Monitoring your blood pressure is a good way to stay on top of your health, but you want to get this measure of your health right. First decide on the equipment that best meets your activity needs, because there are many varieties of blood pressure machines available over the counter.
Aneroid monitors range in price from $20 to $30 and are familiar devices that include a cuff and a connected stethoscope. They are very portable and usually come with a carrying case that is small enough to pack if you are frequently on the go. This kind of blood pressure device is sometimes hard to use for those who have hearing problems since a stethoscope is required to take a reading. You must also inflate the cuff using a bulb that might be hard to manipulate if you have arthritis in your hands.
Digital monitors range in price from $30 to $100 and are easier to read and to use. Digital monitors require batteries and are more sensitive to body movements when you are taking the reading. Some are designed for one arm or the other, so you may need to consider what model you are using in case you are left-handed and the monitor is designed for a right-handed person. Digital monitors are best for anyone who is less active.
Digital wearable monitors are the most expensive type of blood pressure monitor system, and include a watch or some other easy-to-use wearable device that wirelessly transmits blood pressure readings to a website for viewing. If you are not a jogger or one who is out and about a lot, this type of monitor may be more than you need. Wearable devices are designed for constant surveillance and require an equipment purchase plus a monthly subscription fee for use of the reporting website. When these systems were new, there were questions about their accuracy. Many of these concerns have been addressed with modern equipment. For a sports enthusiast, wearable monitors are a great innovation.
No matter which type you choose, you should match the readings with those of your physician. Bring the device to your doctor's office and see how the readings from your machine compare to those at the office. If they don't match, that does not mean you should change devices; it only means you should understand the adjustments in readings necessary to compare later on.
Keep an ongoing record of your readings. Any single blood pressure reading is merely a snapshot in time and does not help much in understanding your body's reaction to stress, medications or how your pressure naturally changes throughout the day. What is most important is how your blood pressure readings trend over time. So recording readings and the corresponding time of day and activity levels, along with notations about any medications you have taken, the dosage, and what you have eaten, all combine to make a meaningful history that you can share with your doctor.
If you choose an aneroid or digital blood pressure monitoring machine, establish a routine in preparation for measurement and stick to it:
1. Avoid stimulants such as coffee or tobacco up to 30 minutes before measuring.
2. Don't take your blood pressure if you need to use the bathroom.
3. Get comfortable and rest for at least 5 minutes before measuring.
4. When measuring, sit quietly in a chair and put the measuring device on a table at the same level as your heart.
5. Write down the measurements so you won't forget. If you think the reading is not accurate, wait 5 minutes and retake it. Always follow the directions for the type of monitor you are using. Proper use of a blood pressure monitoring tool can help you understand your body and its reactions to your environment, and can supply very useful information to your physician in a time of need.
