Blood Pressure Monitors
You can measure your blood pressure levels at home using either a digital monitor or an aneroid monitor. Digital blood pressure monitors
have either manual or automatic cuffs. The blood pressure reading appears on a small screen. An aneroid type of blood pressure monitor
uses dial gauge that is read by looking at a pointer. The cuff is inflated by hand, by squeezing a rubber bulb.
Why Use Home Blood Pressure Monitors?
Monitoring your blood pressure levels at home and keeping a record of the results will show you and your doctor how your blood
pressure levels change during the day. Your doctor can use these measurements to monitor how well your medicine is working to control
your high blood pressure. Also, measuring your own blood pressure is a very good way to take part in managing your health.
Aneroid Blood Pressure Monitors
The advantage of the
aneroid blood pressure monitor is that it can easily be moved from
one place to another. Also, the cuff for this type of monitor has a built-in stethoscope, so you don't have to buy a separate stethoscope.
Some makes of this type of unit have a feature that makes it easier to put the cuff on with one hand - easier if you're on your own.
Aneroid monitors also cost less than digital monitors ranging in price from about $20 (£15) to $30 (£20).
There are also some
disadvantages of aneroid monitors. One - it's quite a complicated device that can easily be damaged and thus become less accurate.
The device is also difficult to use if it doesn't have the special feature--a metal ring--that makes it easier to put the cuff on. In
addition, the rubber bulb that inflates the cuff may be difficult to squeeze. This monitor may not be appropriate for hearing-impaired
people, because of the need to listen to heart sounds through the stethoscope.
Digital Blood Pressure Monitors
Digital blood pressure monitors are automatic and are most popular type of blood pressure measuring device. The readings are shown
on an easy to read screen. Some digital monitors also have a printout that gives you a record of the blood pressure levels.
Digital monitors are easier to use than the aneroid monitor units. They have a gauge and stethoscope that are one unit, and the
numbers on the screen are very easy to read. They also have an error indicator, and deflation is automatic. Inflation of the cuff is
either automatic or manual, depending on the model. This blood pressure monitoring device is good for hearing-impaired patients, since
there is no need to listen to heart sounds through the stethoscope.
One disadvantage of the digital blood pressure monitor is that the accuracy is changed by body movements or an irregular heart rate.
Some models are designed for use with the left arm only, which could cause problems for some people to use.
Finally, some digital monitors are expensive. They range in price from about $30 (£20) to over $100 (£70).
Things to do before you measure your blood pressure.
- Don't use caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco - for at least 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.
- Rest for about 5 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Dont speak if possible.
- Sit comfortably, 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.
- 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.
- Go to the toilet before measuring your blood pressure.
