Cuff Parts
The parts of the cuff assembly are the Cuff, Bladder, Hose, Nozzle and Loopback Bar.
Note: The bladder is removed for visual purposes only. The bladder is generally not removed from the inside of the cuff.
Different Cuffs supplied by iHealth Labs
The cuffs are interchangeable, but have different nozzles
The nozzle for the Clear (BPM1) contains a magnet in the tip. This magnet is used by the BPM1 to recognize that a cuff is inserted into the device.
If the magnet falls out of the tip of the nozzle, the Clear (BPM1) will only display the temperature.
Cuff Sizing
The Cuff size is listed on the front of the cuff
The Standard Cuff for the for the:
Clear (BPM1) Fits a circumference of 22 ~ 42cm
Track (KN550BT) Fits a circumference of 22 ~ 42cm
Ease (BP3L) Fits a circumference of 22 ~ 36cm
Additional cuffs are available in:
Small - Fits a circumference of 17 ~ 22cm
Large - Fits a circumference of 30 ~ 42cm
Extra Large - Fits a circumference of 42 ~ 48cm
NOTE: The cuff supplied with both the Clear (BPM1) and Track (KN550BT) should fit the standard and large arm sizes.
Proper sizing of the cuff can make a difference in getting an accurate measurement. The first measurement of the cuff is the circumference of the arm. The standard iHealth cuff is designed to fit a circumference of 22~36 cm. Measure the circumference of the upper arm at the midway point with the muscle relaxed. This works best with a soft tape measure.
The arm in the example above measures ~31.5 cm. The standard cuff for all three BP monitor models will fit this person’s arm.
A cuff that is too small will give an elevated reading. It is better to go big than small.
The line on the back side of the cuff is to give an approximation of the cuff’s size relevant to the circumference of the arm using the line in conjunction with the triangle on the front of the cuff below the image of the arm.
The cuff should not be too tight
Tips
What Are The Five Rights of How to Read a Blood Pressure
- Right Cuff Size
- Right Placement
- Right Position
- Right Preparation
- Right Performance
Right Cuff Size: The right cuff size can make the difference between normal blood pressure and high blood pressure. How much difference? a small cuff, the BP read 210/110. With the right size cuff, it read 124/74.
Research indicates the smaller the wrong size cuff, the greater the risk of producing an increased blood pressure reading. The difference can be enough to put you in hypertension and potentially be prescribed blood pressure medications that you may not need.
Right Placement: refers to the right place on the arm and so that the arrows are line up in the right spot in relation to the artery and to measure the blood flow.
Right placement also includes the right location on the arm, around the bicep /triceps. It should be right in the middle.
The Severely Obese Option
Research indicates that the upper arm may not be as accurate in severely obese patients. The forearm may be more accurate.
Right Position: requires the patient sitting, with their feet flat on the floor, not crossed and arm that will have blood pressure taken from should be supported. You should be sitting with a back support, feet on the ground or supported, arm at the level of the heart. It is important that you not be talking as the reading is being taken.
Right Preparation: The patient should have emptied his bladder and be resting for about 3 minutes before the blood pressure is taken. While in a hectic doctors office environment, this is not always realistic, the accuracy of the reading likewise needs to be considered an approximation and not an accurate reading.
Ideally you should have consumed water at least 1 hour before your blood pressure is taken. If you use the water cures protocol and your blood pressure is normal, you should likewise take the salt as you normally do.
Right Performance: It may seem like a no-brainer that you have to perform taking the blood pressure right. Yet those taking blood pressures are constantly faced with challenges that force them to compromise. You need to get a blood pressure but don't have the right size cuff. You have to get a number of blood pressures at the start of the shift and patients keep talking or moving as you are taking the blood pressure.
The unavailability of the right blood pressure cuff may result in using the wrong size cuff.
An additional right performance involves the mind of the person taking the blood pressure. All professionals have experienced that hard to hear blood pressure. It is important not to guesstimate the numbers. If you don't get it, take it again.
If you happen to be female and it is the first day of your period, your blood pressure may be harmlessly elevated.
If you have the flu or a cold or just feel ill, your blood pressure may be abnormally high.
It could be high just because you are at the doctor's office. When this happens, it is called white coat hypertension.