Blood Pressure Monitor Reviews
Aneroid, Digital, Fingertip and Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors
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If you have high or even borderline high blood
pressure then purchasing a blood pressure monitor would be a wise investment. A
benefit of having your own monitor is that you can periodically take readings to
get a better understanding for where your blood pressure levels really are. One
of the problems with only having your readings taken at a doctors office is that
sometimes stress can elevate the results. If you are consistent with monitoring
your readings at home you can then take those results to your doctor for a more
accurate exam.
There are several different type of blood pressure monitors that you can chose
from. The different types range from aneroid to digital monitors, to monitors
that can be used on a finger or the wrist. We will review in more detail about
the different types of monitors that are available to you. However, before we
begin we will go over a few key terms that you help you understand the review
better.
| Blood pressure | - measurement of the force of the blood against the arteries | ||
| High blood pressure | - also referred as hypertension | ||
| Systolic pressure | - highest pressure recorded | ||
| Diastolic pressure | - lowest pressure recorded | ||
| Cuff | - apparatus that is wrapped around the arm for the blood pressure reading |
Aneroid Monitors
Aneroid blood pressure monitors use a dial gauge, like a speedometer in a car,
for the blood pressure reading. Another feature of the Aneroid monitors is
that the cuff is inflated by hand. One of the advantages is that the Aneroid
monitors are less expensive then the digital ones. However a downside is that
they can be easily damaged which could lead to inaccurate readings.
Digital Monitors
Digital monitors are the most popular of blood pressure monitors. For the most
part digital monitors are very similar to the Aneroid ones with the exception
that the blood pressure readings are recorded to a digital screen. Some of the
digital monitors do have additional features, like keeping track of previous
readings.
There are basically two different types of digital blood pressure monitors: the
automatic and the manual. Manual monitors are like the Aneroid ones in that the
cuff has to be pumped up by hand. However the blood pressure readings are
displayed on a digital screen. The automatic digital monitors, as you
would expect, automatically pump up the cuff for you.
Wrist and finger Monitors
Other options for blood pressure monitors are the wrist and finger monitors. The only real benefit for these type of monitors is that they are easy to use and are very portable. However, the negative aspects for the wrist and finger blood pressure monitors out way the good. These monitors are not as accurate as the Aneroid and digital monitors. One of the main problems with the accuracy is that the pulse in the wrist and the fingertips is a lot weaker than it is in the upper arm. Another factor that can affect the readings is that the body’s temperature can impact the blood pressure results.
Key information:
If you decide to purchase an
Aneroid or digital
blood pressure monitor you will want to make sure that the cuff size for the
monitor is the right size for your arm. Purchasing a monitor with a cuff
that is too small for your arm will produce inaccurate readings.
Information on how you should take your blood pressure should come with the
monitor:
| 1. Avoid eating and exercising at least 30 minutes before taking your readings. | ||
| 2. If you are a smoker make sure that you also do not smoke for at least 30 minutes before the readings | ||
| 3. Relax a few minutes before taking your readings. | ||
| 4. Do not wrap the cuff too tight around the arm. The skin should not be pinched by the cuff. | ||
| 5. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Place your arm on a table so that the cuff is at the same level as your heart |