About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Blood Pressure Cuffs
Introduction
A blood pressure cuff, also known as a sphygmomanometer , is a medical device used to measure blood pressure. It consists of an inflatable cuff, a pressure gauge, and a method of inflation (manual pump or automated system).
Types of Blood Pressure Cuffs
1. Manual (Aneroid) Blood Pressure Cuffs
- Require a stethoscope.
- Typically used by healthcare professionals.
- More accurate but depends on proper technique.
2. Automatic (Digital) Blood Pressure Cuffs
- Easy to use at home.
- Inflate and deflate automatically.
- May be slightly less accurate if not used correctly.
How to Use a Blood Pressure Cuff Correctly
- Choose the right cuff size – The cuff should cover 80% of the upper arm circumference.
- Sit in a relaxed position – Keep feet flat on the floor, back supported, and arm at heart level.
- Avoid talking or moving – Any movement can distort readings.
- Take multiple readings – Measure at least twice, waiting 1-2 minutes in between.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Using an incorrect cuff size – Leads to inaccurate readings.
- Improper placement on the arm – The cuff should be snug but not too tight.
- Measuring at the wrong time – Avoid measuring right after exercise, caffeine, or stress.
Why Monitoring Blood Pressure Matters
High blood pressure ( hypertension ) is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Regular monitoring helps detect abnormalities early and allows for better medical management.
When to See a Doctor
- Readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg (or 130/80 mmHg for diabetics and heart patients)
- Symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or chest pain
- Significant variation in home and clinic readings
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Blood Pressure Measurement
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYP.0000000000000087
- https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/how_to_measure_your_blood_pressure_letter_size.pdf
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1001/p1391.html
- https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/06/25/the-rules-for-measuring-blood-pressure-and-why-they-exist
2. European Society of Hypertension Guidelines on Blood Pressure Monitoring
- https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20520631/
- https://www.eshonline.org/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18622223/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.