How to Check for The Best Blood Pressure Monitor? Blood pressure test involves keeping track of blood pressure at home. The test measures the force (strength) of blood inside the arterial blood vessels. Individuals may choose to either use automatic blood pressure monitors or manual blood pressure monitors to check their blood pressure. Blood pressure record consists of two measurements. The upper value represents the systolic pressure; this is the pressure that occurs when the heart contracts. The second value represents the diastolic pressure; this is the pressure recorded when the heart relaxes between beats. The automatic blood pressure monitor is also known as the electronic or digital monitors. The instrument uses a microphone to measure the blood pulsing inside the artery. The cuff is wrapped around your upper arm, and it inflates automatically. Upon pressing the start button, the automatic monitor deflates.
Manual Blood Pressure monitor
Manual blood pressure monitors include an arm cuff, a squeeze bulb for inflating the cuff, a stethoscope, and gauge for measuring the blood pressure. The method involves stopping the flow of blood temporarily and then taking the blood pressure measurement. The movement of blood is prevented by inflating a cuff around the upper arm. A stethoscope is the placed on the skin over the artery to listen to the sound of blood flowing through the artery as the air gets released from the cuff.
♦ Types of Blood Pressure Monitors
Advancement in technology has seen the invention of different blood pressure monitors in the market. Blood pressure monitors are ever-growing in number and types, below are some of the types recommended for use. Numerous options are available ranging from the conventional upper arm cuff to the discreet finger or wrist blood pressure monitor.
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Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
It is the most recommended by experts. The American Heart Association finds it more accurate and convenient to patients. They are designed with an inflatable cuff that straps around the upper arm measure the blood pressure from the brachial artery. The cuff should be well-fitting to ensure accurate results and comfort.
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Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
The blood pressure monitor is ideal for use by travelers. The monitor is attached to the wrist from where it measures the blood pressure. The device is comfortable to wear. The arm and wrist should be placed at the heart level when measuring blood pressure while individuals who experience pain when measuring blood pressure from the upper arm are advised to use the wrist blood pressure monitors.
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Finger Blood Pressure Monitor
The electronic device is small and non-invasive. The device is convenient to individuals who measure their blood pressure at home on a regular basis. Pregnant women commonly use the device. During pregnancy, one can quickly check if they have developed hypertension associated with their pregnancy.
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Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor That uses Bluetooth
The device represents the latest technology on blood pressure monitors. You need to slip the monitor on your arm. An application installed in your Smartphone then starts taking a reading of your blood pressure. The device has an advantage of keeping your data on a secured and backed-up database.
♦ How to Check for The Best Blood Pressure Monitor?
- COST: Shop around and ensure that your insurance covers for blood pressure monitors to avoid inconveniences.
- CHECK THE FIT: Ensure that the monitor has a cuff that fits the circumference your upper arm comfortably without causing pain where cuffs with wrong sizes can also lead to inaccurate measurements.
- DISPLAY: Ensure that the device’s monitor keys and display are easy to read and understandable.
- MEMORY: Check whether the blood pressure monitor can store recent blood pressure measurements. Some of them can save measurements for even two people.
- HYPERTENSION INDICATION: Check if the device has a feature that can alert you to the possibility of hypertension from your blood pressure measurements.
