Did you know that 1 in 4 people wrongly use their blood pressure monitor? Here is a guide on how to use your blood pressure monitor. Explore more below.
Quick Summary
- Using your blood pressure monitor correctly is important because the output is generally considered a clinical diagnosis.
- The type of monitor, the positioning of the cuff, time of day, your general mindset, etc., are a few of the factors that influence the reading.
- If you follow the below-mentioned criterion while checking your blood pressure, then you get accurate readings most of the time.Â
A blood pressure monitor may be one of the most needed piece of tech that you might be required now because nothing is as important as your heart.
However, Inaccurate readings from a blood pressure monitor can result in incorrect diagnoses and treatment decisions, which can have serious consequences on your body.
For example, if a person with high blood pressure receives a falsely low reading, they may not receive appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, which can increase their risk of developing serious health conditions.
Furthermore, incorrect readings can also result in inaccurate medication dosing, which can have dangerous side effects.
Therefore, it is important to use a blood pressure monitor correctly, and in this article, you will learn how to do it, and some of the state-of-the-art blood pressure monitors that you may want to check.
Without further ado, let us dive into the core of this article.
How To Use Blood Pressure Monitors?
Let us first assume that you are using an at-home automatic blood pressure monitor because manual sphygmomanometers are usually used only in a clinic or hospitals.
In fact, you may want to know what type of blood pressure monitor you have in order to correctly use it because the underlying technology varies.
Here are some steps to correctly use an at-home blood pressure monitor:
- Choose the right monitor: Choose a monitor that fits your arm and is recommended by your healthcare provider. First, educate yourself on what a blood pressure monitor is and how it works.
- Prepare: Relax for at least 5 minutes before taking a reading. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol for 30 minutes before taking a reading.
- Get into the right position: Sit comfortably with your back straight and your arm supported at heart level.
- Put the cuff on correctly: Make sure the cuff is placed around your upper arm and the bottom edge is about 1 inch above the elbow.
- Take the reading: Follow the instructions provided with your monitor to take a reading. It’s always recommended to take multiple readings (2~4) at different times during the day to get an accurate average.
- Record your readings: Keep a record of your readings, including the date and time, so you can track your blood pressure over time and share the information with your healthcare provider.
- Maintain and store your monitor: Clean the cuff and store it in a dry place. Replace the batteries if necessary and make sure the monitor is calibrated regularly.
Should You Use A Manual Blood Pressure Monitor?
Manual blood pressure monitors, also known as aneroid monitors, are often not recommended for use at home because they require proper technique and skill to use accurately.
Unlike automatic monitors, manual monitors don’t provide an automatic reading and rely on the user to correctly listen to the heartbeat and inflate the cuff to the right pressure.
This increases the likelihood of human error, leading to inaccurate readings. Additionally, manual monitors are often less durable and may require regular maintenance, making them less convenient for use at home.
It’s important to use a reliable and accurate blood pressure monitor at home to monitor your health and take appropriate action if necessary.
An automatic blood pressure monitor is a better option for home use as it is more convenient, accurate, and eliminates the risk of human error.
It is a wiser idea to explore more about how blood pressure monitors work so that you can rectify or eliminate human errors while measuring.
Things To Keep In Mind While Checking Your Blood Pressure
You may want to follow the below to make your blood pressure reading accurate:
- Timing: Take your blood pressure at the same time each day, usually in the morning and evening.
- Relaxation: Relax for at least 5 minutes before taking a reading. Avoid stressful or physically demanding activities beforehand.
- Posture: Sit comfortably with your back straight and your arm supported at heart level.
- Clothing: Remove any tight clothing or jewelry from your arm before taking a reading.
- Avoid stimulants: Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol for 30 minutes before taking a reading.
- Consultation: Consult with a healthcare professional if you think the reading is not correct or if you need help interpreting the results.
Regular monitoring can help you track your blood pressure over time and ensure that any changes are detected and addressed promptly.
If you are concerned about the accuracy of your blood pressure monitor, then get help from your healthcare provider or refer to authentic websites to help you find a good product.
Below we have mentioned a few industry’s best smart products that might fit your description.
Which Are Some Of Recommended Blood Pressure Monitors?
There are many blood pressure monitors on the market, but the Oxiline Pressure X Pro, CheckMe BP2, and QardioArm, stand out for their accuracy and convenient features.
Oxiline Pressure X Pro
The Oxiline Pressure X Pro is a high-tech device that uses Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone app for easy tracking and analysis. It can store up to 21 readings and come with multi-user support via the app.
CheckMe BP2
The CheckMe BP2 is a compact and portable device that can be carried in a pocket or purse. It is easy to use, with one-touch operation and a large, easy-to-read display. The device also stores up to 50 readings, allowing users to track their blood pressure over the app.
Qardioarm
The QardioArm is a sleek, stylish device that connects to a smartphone app for easy tracking and analysis. The QardioArm is also FDA-approved and has received accolades from the American Heart Association.
Overall, these two blood pressure monitors offer accurate readings, convenient features, and stylish designs.
Conclusion
Correct usage of an at-home blood pressure monitor is crucial to getting accurate readings and monitoring your health effectively.
Prior to taking a reading, it is recommended to rest quietly for at least 5 minutes so that your blood pressure is not affected by physical activity or stress.
To ensure consistency in readings, use the same arm every time you check your blood pressure reading. The cuff should be placed on your biceps, above the elbow, and at the same level as your heart.
Careful consideration should be given to the manufacturer’s instructions for operating the monitor, including how to properly inflate the cuff and listen for the heartbeat.
You must know how to interpret a blood pressure reading; if not, keep a record of your readings, including the date and time, and share it with your doctor for interpretation and further diagnosis.
Regular maintenance of the monitor, including replacing batteries and checking for any damage to the cuff or tubing, is also important.
By using a reliable and accurate monitor and following these guidelines, you can effectively monitor your blood pressure at home.
Robin Backlund is a dedicated journalist and a medical student who has written several articles and essays exposing the falseness and hollowness of online resources in the medical science niche.