Keeping your blood pressure level in check is vital, and with the use of a home blood pressure monitor, you can actively monitor and manage your cardiovascular health.
Regular monitoring allows you to stay cognizant of your blood pressure readings, enabling early detection of any potential issues.
In this post, you’ll learn what a blood pressure monitor is, how to choose an accurate one for home use and the best way to get an accurate blood pressure reading.
So let’s jump straight in..
What is a Blood Pressure Monitor?
A blood pressure monitor is a medical instrument that measures an individual’s blood pressure.
The Blood pressure monitor is also called a sphygmomanometer. The sphygmomanometer consists of an inflatable cuff, a measuring unit (either a mercury manometer or an aneroid meter), and an inflation mechanism. The inflation mechanism can be a manually operated light bulb and valve or an electrically operated pump.
The blood exerts a force on the wall of a blood vessel called blood pressure. It is measured in units of millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
A blood pressure monitor always displays the readings in pairs – the systolic number, which is the top number in a blood pressure reading, and the diastolic number, which is the bottom value in a blood pressure reading.
For instance, an individual who has a reading of 120/80 mmHg (often said as “120 over 80”) has a
- Systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg, and a
- Diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg.
Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats and pumps blood. While diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart rests between beats.
How to Measure Blood Pressure With a Blood Pressure Monitor
Blood pressure readings may differ according to the position of the patient, whether lying, sitting or standing.
Standard practice guidelines recommend recording blood pressure with the patient seated to limit variability and best capture baseline readings.
Steps to measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer
- Allow the patient to sit comfortably with their arm resting on a flat surface at heart level. Ensure they avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise 30 minutes prior.
- Wrap the cuff securely around the upper arm, directly against the skin. Align the artery marker on the cuff with the brachial artery. NB: Do not use an arm that may have a medical issue.
- Close the valve on the bulb and pump rapidly until the cuff pressure is 30mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappears.
- Place the stethoscope over the brachial artery below the cuff, pressing lightly.
- Open the valve slowly to deflate the cuff at 2-3 mmHg per second. Note the reading on the gauge when rhythmic tapping sounds are first heard – this is the SYSTOLIC pressure.
- Continue deflating slowly until the sounds disappear – this reading indicates DIASTOLIC pressure.
- Deflate the cuff fully and remove it from the arm.
- Take at least two readings, allowing one minute between for the arteries to return to normal. Compare and record the readings.
Understanding the sphygmomanometer technique is also crucial, but what if there were more convienient ways to monitor blood pressure?
What is the Most Accurate Way to Monitor Blood Pressure?
Monitoring your blood pressure is very crucial for your overall health. It is essential to ensure that the blood pressure readings we have are correct because this allows us to know whether your blood pressure is high, low or stable.
Accurate readings are vital for making well-informed decisions on necessary adjustments in medication or lifestyle that address the blood pressure condition and not based on some inaccurate readings.
According to experts, the most accurate method of monitoring blood pressure (BP) is the intra-arterial measurement method. In this method, medical professionals insert a thin catheter directly into an artery to continuously measure blood pressure. This method can provide continuous monitoring of BP changes.
Medical professionals employ intra-arterial blood pressure monitoring when closely monitoring an individual’s blood pressure is crucial, as it allows accurate, real-time measurements commonly used in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
Which Blood Pressure Monitor is Best for Home Use?
Keeping your blood pressure in check at home has become increasingly popular for its convenience and regular tracking.
To ensure accurate readings, it’s paramount to understand the most accurate methods of monitoring blood pressure, as discussed in the previous section above.
Now, let’s see the types of blood pressure monitors that are best used in home settings.
Blood Pressure Monitors for Home Use
An at-home blood pressure monitor is helpful in taking cognisance of this crucial health indicator. Regularly taking and tracking your blood pressure readings over time can help you better manage your health in the long run.
Selecting the best blood pressure monitors for home use often involves factoring some key balance between accuracy, easy-to-use features and individual needs.
Accuracy and Validation
Make use of monitors that independent organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) or the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) have clinically validated. This guarantees dependable readings for making well-informed medical decisions.
Omron 3 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor: A Trusted Choice for Home Use
An exemplary choice that meets these standards is the Omron 3 series upper arm blood pressure monitor. Clinically validated by medically tested bodies, this monitor not only meets strict accuracy criteria but also stands out as a reliable option for home use.
The OMRON 3 Series Home Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is designed for accuracy, stores 14 blood pressure readings for one user, and features a wide range D-ring cuff (fits arms 9 to 17 inches in circumference).
Some of its features include – irregular heartbeat detection while taking blood pressure readings. If inconsistencies are detected outside the average parameters, an indicator will alert the user.
How do you take blood pressure correctly?
To take someone’s blood pressure, you typically place the blood pressure cuff on their upper arm to compress the brachial artery effectively. The brachial artery runs through the upper arm and can be compressed by a blood pressure cuff at that location. Ultimately allowing for a quick and accurate measurement.
Sitting in an inappropriate posture will have an effect on your blood pressure readings. Advisably sit with your back on the back of the chair, with your feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed.
How to Use an Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
Step-by-step instructions for using an arm blood pressure monitor:
- Sit comfortably with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on a table so the blood pressure cuff will be at about the same height as your heart.
- Roll up or push up your sleeve so that your arm is free up to your shoulder. Make sure your arm is relaxed and not bent
- Wrap the blood pressure cuff securely around your upper arm, about 1 inch above the crease of your elbow. Make sure there are no kinks in the tubing.
- Turn on the monitor and make sure the display is easy to read. Position your palm facing upwards and relax your hand.
- Press the “Start” button to begin the automatic inflation and measurement. Do not talk or move during this process.
- The cuff will begin tightening around your arm, then slowly release as it measures your blood pressure. You may feel some temporarily tightness or pressure.
- Once complete, your blood pressure reading will display on the monitor along with your heart rate. The cuff will deflate fully after the reading.
- Note or record your blood pressure measurements each time. It is best practice to take 2-3 readings spaced 1-2 minutes apart.
Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor: A Suitable Alternative for Specific Health Needs
For individuals with underlying medical conditions that may limit the use of upper arm cuffs, a wrist blood pressure monitor provides a viable alternative. This can be particularly beneficial for those with arm injuries, mobility issues, or other health concerns that make traditional upper arm monitors challenging.
Wrist blood pressure monitors are a popular way to measure blood pressure at home. Due to its convenient usage and small-sized digital face.
A lot of wrist monitors store past blood pressure readings and could track changes in blood pressure levels over several weeks.
How to Use a Blood Pressure Wrist Cuff at Home
Step 1: Sit down and rest your arm on a flat surface at about heart level. Make sure your arm is relaxed, not tense.
Step 2: Take out any clothing covering your wrist. The cuff should be placed directly on the bare wrist.
Step 3: Place the wrist cuff snugly around your wrist, over your wrist bone. Align the tubing/display unit with your middle finger.
Step 4: Press the start button to inflate the cuff and begin the automatic measurement. Do not move your arm or fingers.
Step 5: Remain quiet and still during the readings as the cuff gradually deflates and determines your systolic and diastolic pressure readings.
Step 6: The monitor will display the blood pressure readings on its screen. The cuff will deflate fully after your reading appears.
Step 7: Take note of your readings and pulse rate. It may be helpful to take 2-3 consecutive readings and record the details.
Step 8: Compare your results against target blood pressure ranges. Consult your doctor if your readings seem abnormal.
Taking your blood pressure reading at home is a convenient way to monitor your cardiovascular health, beyond that it’s paramount to ensure your readings are reliable and accurate.
How Do I Know If My Blood Pressure Monitor Is Accurate?
Choose Validated Monitors
A crucial way to ensure accurate blood pressure readings is to choose a monitor validated by medical authoritative testing groups, like the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS).
These independent bodies thoroughly evaluate digital monitors to verify precision across blood pressures and real-world conditions. Opting for a device backed by this level of stringent accuracy validation gives you and your doctor confidence the reading reflects your true blood pressure.
Take Multiple Readings
Another important thing to do to ensure accuracy in blood pressure readings is taking multiple readings with your home blood pressure monitor (at least 2-3 times per session) and averaging the measurements can help identify inaccuracies, but repeat readings alone don’t guarantee precision.
Even quality monitors can produce faulty numbers due to issues like manufacturing defects, low batteries, wear and tear, or improper use.
Compare Monitor’s readings with Medical-Grade Devices and Check Accuracy Periodically
The best validation is to compare your monitor’s readings against a recently calibrated medical-grade device, like that used in a medical office. You could schedule an appointment with your doctor to check your monitor’s accuracy against their professional equipment.
If the readings are aligned within an acceptable range of variance, you can be rest assured your device provides reliable data. If the numbers differ substantially, speak to your doctor about having your monitor calibrated or replaced for consistency.
With periodic accuracy checks, you can catch issues before they undermine the value of home monitoring.
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