Measuring your blood pressure at home and keeping a record of the measurements will show you and your doctor how much your blood pressure changes during the day. Your doctor can use your measurements to see how your blood pressure medicine is working.
Equipment
To measure your blood pressure at home, you can use either an aneroid monitor or a digital monitor. The aneroid device has a dial gauge that is read by looking at a pointer. The cuff is inflated by hand by squeezing a rubber bulb. Digital monitors have either manual or automatic cuffs. The blood pressure reading flashes on a small screen. Choose the type of monitor that best suits your needs.
Aneroid monitors
One advantage of this monitor is that it can easily be carried from one place to another. Also, the cuff for the device has a built-in stethoscope, so you don't need to buy a separate stethoscope. It's also easier to manage this way. The unit may have a special feature that makes it easier to put the cuff on with one hand. In addition, the aneroid monitor costs less than digital monitors.
The aneroid monitor also has some disadvantages. First, it is a complicated device that can easily be damaged and lose accuracy. 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 monitors
Since the digital monitor is automatic, it is the most popular blood-pressure measuring device. The blood pressure is easy to read, because the numbers are shown on a screen. Some electronic monitors have a paper printout that gives a record of the blood pressure reading.
The digital monitor is easier to use than the aneroid unit. It has a gauge and stethoscope that are one unit, and the numbers are easy to read on the display area. The device also has an error indicator. Furthermore, 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.
A disadvantage of the digital monitor is that the accuracy is changed by body movements or an irregular heart rate. In addition, the monitor requires batteries. Some models are designed for use with the left arm only. This may make them hard for some patients to use. Finally, some digital monitors are expensive. They start in price at $40 for semiautomatic models. Fully automatic models start at $100.
Finger/wrist blood pressure monitors
Tests have shown that finger/wrist devices do not measure the blood pressure very accurately. They are extremely sensitive to position and body temperature.
Features to look for in a blood pressure monitor
- Proper cuff size is very important. Ask a medical professional to tell you the cuff size you need, based on the size of your arm. Blood pressure readings will be wrong if your cuff is the wrong size.
- The numbers on the monitor must be easy to read.
- If you are using a stethoscope, you must be able to hear heart sounds through it.
- Cost may be an important factor. Since home blood pressure units vary in price, you may have to shop around. The most expensive units might not be the best or the most accurate
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Accuracy and Usage
Once you buy your monitor, take it to your doctor's office to be checked for accuracy. You should have your monitor checked once every year. Proper care and storage are also necessary. Make sure the tubing is not twisted when the monitor is stored, and keep it away from heat. Periodically check the tubing for cracks and leaks.
Ask your doctor or nurse to teach you how to use your blood pressure monitor correctly. Proper use of it will help you and your doctor achieve good results in controlling your blood pressure.
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Understanding the medical terms
- Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the artery.
- Hypertension means high blood pressure.
- Brachial artery is a blood vessel that goes from your shoulder to just below your elbow. You measure the pressure in this artery.
- Systolic pressure is the highest pressure in an artery when your heart is pumping blood to your body.
- Diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure in an artery when you heart is at rest.
- Blood pressure measurement is made up of both the systolic and the diastolic pressure. It is normally written like this: 120/90, with the systolic number first.
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