Easy Cuff

There are 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 see an inconsistent or inaccurate reading:

Cuff Size
It is very important to use the appropriate size cuff for your arm to obtain 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 true if you have a borderline arm size measurement, or you may have gained or lost weight.
It is important to ensure the arm cuff you are using with your monitor is the correct size for you. If the incorrect cuff is used the result may be an inaccurate reading and/or the cuff will be damaged (air bladder).
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 centimetres.

Cuff Application

1. Put your left arm through the cuff loop. The bottom of the cuff should be about 1 – 2 cm above your elbow (thickness of your index or middle finger). Adjust the cuff around your arm so that the tubing runs down the centre of your arm in line with your middle finger.
2. Secure the cuff around your arm using the cloth closure. Pull the cuff so that the top and bottom edges are tightened evenly around your arm.
3. Secure the cuff firmly but not too tight – just enough so that it is difficult to slide 2 fingers under the cuff. 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 this movement into a digital reading.

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.

For additional information please refer to the Instruction Manual for your device.

When the cuff is assembled correctly, the Velcro hook material will be on the outside of the cuff loop and the metal ring will not touch your skin. If the cuff is open, pass the end of the cuff furthest from the tubing through the metal ring to form a loop. The smooth cloth should be on the inside of the cuff loop.

1. Remove tight-fitting clothing from your upper arm.
2. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
3. Put your left arm through the cuff loop. The bottom of the cuff should be about 1 – 2 cm above your elbow (thickness of your index or middle finger). Adjust the cuff around your arm so that the tubing runs down the centre of your arm in line with your middle finger (palm open and facing upwards).
4. Secure the cuff around your arm using the cloth closure. Pull the cuff so that the top and bottom edges are tightened evenly around your arm.
5. The cuff should be firmly secured but not too tight – just enough so that it is difficult to slide 2 fingers under the cuff. This space is imperative for an accurate reading. 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 this movement into a digital reading.
6. Relax your arm and place your elbow on the table so that the cuff is at the same level as your heart. Turn the palm of your hand upward.
7. Check there are no kinks in the air tubing. Be careful that you do not rest your elbow on the air tube when taking a blood pressure reading.
8. Press the ‘O/I START’ or ‘START’ button to begin the blood pressure reading.
9. For additional information please refer to the Instruction Manual for your device.

Each model of OMRON Blood Pressure Monitor has some basic diagnostics built into the unit. If the device detects a problem, this will be displayed as an E, EE or Er ## (## = a two digit number). Please refer to the Troubleshooting and Maintenance section in your Instruction Manual for a list of the error codes and explanations applicable to your device.

Wipe the casing of the monitor clean using a soft dry cloth. Never use any abrasive type cleaners or submerge the monitor or any of the components in water. The cuff can be cleaned with a soft moistened cloth and a mild soap.

The two terms are not the same. Clinically Validated means a product has been evaluated by an independent organisation and tested against as well as met the stringent requirements as set out by numerous international organisations such as the British Hypertension Society (BHS), European Society for Hypertension (ESH), and International Protocol (IP), just to mention a few. A device that is ‘clinically tested’ has not been tested or evaluated against a set of defined criteria it simply means the device has been used by staff in some type of clinic.

Doctors, physician assistants, nurses and other healthcare professionals recommend home blood pressure monitoring for various reasons, including the ability to:
• Be constantly aware of a vital indicator about your overall health
• Provide your doctor with information to better understand and manage your (high) blood pressure
• See how you are responding to medication

Many types of hypertension can only be detected by monitoring your blood pressure at home, including:
• White-coat Hypertension: blood pressure reading is high in doctor's office but lower at home
• Masked Hypertension: blood pressure reading is low in doctor's office but higher at home

Additionally, many factors can affect your blood pressure, including physical exertion, emotional fluctuations, medications and stress, so it is important to regularly monitor your blood pressure at home.

Monitoring your blood pressure at home allows you to more easily be in a relaxed state plus the flexibility to take your measurements at various times during the day. By keeping track of your home blood pressure readings, you can provide your healthcare professional with a log of blood pressure measurements over time, which can help them evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment.

If your device features Bluetooth Smart you can use "OMRON connect" on your smartphone. Go to http://omronconnect.com for details.