How do you measure blood pressure?

Measuring blood pressure accurately requires the use of specific equipment designed for that purpose. The sphygmomanometer is crucial as it provides a cuff that inflates around the arm to temporarily stop the blood flow, enabling an accurate reading. A stethoscope is then used to listen to the sounds of the blood flow as the pressure in the cuff is released. This method allows for the determination of systolic and diastolic pressures, which are essential for assessing cardiovascular health.

An automatic blood pressure monitor is another valid option for measuring blood pressure. These devices automatically inflate the cuff and measure the pressure digitally, offering a simple and often more convenient way to obtain readings, especially in practice settings or home monitoring.

While palpation can be a technique used in some situations, such as when sounds cannot be auscultated, it is not as comprehensive or reliable as using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope or automatic monitoring device. Similarly, a thermometer is designed for measuring body temperature and is not related to blood pressure measurement at all.