1. Manual or Automatic?
There are lots of advantages to using an automatic blood pressure monitor instead of a manual one. You need to pump up a manual monitor yourself, which can be difficult for people with arthritis or limited hand strength and dexterity. Automatic monitors can take a reading and store it with the push of a button, so they're easy for everyone to use. Automatic monitors also feature large digital displays that are easier to read than the dials on a manual monitor. Automatic blood pressure monitors tend to be smaller and more compact, making them easier to travel with and store.
2. Sum of Its Parts
An automatic blood pressure monitor has three main components: the arm cuff, the air tubing and the monitor itself. All three of these need to be in good working order for the monitor to work properly. Make sure the air tubing is securely attached to both the monitor and the arm cuff and it isn't bent or crimped. If you have especially large arms, measure the circumference of your arm four inches above the elbow and make sure the cuff of your monitor is large enough to fit properly. If not, you can purchase an extra-large cuff for your monitor.
3. Know How to Read Your Readings
You should know how to interpret your blood pressure reading. The bottom number of the reading is the diastolic number, which is your blood pressure when the heart is at rest. The top number, called the systolic reading, measures your blood pressure when your heart is beating. Both of these numbers are taken into account when determining your level of hypertension. To avoid a false reading, sit still with your feet flat on the floor and don't eat or talk while your monitor is working.
4. Monitor Maintenance
Automatic blood pressure monitors are more sensitive to environmental changes than manual monitors. Keep your monitor out of extreme temperatures and don't store it in humid places or anywhere it could come in contact with water. Change the batteries in your monitor regularly and watch out for low-battery indicators on the monitor's screen.
5. Readings in Store for You
All automatic blood pressure monitors can store readings. Monitors typically store anywhere from 50 to 200 readings and some can store readings for two different users. Stored blood pressure readings are useful in monitoring blood pressure spikes and patterns. Store your daily blood pressure readings between doctor visits so that you and your doctor can track your hypertension.
