Monitoring your cardiovascular health goes beyond a simple blood pressure reading. The Pulse provides a detailed assessment by measuring brachial and central blood pressure alongside other key vascular biomarkers, offering a deeper understanding of how your heart and arteries are functioning. This guide explains the Pulse’s process, what to expect during an assessment, and best practices for accurate results. 

What Happens During Your Pulse Assessment 

The CONNEQT Pulse redefines how you monitor your cardiovascular health through its unique two-inflation process. Unlike traditional monitors that use a single inflation, the Pulse takes two distinct measurements to provide a complete picture of your cardiovascular health: 

1. First Inflation: The cuff inflates to measure brachial blood pressure, providing systolic and diastolic readings in about 1 to 3 minutes. This step mirrors the process you might experience at a doctor’s office, where the cuff briefly tightens before deflating. 
2. Second Inflation: Using a gentler pressure, the cuff inflates again for a short 10-second interval to record central blood pressure waveforms and other vascular biomarkers. This advanced measurement captures data near your heart and aorta, as well as arterial pressures, offering insights unavailable with conventional devices. 
3. Results Display: After the second inflation, the device displays your readings—including brachial and central blood pressure, along with other vascular biomarkers. If synced with the CONNEQT app, your results are automatically updated for trend tracking and long-term health insights. 

Powered by SphygmoCor® technology, the Pulse ensures clinical-grade accuracy while taking only 30–45 seconds longer than traditional methods. Its FDA 510(k)-cleared design provides professional-level precision in a simple, non-invasive process. To achieve accurate results, stay still and avoid movement, especially during the second inflation. 

How to Take a Reading: Best Practices for Accuracy 

Accurate readings are important for understanding your cardiovascular health. By following these steps—and keeping your device in good condition—you can ensure your results are consistent and reliable. 

Before You Measure 

• Sit Properly: Choose a comfortable, supported chair. Keep your back straight and your feet flat on the floor, avoiding crossed legs. 
• Relax: Spend 5–10 minutes in a calm environment before measuring. Deep breathing can help reduce stress and stabilize your blood pressure. 
• Avoid External Factors: Steer clear of caffeine, certain medications, or physical activity for at least 2–3 hours before your reading. Empty your bladder to avoid artificially elevated results. 
• Check Your Equipment: Regularly inspect the cuff for signs of wear or fraying, and replace it as needed. Check for air leaks that could affect inflation, and ensure batteries are replaced promptly. 

During the Measurement 

• Ensure Proper Cuff Size: Choosing the right cuff size helps ensure accurate readings. A cuff that’s too small can result in higher readings than expected, while one that’s too large may produce lower readings. The Pulse offers two cuff sizes: 
  • Small: Fits arm circumferences of 8.6” to 12.6” (22cm to 32cm) 
  • Large: Fits arm circumferences of 12.6” to 16.5” (32cm to 42cm) 
  • Check the size markings to confirm the correct fit. 
• Cuff Placement: Place the cuff directly on bare skin, about 1–2 cm above your elbow, ensuring a snug but not tight fit. Avoid wearing the cuff over clothing, as fabric can interfere with the measurement and affect accuracy. 
• Stay Still: Rest your arm at heart level on a table or armrest. Avoid talking or moving during the measurement. 
• Take Multiple Readings: Follow American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines by taking 2–3 readings, one minute apart, and averaging the results. This accounts for natural fluctuations, as the first reading is often higher. 

Choosing the Correct Arm for Measurements 

For accurate and consistent readings, it’s important to choose the correct arm: 

• Measure Both Arms Initially: During your first assessment, measure blood pressure in both arms to identify any differences. 
• Use the Higher Arm for Future Readings: If one arm consistently shows higher readings, use that arm for all future measurements. Consistency is key—once you choose an arm, always use the same one to ensure reliable and comparable results over time. If both arms show similar readings, the left arm—closer to the heart—is typically preferred. 

What If I Can’t Complete the Full Assessment? 

The Pulse is designed with flexibility to ensure you still get meaningful results. If the measurement is interrupted during the second inflation, the device will still display your brachial blood pressure readings. This feature ensures you can capture essential data, even if you’re unable to complete the full process. 

Track Trends and Take Action 

The Pulse isn’t just about single readings—it’s a tool for understanding your cardiovascular health over time. The CONNEQT app organizes your results into trend views by time of day—morning (4:00 am–11:59 am), afternoon (12:00 pm–7:59 pm), and evening (8:00 pm–3:59 am)—and longer periods such as 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, or 1 year. 

Taking readings at the same time daily, such as in the morning before eating or drinking, provides the most reliable data. Avoid measuring too often, as this can amplify worry over normal fluctuations. 

By tracking trends, you can identify how lifestyle changes—like improving your diet, increasing physical activity, or managing stress—impact your heart health. Sharing these insights with your healthcare provider offers valuable context for personalized treatment decisions, allowing you to take proactive steps toward better well-being. 

Your Heart Health, Simplified 

The Pulse provides a new perspective on cardiovascular health, equipping you with advanced insights to better understand your heart’s needs. By staying consistent and utilizing its unique features, you can take meaningful steps toward optimizing your heart health and achieving a longer, healthier life.