Measuring blood pressure by hand, also known as manual sphygmomanometry, is a technique used by healthcare professionals to assess a patient’s blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. This method involves inflating a cuff wrapped around the upper arm and listening for the Korotkoff sounds, which are sounds created by the blood flowing through the brachial artery under the cuff. The point at which the Korotkoff sounds first appear (systolic blood pressure) and the point at which they disappear (diastolic blood pressure) are recorded to determine the patient’s blood pressure.
Checking blood pressure by hand allows for a more accurate and personalized assessment compared to automated devices, as it takes into account individual factors such as the patient’s age, body type, and heart rate. However, it requires proper training and experience to perform accurately.