How to measure pulse rate and blood pressure?

Pulse rate and blood pressure are the important parameters of cardiovascular system and vital signs of the body. Measuring pulse rate and blood pressure is quite easy and non invasive in nature.
The pulse rate can be measured by palpation method. Some of the common sites of palpating pulse are at neck (carotid artery), at wrist (radial artery), near the ankle joint (posterior tibial artery), behind the knee (popliteal artery). The pulse palpation technique involves feeling the pulse by placing the first and second fingers over an artery. Usually the radial artery is located near the thumb side of the wrist and carotid artery is located in the neck region near the larynx. Although the carotid pulse might be easier to obtain, one need to be careful and should not press too hard with the palpating fingers because this could produce a marked bradycardia in presence of a hypersensitive carotid sinus reflex. The pulse is typically counted for either 10 or 15 seconds and then multiplied by 6 or 4 respectively to determine the heart rate per minute. Other methods involves auscultation method, pulse rate monitors etc.
Measuring a blood pressure requires equipment called sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Before measuring blood pressure make yourself relaxed and comfortable. Be sited on the chair or stool so that you can relax your arm and bend your elbow such that it is parallel to your heart. Many experts suggest testing on left hand, but you go according to your convenience. Bend your arm and wrap the cuff around the upper arm in such a way that the rubber bladder of the blood pressure cuff should encircle at least two-thirds of the subject’s upper arm therefore; blood pressure cuff should be of correct size to minimize the error. Most cuffs have Velcro strap, but make sure cuff should not be wrapped too tight or too lose. Put the stethoscope on and place the diaphragm over the brachial artery located near the elbow. Check for any pulse, normally you won’t listen any pulse until you inflate the cuff. Check properly the pressure gauge should be anchored and stable. Check the position of needle and pressure marking before begging the test. Shut the valve of the rubber bulb at base and gradually inflate the cuff until the pressure on the gauge is about 20 – 30 points above your usual systolic pressure. Now gently deflate the cuff by releasing the valve and mean while auscultate and check for thumping sound. Note the pressure where you heard the first thump; this is your systolic blood pressure. Gradually you will notice as the cuff deflates the thumping sound fades and finally comes to silence. The point where silence begins is your diastolic pressure. It is advised to take 2-3 reading before coming to conclusion. Although numerous devices have been developed to automate blood pressure measurement but none of them is found to be reliable and accurate as mercury manometer.

To take a pulse rate manually- hold the wrist with your two fingers pressed gently on the inside of the wrist. Palpate gently until you feel the pulse pulsating & then count the number of pulse you feel for one minute, normally one can take 30sec or 15sec & calculate for 60sec.

The great thing about measuring ur pulse manually is that it is easy, free of lost & can be done anywhere but it may somewhat inaccurate
For more accurate level, you can use electronic device.
Below healthy pulse rate- < 40bmp
Resting heart rate for sleeping: 40-60BPM
Healthy adult resting heart rate: 60-100BMP
Acceptable if measured during exercise- 100BMP-220BPM.
Abnormally high heart rate- >220BMP.

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