Why should I measure my blood pressure at home and keep a record of it?

Measuring your blood pressure at home and keeping a record of the measurements will show you and your doctor,  how much your blood pressure changes during the day. Your doctor can use the measurements to see how well your medicine is working to control your high blood pressure.

 

What equipment do I need to measure my blood pressure at home?

Technically it is possible to measure your blood pressure at home using  either an aneroid monitor or a digital monitor. At one time all machines were of the aneroid type with  a dial gauge that was read by looking at a pointer,  and a  cuff  inflated by squeezing a rubber bulb. The big disadvantage with them  was that they needed the use of a stethoscope to take readings which some people found too awkward to use at home especially  if they were hard of hearing.

We sell only modern digital monitors on this site. They do not require the user to manage a stethoscope because they have pulse sensing systems built in. They display both blood pressure and pulse readings on a small screen and can also store repeated readings so that you can easily keep records of how your blood pressure changes.  Some digital monitors are completely automatic while others require some manual  deflation of a cuff. Some  fit on the wrist and others on the upper arm.

 

 

What are the pros and cons of digital monitors?

Because the digital monitor is fairly well automatic, it is the most popular blood-pressure measuring device. The blood pressure is easy to read, because the numbers are shown on a screen. Some expensive electronic monitors even have a paper printout that gives you a record of the blood pressure reading.

 

The digital monitor is much easier to use than the older aneroid units. It has a gauge and stethoscope that are built-in, and the numbers are easy to read. Some also have  error indicators, and cuff deflation is automatic. Inflation of the cuff is usually automatic. Hearing impairment is not a problem for users, since no listening is involved.

 

A disadvantage of the digital monitor is that the accuracy can be  changed by body movements or an irregular heart rate. In addition, the monitor requires batteries which need replacing from time to time.

 

Should I use a Wrist Monitor or an Upper Arm Monitor?

Tests have shown that wrist devices do not measure blood pressure quite as accurately as those used on the upper arm, because of random arm movements. Pressures are also calculated differently on different machines although all the machines sold on this site have been extensively tested and are very reliable.
  
Features to look for in a blood pressure monitor

1. The right cuff size is very important. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to tell you the cuff size you need, based on the size of your arm. Blood pressure readings will be wrong if your cuff is the wrong size.

2. The numbers on the monitor must be easy for you to read.

3. Cost may be an important factor. Since home blood pressure units vary in price, you may wish to check out whether you need all the facilities of the more expensive machines. 

 

How do I know if my monitoring device is accurate or if I am using it correctly?

Once you buy your monitor, you can be fairly sure that it is reasonably accurate if you are using it correctly.. You should have your monitor checked once a year though and it may be a good idea to take it with you occasionally when you have a medical appointment. That way your own machine can be checked against the professional machines that your doctor or nurse will. use. Proper care and storage are also necessary. Make sure the tubing is not twisted when the monitor is stored, and keep it away from heat. Periodically check the tubing for cracks and leaks.

 

if you are in doubt about your own technique for using the machine, ask your doctor or nurse to teach you how to use it correctly. Proper use of it will help you and your doctor achieve the best results in controlling your blood pressure.

 

  
Understanding the medical terms describing blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the artery.
Hypertension means high blood pressure.
Brachial artery is a blood vessel that goes from your shoulder to just below your elbow. You measure the pressure in this artery.
Systolic pressure is the highest pressure in an artery when your heart is pumping blood to your body.
Diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure in an artery when your heart is at rest.
Blood pressure measurement is made up of both the systolic and the diastolic pressure. It is normally written like this: 120/80, with the systolic (highest pressure)  number first.

How do I use an Upper Arm Monitor?

Put the cuff around the arm. Turn the power on, and start the machine.
The cuff will inflate by itself with a push of a button on the automatic models. On the semiautomatic models, the cuff is inflated by squeezing the rubber bulb. After the cuff is inflated, the automatic mechanism will slowly reduce the cuff pressure.
Look at the display window to see your blood pressure reading. The machine will show your systolic and diastolic blood pressures on the screen. Write down your blood pressure, putting the systolic pressure before the diastolic pressure.
Press the exhaust button to release all of the air from the cuff  unless the machine deflates itself.
If you want to repeat the measurement, wait 2 to 3 minutes before re-inflating the cuff.

 

How do I use a Wrist Monitor?

As above except that there is a wrist band instead of a cuff.

What do I need to do before  measuring my blood pressure?
 
Rest for 3 to 5 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Do not talk.
Sit in a comfortable position, with your legs and ankles uncrossed and your back supported.
Place your arm, raised to the level of your heart, on a table or a desk, and sit still.

If you use an upper arm monitor:
Wrap the correctly sized cuff smoothly and snugly around the upper part of your bare arm. The cuff should fit snugly, but there should be enough room for you to slip one fingertip under the cuff.
Be certain that the bottom edge of the cuff is 1 inch above the crease of your elbow.

 

 

We hope that this information was  helpful. Please click one of the buttons below to continue shopping.