microlife BP3GX1-5X User Manual

Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor

Instruction Manual
Table of contents

1. Introduction

1.1. Features of your automatic blood pressure monitor

1.2. Important information about self-measurement

2. Important information on blood pressure and its measurement

2.1. How does high/low blood pressure arise?

2.2. Which values are normal?

2.3. What can be done if regular high/low values are obtained?

3. Components of your blood pressure monitor

4. Using your blood pressure monitor for the first time

4.1. Inserting the batteries

4.2. Setting the date and time

4.3. Using the AC power adapter

4.4. Cuff tube connection

4.5. Select the user

4.6. Select the measuring mode: standard or Microlife Averaging Mode

4.7. Microlife Averaging Mode

5. Measurement procedure

5.1. Before measurement

5.2. Common sources of error

5.3. Fitting the cuff

5.4. Measuring procedure

5.5. Memory – displaying the last 99 measurements

5.6. Discontinuing a measurement

5.7. Hypertension risk indicator

5.8. Irregular heartbeat detector

5.9. Battery charge indicator

6. Software functions

6.1. Installation and data transmission

7. Error messages/troubleshooting

8. Care and maintenance

9. Warranty

10. Certifications

11. Technical specifications

12. How to contact us

1

1. Introduction

1.1. Features of your Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor

Your blood pressure monitor is a fully automatic digital blood pressure
measuring device for use by adults on the upper arm at home or in your
doctor’s/nurse’s office. It enables very fast and reliable measurement of
the systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as the pulse by way of the
oscillometric method. This device offers clinically proven accuracy and has
been designed to be user friendly.

Before using, please read this instruction manual carefully and then keep it
in a safe place. Please contact your doctor for further questions on the
subject of blood pressure and its measurement.

Attention!

1.2. Important information about self-measurement

• Self-measurement means control, not diagnosis or treatment. Unusual
values must always be discussed with your doctor. Under no circumstances
should you alter the dosages of any drugs prescribed by your doctor.

• The pulse display is not suitable for checking the frequency of heart
pacemakers.

• In cases of irregular heartbeat, measurements made with this instru­ment should only be evaluated after consultation with your doctor.

Electromagnetic interference:

The device contains sensitive electronic components. Avoid strong electri­cal or electromagnetic fields in the direct vicinity of the device (e.g.,
mobile telephones, microwave ovens). These can lead to temporary impair­ment of the measuring accuracy.

2. Important information on blood pressure and its measurement

2.1. How does high/low blood pressure arise?

Your level of blood pressure is determined in the circulatory center of the
brain and adjusts to a variety of situations through feedback from the
nervous system. To adjust blood pressure, the strength and frequency of
the heart (pulse), as well as the width of circulatory blood vessels is altered.
Blood vessel width is affected by fine muscles in the blood vessel walls.

Your level of arterial blood pressure changes periodically during heart
activity. During the "blood ejection" (Systole), the value is highest (systolic
blood pressure value). At the end of the heart’s "rest period" (Diastole),

2

pressure is lowest (diastolic blood pressure value).
Blood pressure values must lie within certain normal ranges in order to

prevent particula

r diseases.

2.2. Which values are normal?

Blood pressure is too high if your diastolic pressure is above 100 mmHg
and/or your systolic blood pressure is over 160 mmHg, while at rest. In
this case, please consult your physician immediately. Long-term values at
this level endanger your health due to continual damage to the blood
vessels in your body.

If your systolic blood pressure values are between 140 mmHg and 159
mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure values are between 90 mmHg
and 99 mmHg, consult your physician. Regular self-checks are necessary.

If you have blood pressure values that are too low (i.e., systolic values
under 105 mmHg and/or diastolic values under 60 mmHg), consult your
physician.

Even with normal blood pressure values, a regular self-check with your
blood pressure monitor is recommended. You can detect possible changes
in your values early and react appropriately.

If you are undergoing medical treatment to control your blood pressure,
keep a record of values along with time of day and date. Show these
values to your physician. Never use the results of your measurements

to independently alter the drug doses prescribed by your
physician.

Which values are normal?

The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (in adults) have
been established by the National Institutes of Health JNC7, 2003.

Category Systolic Diastolic

(mmHg) (mmHg)

Normal <120 and <80
Pre-Hypertension 120-139 or 80-89

Hypertension

Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 or 90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension

≥160 or ≥100

3

+ Further information

• If your values are mostly normal under resting conditions but exception­ally high under conditions of physical or psychological stress, it is
possible that you are suffering from so-called "labile hypertension."
Consult your doctor.

• Correctly measured diastolic blood pressure values above 120 mmHg
require immediate medical treatment.

This device is not intended for use on children 12 years of age or
younger.

2.3. What can be done if regular high or low values are obtained?

a) Consult your doctor.
b) Increased blood pressure values (various forms of hypertension) are

associated with considerable health risks over time. Arterial blood
vessels in your body are endangered due to constriction caused by
deposits in the vessel walls (arteriosclerosis). A deficient supply of
blood to important organs (heart, brain, muscles) can result from
arteriosclerosis. Furthermore, the heart will become structurally
damaged with increased blood pressure values.

c) There are many different causes of high blood pressure. We differenti-

ate between the common primary (essential) hypertension and second­ary hypertension. The latter group can be ascribed to specific organ
malfunctions. Please consult your doctor for information about the
possible origins of your own increased blood pressure values.

d) There are measures which you can take to reduce and even prevent

high blood pressure. These measures must be permane nt lifestyle
changes.

1) Eating habits

• Strive for a normal weight corresponding to your age. See your doctor for your
ideal weight.

• Avoid excessive consumption of common salt.

• Avoid fatty foods.

2) Previous illnesses

• Consistently follow all medical instructions for treating illness such as:

• Diabetes (diabetes mellitus)

• Fat metabolism disorder

• Gout

4

3) Habits

• Give up smoking completely.

• Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol.

• Restrict your caffeine consumption (e.g., coffee).

4) Physical constitution

• After a preliminary medical examination, do regular exercise.

• Choose sports which require stamina and avoid those which require
strength.

• Avoid reaching the limit of your performance.

• With previous illnesses and/or an age of over 40 years, please consult
your doctor before beginning your exercise routine. You must receive
advice regarding the type and extent of exercise that is appropriate for
you.

5

3. Components of your blood pressure monitor
a) Measuring unit

Memory

Cuff Socket

(yellow)

Hypertension
Risk Indicator

User Switch

Time/Date
Button

Mode Switch

Select 1 or 3
Measurements

Recall Button

POWER
Button

AC Adapter Port

USB Port

b) Wide Range Cuff:

For arm circumference 22 cm - 42 cm (8.7” - 16.5 ”)
If you ever need to buy a replacement cuff, call

us toll-free at 1-800-568-4147.

Please Note:

Arm circumference should be measured with a
measuring tape in the middle of the relaxed
upper arm. Do not force cuff connection into the
opening. Make sure the cuff connection is not pushed into the AC adapter
port. If the cuff is too small, call 1-800-568-4147 for further information.

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4. Using your blood pressure monitor for the first time

TIME PM

4.1. Inserting the batteries

After you have unpacked your device, insert
the batteries. The battery compartment is
located on the bottom of the device.

a) Remove the battery cover.
b) Insert the batteries (4 x size AA 1.5 V),

observing the indicated polarity.

c) If a battery warning appears in the

display, the batteries are discharged and
must be replaced.

Attention!

• After the low battery indicator appears,
the device won’t function until the batter­ies have been replaced.

Please use "AA" Long-Life or Alkaline

•

1.5 V

batteries.

• If the blood pressure monitor is not used
for long periods, remove the batteries
from the device.

4.2. Setting the date and time

1. After the new batteries are activated, the
year number flashes in the display. You
can advance the year by pressing the "M"
button. To confirm and then set the
month, press the TIME button.

2. You can now set the month using the "M"
button. To confirm and then set the day,
press the TIME button.

3. Please follow the instructions above to
set the day, hour and minutes.

Low Battery Indicator

emory

M
Button

Time/
Button

ate

D

7

4. Once you have set the last minute and
pressed the TIME button, the date and
time are set and the time is displayed.

5. If you want to change the date and time,
press and hold the TIME button down for
approximately 3 seconds until the year
number starts to flash. Now you can
enter the new values as described above.

4.3. Using the AC power adapter

You may also operate this monitor using the
included AC adapter.

Use only the included

AC adapter to avoid damaging the unit.
a) Ensure that the AC adapter and cable are

not damaged.

b) Plug the adapter cable into the AC

adapter port on the right side of monitor.

c) Plug the AC adapter into a 110 V power

socket (U.S. or Canada).

d) Test that power is available by pressing

the POWER button.

Note:

• No power is taken from the batteries
while the AC adapter is connected to the
instrument.

• If the power is interrupted during a
measurement (e.g., by removal of the
adapter from the wall socket), the instru­ment must be reset by removing the plug
from the instrument.

If you have any questions regarding the AC
adapter, call us at 1-800-568-4147.

4.4. Cuff tube connection

Insert the yellow cuff tube connector into the
yellow socket on the left side of the instrument.

8

4.5. Select the user

1 3

This blood pressure monitor is designed to store 99
measurements for each of two users.

Before taking a measurement, be certain that
the correct user has been selected.

• User 1: slide the user switch upwards to the User
1 icon

• User 2: slide the user switch downwards to the
User 2 icon

4.6. Select measuring mode: standard or
Microlife Averaging Mode (MAM)

This instrument enables you to select either standard
(single measurement) or measurement a

veraging

mode (automatic triple measurement).
a) To select Standard mode, push the switch on the

side of the instrument upward to Position "1."

b) To select Averaging mode, push the switch

downward to Position "3." Note the "MAM" icon
will illuminate on the display.

If you select 1, then only one measurement will be
taken. If you select 3, the unit will inflate and deflate
three times resulting in one final average.

4.7. Microlife Averaging Mode (MAM)

• In Microlife Averaging Mode (MAM), three measurements are automati­cally taken in succession and the result is then automatically analyzed
and displayed. Because your blood pressure constantly fluctuates, a
result determined in this way is more reliable than one produced by a
single measurement.

• After pressing the POWER button the selected Microlife Averaging
Mode appears in the display as the MAM symbol.

• The bottom, right-hand section of the display shows a 1, 2 or 3 to
indicate which of the 3 measurements is currently being taken.

9

5. Measurement procedure
Please note: You should always be seated before and during

measurement.

5.1. Before measurement:

Avoid eating and smoking as well as all forms of exertion directly before

•
measurement. These factors influence the measurement result. Find time
to relax by sitting in an armchair in a quiet atmosphere for about ten
minutes before your measurement.

• Remove any garment that fits closely to your upper arm.

• Always measure on the same arm (normally left).

• Compare measurements at the same time of day, since blood pressure
changes during the course of the day (as much as 20–40 mmHg).

5.2. Common sources of error

Note: Comparable blood pressure measurements always require
the same conditions. Conditions should always be quiet.

• All efforts by the user to support the arm can increase blood pressure.
Make sure you are in a comfortable, relaxed position and do not flex
any of the muscles in the measurement arm during the measurement.
Use a cushion for support if necessary.

• If the arm artery lies considerably lower or higher than the heart, an
erroneously high or low blood pressure will be measured. Each 15 cm
(6”) difference in height between your heart and the cuff results in a
measurement error of 10 mmHg.

• Cuffs that are too narrow or too short result in false measurement
values. Selecting the correct cuff is extremely important. Cuff size is
dependent upon the circumference of the arm (measured in the center).
The permissible range is printed on the cuff. If this is not suitable for
your use, please call 1-800-568-4147.

• A loose cuff or a sideways protruding air pocket causes false measure­ment values.

• With repeated measurements, blood accumulates in the arm, which can
lead to false results. Consecutive blood pressure measurements should
be repeated after a 1 minute pause or after your arm has been held up
in order to allow the accumulated blood to flow away.

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5.3. Fitting the cuff

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a) Pass the end of the cuff through the flat

metal ring so that a loop is formed. The
hook and loop material must be facing
outward. (Ignore this step if the cuff has
already been prepared.)

Slide the cuff onto your upper left arm. The

b)

rubber tube should be on the inside of your
arm extending downward to your hand.
Make certain the cuff lies approximately
1/2” to 3/4” (1 to 2 cm) above the elbow.

IMPORTANT: The red strip on the edge

the cuff (Artery Mark) must lie over the

of
artery which runs down the inner side of the
arm.

TIP: Align red artery mark to pinky finger.

c) To secure the cuff, wrap it around your

arm and press the hook and loop material
together. Check the size range indicator on
the cuff. The green arrow should point
within the green size range on the inside
of the cuff.

d) There should be little free space between

the arm and the cuff. You should be able
to fit 2 fingers between your arm and the
cuff. Clothing must not restrict the arm.
Any piece of clothing which does must be
removed. Cuffs that don’t fit properly
result in false measurement values.
Measure your arm circumference if you
are not sure of proper fit.

e) Lay your arm on a table so the cuff is at

the same height as your heart. Make sure
the tube is not kinked.

f) Remain seated quietly for five minutes

before you begin the measurement.

8.7” - 16.5”

½

”-¾”

11

Comment

If it is not possible to fit the cuff to your left arm, it
can also be placed on your right arm. However, all
measurements should be made using the same arm.
Comparable blood pressure measurements always
require the same conditions (relax for several
minutes before a reading).

5.4. Measuring procedure

After the cuff has been appropriately positioned the
measurement can begin:

Press the POWER button. After the system check, the

a)

monitor displays OK and

the pump begins to inflate
the cuff. On the display, the increasing cuff
pressure is continually shown.

b)

After automatically reaching an individual pressure
the pump stops and the pressure slowly falls. The
cuff pressure is displayed during the measurement.

c)

When the device has detected your pulse, the
heart symbol in the display begins to blink.

d) When the measurement has been concluded, the

air will automatically release from the cuff. The
measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure
values, as well as the pulse, are now displayed.

e) The measurement results are displayed until you

switch the device off. If no button is pressed for 1
minute, the device switches off automatically.

,

Pumping
Pressure

Measuring

Systolic

Diastolic

Pulse

Cuff on

right arm

Measurement

Complete

12

f) When the unit is set to the MAM (Microlife Averaging Mode) setting, 3

separate measurements will take place in succession, after which your
result is calculated and displayed as a single, averaged measurement
(individual results are not displayed). There is a 15 second resting time
between each measurement. A count-down indicates the remaining time
between measurements.

If one of the measurements causes an error message, it will be repeated
one more time. If any additional error occurs, the measurement will be
discontinued and error code displayed.

13

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If it is necessary to interrupt a blood pressure measurement for any reason
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time. The device then immediately lowers the cuff pressure automatically
and enters sleep mode.

14

5.7. Hypertension risk indicator

Dk. Orange Dk. Orange Dk. Orange Dk. Orange

The bars on the left-hand edge of the display show you the range within
which the indicated blood pressure value lies. Depending on the position
of the triangle indicator, the readout value is either within the normal
(green), borderline (yellow) or danger (orange, dark orange) range.

The classification is based on standards established by the National
Institutes of Health JNC7, 2003.

Refer to the chart in section 2.2 of this instruction manual for details of the
classifications.

A triangle is displayed to the right of the traffic light bar according to your
measurement.

• If your triangle is in the green zone, your measurement is "Normal,"
according to NIH standards.

• If your triangle is in the yellow zone, your measurement is "Pre-Hypertension."

• If your triangle is in the orange zone, it is "Stage 1 Hypertension."

• If your triangle is in the dark orange zone, it is "Stage 2 Hypertension."

.

Indication of a

"Normal" Blood

Pressure

Indication of a "Pre­Hypertension" Blood

Pressure

Indication of a "Stage 1

Hypertension" Blood

Pressure

Indication of a "Stage 2

Hypertension" Blood

Pressure

15