significantly different results.
Deviations between measurements taken by your doctor or in
the pharmacy and those taken at home are quite normal, as
these situations are completely different.
Several measurements provide much more reliable information
about your blood pressure than just one single measurement.
Leave a small break of 5 minutes between two measurements.
If you are pregnant, you should monitor your blood pressure
regularly as it can change drastically during this time.
How do I evaluate my blood pressure
Table for classifying home blood pressure values in adults in
accordance with the international Guidelines (ESH, ESC, JSH).
Data in mmHg.
The higher value is the one that determines the evaluation.
Example: a blood pressure value of 140/80 mmHg or a value of
130/90 mmHg indicates «blood pressure too high».
2. Using the device for the first time
Using the correct cuff
When choosing the correct size cuff the arm circumference should
be measured at the centre of the upper arm. 22-32 cm (8.75-12.5
inches) should be the correct size for the majority of people.
Only use Microlife cuffs.
Contact your local Microlife Service if the enclosed cuff 2 does
not fit.
3. Taking a blood pressure measurement
Checklist for taking a reliable measurement
1. Avoid activity, eating or smoking immediately before the
measurement.
2. Sit down on a back-supported chair and relax for 5 minutes.
Keep your feet flat on the floor and do not cross your legs.
3. Always measure on the same arm (normally left). It is recom-
mended that doctors perform double arm measurements on a
patients first visit in order to determine which arm to measure in
the future. The arm with the higher blood pressure should be
measured.
4. Remove close-fitting garments from the upper arm. To avoid
constriction, shirt sleeves should not be rolled up - they do not
interfere with the cuff if they are laid flat.
5. Always ensure that the correct cuff size is used (marking on the
cuff).
Fit the cuff closely, but not too tight.
Make sure that the cuff is positioned 1-2 cm above the
elbow.
The artery mark on the cuff (ca.3 cm long bar) must lie over
the artery which runs down the inner side of the arm.
Support your arm so it is relaxed.
Ensure that the cuff is at the same height as your heart.
6. Proper deflation rate is essential for an accurate reading.
Practice and master a recommended deflation rate of 2-3
mmHg per second or a drop of 1-2 marks on the manometer 1
for each heartbeat.
Range Systolic Diastolic Recommendation
1. blood pressure
normal
< 120 < 74 Self-check
2. blood pressure
optimum
120 - 129 74 - 79 Self-check
3. blood pressure
elevated
130 - 134 80 - 84 Self-check
4. blood pressure
too high
135 - 159 85 - 99 Seek medical
advice
5. blood pressure
dangerously
high
≥ 160 ≥ 100 Urgently seek
medical advice!
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