A blood pressure gauge for monitoring the blood pressure values of a patient in a darkened or low light environment. The blood pressure gauge is selectively illuminated when an internal air pressure within an attached blood pressure cuff is first detected or after it has reached a predetermined threshold value as determined by a pressure transducer in the blood pressure gauge. The blood pressure gauge is illuminated by a plurality of light emitting diodes or by plurality of components comprised of photoluminescent material. The blood pressure cuff is inflated by the actuation of a bulb attached to the blood pressure gauge. The bulb is actuated or squeezed against a stationary hand grip portion of the blood pressure gauge so as to provide a greater compressive force and deliver a larger volume of air to the blood pressure cuff.
