Microlife Home Blood Pressure Monitor

Setting up your Microlife BP B1 is simple and takes just a few steps:

1. Insert the batteries into the main unit. These are supplied in the box. Make sure to place them the correct way up, matching the + and – ends with the symbols displayed.

2. Set the date and time. As soon as the batteries are inserted, you should be prompted to set the current year, month, day, hour and minute, and can use the buttons on the front of the main unit to do this. It is important to do this accurately since every reading you take will be time-stamped.

3. Plug the cuff’s air tube firmly into the socket on the side of the main unit. It must be secure so that it does not leak air and affect your reading.

4. Place the cuff onto your bare upper arm, around 2-3cms above your elbow. It should be positioned so that the tube runs down the inside of your arm towards your hand. Make sure it fits snugly, with space for just a fingertip underneath.

You are now ready to use your at-home blood pressure monitor (4).

How do I take an accurate reading?

There are a few things that you should do to make sure that your reading is as accurate as possible. Prepare yourself for the measurement. Start by sitting quietly for around 5 minutes, with your arm at rested so that it is at heart-height and your feet are flat on the floor. This is the optimal position for taking your blood pressure (5).

Other tips for taking an accurate blood pressure reading at home include (6):

• Avoid activity, eating or smoking just before taking your measurement.

• Sit in the chair with your legs uncrossed and feet flat on the floor for at least 5 minutes before taking your first reading.

• Use the same arm each time.

• Fit the cuff around 1-2cms above the crook of your elbow, with the artery mark over your inner arm artery and the tube running down your inner arm. Make sure it is fitted snugly, but there is still space to insert a finger between your arm and the cuff.

• Stay still, breathe normally and don’t speak while the machine is working.

You are now ready to take your reading.

Press the ON/OFF button. The cuff will inflate gradually, with the GentleX technology helping to keep you comfortable during this process. Once it has reached the correct pressure, it will deflate automatically and show your systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and pulse on the screen. You can record this manually, but your device will also store and time-stamp the last 30 readings that you take (3).

How often should I measure my blood pressure?

General guidance for measuring your blood pressure that is provided with the Microlife BP B1 is to take at least two readings each time you measure, leaving at least 5 minutes between each reading. You should take readings in the morning before you eat or take any medicines, and in the evening, before taking any nighttime medicines, bathing or bed. Once you have two or more readings, take the average of these (4).

NICE guidelines for monitoring your blood pressure at home recommend that you take at least two consecutive readings at least one minute apart, for at least 4 and no more than 7 days. You should discard the first reading, which is usually higher, and then average the results (7).

However, we suggest that you always follow the recommended schedule of home blood pressure monitoring provided by your doctor.

How to read a blood pressure monitor

The Microlife BP B1 makes it easy to read and understand your blood pressure reading. Not only does the display show your systolic, diastolic and pulse readings, but it also categories your blood pressure into one of three categories as follows:

Normal: systolic <130 and diastolic <80

Elevated: systolic 130-134 and diastolic 80-84

Too high: systolic >135 and diastolic >85

( < = less than / > = more than )

If your blood pressure is repeatedly in the too high category, you should seek medical advice. This is not a definitive diagnosis of high blood pressure but should be investigated.

If you are experiencing low readings that are below the normal range, particularly if they are accompanied by dizziness or fainting, you should speak to your doctor.

If your blood pressure is in the too high category and you are also experiencing chest pain, severe headache, breathlessness, confusion, vision changes or weakness/numbness, seek urgent medical help by calling 999. You could be having a medical emergency.

Do not start/stop any new medications based on home readings.

Error messages, batteries and storage

The Microlife BP B1 may display several error messages during a failed measurement. These are:

ERR 1: This means that the pulse signal is too weak to get accurate reading. Reposition the cuff ensuring it is correctly placed, and repeat.

ERR 2: This error may occur if a movement, muscle tension or other disturbance has interefered with the measurement.

ERR3: There is abnormal or not enough cuff pressure. This can happen if there is an air leak, loose connection, loose cuff or low battery life. Repair/replace as needed.

ERR5: This indicates an abnormal or unreadable result because the measurement signals were inaccurate. Restart the process and try again.

You may also see a battery symbol on the display. If this appears, the batteries are low and should be replaced. This device takes 4 x AAA batteries which are supplied in the box. There is also an optional mains adapter (DC 6v 600mA) which can be purchased separately. The battery life is approximately 400 measurements. Please note that all stored measurements will be lost when the batteries are replaced (5).

Care, storage and service life

• Clean the monitor with a soft, dry cloth only. Spot-clean the cuff with a damp cloth and soapy water. Do not machine-wash or tumble-dry the cuff.

• Protect the device from liquids, extreme temperatures, impacts, direct sunlight and dust.

• Remove batteries if storing for a long period.

• Keep away from children aged 0-3 (small parts, strangulation risk from tubing).

• Guarantee: 5 years (monitor), 2 years (cuff).