What was once an outpatient diagnosis is a routine home checkup today, thanks to electronic blood pressure monitors. Read more to know why you may need one.
Quick Summary
- A blood pressure monitor is a device used to measure the force of blood flow through the arteries in the human body.
- It consists of a cuff that is placed around the upper arm and connected to a machine that reads and displays the blood pressure measurement.
- While you can always measure your blood pressure at your doctor’s office, home blood monitors have made it so convenient and effective to track it yourself.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when the force of blood flow through the arteries becomes too high, putting extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.
Unfortunately, the number of people with hypertension is on the rise, with an increasing number of cases diagnosed yearly.
Risk factors for hypertension include an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and stress, among others. It is important to address and manage hypertension to reduce the risk of serious health complications such as stroke and heart attack.
You need a blood pressure monitor to assess this, but what is a blood pressure monitor in first hand? And is it reliable, and what does it do?
Not just that, you also may want to know some of the popular blood pressure monitors in the market to make it your real health companion.
More about it in this article. Dive in without ado!
What Is A Blood Pressure Monitor?
A blood pressure monitor is an automatic or manual device used to measure the force of blood flow through the arteries in the human body.
It consists of a cuff that is placed around the upper arm and connected to a machine that reads and displays the blood pressure measurement.
The measurement is given as two numbers, systolic and diastolic, representing the maximum and minimum pressure in the arteries, and it is important that you interpret these measurements correctly.
Blood pressure monitors are commonly used by healthcare professionals to diagnose and monitor conditions such as hypertension, but they are also available for use at home.
A blood pressure monitor works by measuring the force of blood flow through the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body, which is read by pneumatic sensors via a cuff wrapped around the arm.
It is always recommended to understand how blood pressure monitors work to detect if it gives a false reading.
Stick on and learn more about how this device could work, its reliability, some of the top market players, and why you may want to own one.
What Are The Types Of Blood Pressure Monitors?
What Are The Types Of Blood Pressure Monitors?
Blood pressure monitors might look a little confusing at first, but once you understand what they are, things are easier. They are basically of two types: manual and automatic.
Manual blood pressure monitors, also known as aneroid monitors, use a cuff that is inflated by a hand bulb and a gauge to measure blood pressure.
The cuff is secured on the lower biceps, and the gauge is used to read the blood pressure measurement.
Automatic blood pressure monitors, also known as digital monitors, use an electronic cuff that is placed around the upper arm and automatically inflates to measure blood pressure.
There are digital blood pressure monitors, which are basically automatic ones with a display to show your readings.
In a hospital setup or for diagnosis purposes, a clinician might recommend an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, worn day & night, usually for 24 hours surveillance.
There are also wrist blood pressure monitors, which use a cuff that is placed around the wrist to measure blood pressure.
These monitors are generally less accurate than upper-arm monitors and are not recommended as the primary method for measuring blood pressure.
But if you want to learn more about various types of blood pressure monitors and which one will suit you the best, we have it covered.
Why Is It A Good Idea To Own A Home Blood Pressure Monitor?
There are a few reasons why a home blood pressure monitor might be a must-own device that you should consider:
- To monitor blood pressure on a regular basis: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a prevalent cardiovascular condition that often has no symptoms. By using a home blood pressure monitor, individuals can check their blood pressure regularly and track any changes over time.
- To check blood pressure in different situations: Blood pressure can vary depending on factors such as stress, exercise, and diet. A home blood pressure monitor can help individuals understand how these factors affect their blood pressure and make lifestyle changes accordingly.
- To check blood pressure between doctor visits: Blood pressure monitors can be used to track blood pressure between doctor visits and provide a more accurate picture of a person’s blood pressure over time. This can be especially useful for people with hypertension, who may need to make frequent adjustments to their treatment plan.
- To provide peace of mind: For some people, knowing their blood pressure can help them feel more in control of their health and provide peace of mind.
Is It Reliable Compared To Reading Taken By A Medical Professional?
Home blood pressure monitors can be reliable. But it is important to understand how to use the blood pressure monitor correctly and choose the right product.
To ensure accurate readings, it is important to follow the instructions for use carefully and use the monitor at the same time each day.
One of the most important things is to use the correct size cuff for your arm and to take multiple readings to average out any variations.
In terms of device quality, it is best to choose a blood pressure monitor that has been validated by a reputable organization such as the British Hypertension Society or the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.
That being said, it is still recommended to discuss any blood pressure measurements taken at home with a healthcare professional. They can help interpret the readings and determine if any action is necessary.
Most importantly, it would help if you had an idea of what to look for in a blood pressure monitor so that it will suit your need, convenience, and usage pattern.
Which Are Some Of Recommended Blood Pressure Monitors?
There are many blood pressure monitors on the market, but the CheckMe BP2, QardioArm, and Oxiline Pressure X Pro 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 multiuser 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 three blood pressure monitors offer accurate readings, convenient features, and stylish designs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blood pressure monitors are useful devices for measuring the force of blood flow through the arteries in the human body.
They consist of a cuff that is placed around the upper arm and connected to a machine that reads and displays the blood pressure measurement.
Blood pressure monitors are commonly used by healthcare professionals to diagnose and monitor conditions such as hypertension, but they are also available for use at home.
Home blood pressure monitors can be reliable, but it is important to use them correctly and choose a high-quality device.
There are many blood pressure monitors on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Consult with a healthcare professional before purchasing one or go with trusted products like the one mentioned above.
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.