How to choose a good blood pressure monitor? Monitoring your health at home can help you, your caregivers, and your doctor track the effectiveness of your treatments and make adjustments to improve your health.
If you have high blood pressure or have a high risk of developing blood pressure, it is recommended that you monitor your blood pressure regularly. Now you can even measure your blood pressure in the comfort of your home with a blood pressure monitor without going to a medical clinic.
Why use a blood pressure monitor at home?
Doctors are increasingly asking people with high blood pressure to check their numbers at home. Why? At the doctor’s office, your blood pressure record only shows your numbers at that moment.
A home monitor allows you to check it as often as you like. This can give your doctor a better idea of your actual blood pressure. The best way to know for sure if you have high blood pressure is to measure it several times a day for a few months.
It is important to monitor your blood pressure, but this doesn’t have to be difficult. With a blood pressure monitor at home, it is easy to keep your health under control.
By giving your doctor a reading of your blood pressure between appointments, you are more likely to get the right recommendations and medications.
Research shows that at-home blood pressure monitoring can help people with hypertension keep their condition under control. Therefore, for those who are just beginning to take medications to lower their blood pressure, at-home monitoring can help determine the effectiveness of treatment.
A small change in daily blood pressure monitoring is acceptable as long as the numbers are close to the average of 120/80 mmHg. So, in a way, at-home blood pressure monitoring can be motivating and also give you real-time information.
When it comes to home blood pressure monitors, there are many options to choose from. So, if you are looking for a home blood pressure monitoring device, here are some tips to help you choose the right monitor.
Tip #1 – Does the blood pressure monitor have the right blood pressure monitor cuff size?
The cuff size is the most important feature to check when choosing a blood pressure monitor. The size refers to the circumference of your arm. An armband that does not fit your arm correctly may give inaccurate readings. Finally, here are the recommended sizes:
- Short Adult: Arm circumference of 22 to 26 centimeters (about 8.5 to 10 inches).
- Middle Adult: arm circumference of 27 to 34 centimeters (about 10.5 to 13 inches).
T - all Adults: arm circumference of 35 to 44 centimeters (about 13.5 to 17 inches).
Tip #2 – Is the blood pressure monitor clinically approved and accurate in its readings?
Accuracy is one of the most important things to look for in a blood pressure monitor. Next, make sure that your blood pressure monitor is clinically approved for its accuracy in order to get accurate results.
Tip #3 – Is the blood pressure monitor interface simple and easy to use?
A user-friendly interface with large numbers and large buttons makes it easy to navigate the blood pressure monitor and understand the results.
Tip #4 – Can the blood pressure monitor store past readings?
Nowadays, many blood pressure monitors are equipped with a reading storage function, even for multiple users. However, this function is really useful if one or more people in your household have hypertension.
Tip #5 – Is the blood pressure monitor portable?
Someone who travels constantly and is on the go could benefit from a portable option.
Tip #6 – Have another additional monitoring capability?
Opt for the one that also detects an irregularity in your heart rate while monitoring your blood pressure. This way, you can keep an eye out for possible problems and health risks.
Tip #7 – Can the pressure monitor be linked to iOS or Android?
Some blood pressure monitors can connect wirelessly to your iOS or Android device via Bluetooth. On the other hand, this is a great option for storing electronically monitored data in one place so you can refer to it whenever you want.
Types of tensiometers available on the market
Types of blood pressure monitors available on the market vary, with two common types being automatic and manual. Automatic blood pressure monitors have the advantage of inflating the cuff with the push of a button, eliminating the need to manually pump a bulb to inflate the cuff. This automation makes the process easier and more convenient for users. On the other hand, manual blood pressure monitors require the user to manually pump a bulb to inflate the cuff. While both types can provide accurate readings, automatic blood pressure monitors are generally considered to be more user-friendly and may offer additional features such as memory storage of readings and digital displays. Ultimately, the choice between automatic and manual blood pressure monitors depends on personal preferences, ease of use, and individual needs.
