How-to guide · Reading your monitor
What SYS, DIA, and PUL mean on a blood pressure monitor
SYS and DIA are the two blood pressure readings. PUL is your pulse in beats per minute. Knowing the three labels helps you record each number in the right place.
How to tell the three numbers apart
SYS is systolic pressure, the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts. DIA is diastolic pressure, the pressure between beats. Both use millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
PUL means beats per minute. Some displays say PULSE or use a heart symbol. The OMRON Gold BP5360 manual identifies all three numbers and the symbols on that model’s screen.
An example of what to write down
If the display shows SYS 118, DIA 76, and PUL 68, record blood pressure as 118/76 mmHg and pulse as 68 beats per minute. This example shows how to read the labels. Follow your health care professional’s instructions when interpreting your own readings.
What to include in your log
- Date and time.
- First and second readings, when your care plan calls for both.
- Pulse and relevant notes, such as an interrupted measurement.
Use our printable blood pressure log and see how to take a reading at home for posture and cuff placement.
What if another symbol appears?
A movement warning, an irregular heartbeat symbol, and a possible AFib alert have different meanings. Look up the exact description in your model’s manual. If a reading or alert concerns you, share your log with your health care professional.
See the OMRON Gold BP5360 product guide or our upper arm monitor comparison for examples of different displays.