Research indicates if you have not yet been diagnosed with high blood pressure by the age of 55, you have a 90 percent chance of developing high blood pressure, or hypertension, at some point in your life. When determining blood pressure, two numbers are considered. The top number, your systolic pressure, is the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats. The diastolic number, the bottom figure, is the pressure in your arteries between heart beats. Pressure is created by the amount of blood your heart is pumping and the resistance to the blood flow in the arteries. Often, people who suffer from hypertension do not have symptoms. What they do have is an increased risk of heart failure, stroke, decrease organ function and possible vision loss. The longer you have high blood pressure, and the longer it goes untreated, the greater your risk. For a normal healthy adult at rest, a target number for healthy blood pressure is 120/80 mmHG (blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury). Our blood pressure changes as our days do, so diagnosing and treating hypertension generally includes home monitoring of your blood pressure. To do that, you need a blood pressure monitor.
What to Look for
Asking your healthcare provider which blood pressure monitor he recommends is a good place to start. Knowing what and how much information your provider needs will better help you to make a good decision. There are many different kinds of monitors on the market at a wide range of cost. Manual versions are less expensive and automatic and wrist versions are also popular for their convenience. You'll want to look for the product that will be easiest for you to use accurately.
Manual blood pressure monitors take some training and may be difficult for some people to use correctly. Automatic monitors may be easier to use and can automatically set alarms when you need to take a pressure, as well as time and date the readings in a memory bank. Heart rate, or pulse, is another feature added to some blood pressure monitors; this may be helpful if your provider wants this information, too. Deciding if you'll be taking your pressure by yourself or will have help is another factor in which machine you choose. Your pharmacist can be another person to offer guidance.
Common Pitfalls
Blood pressure monitors do come in different cuff sizes, so be sure to check the arm measurements before you buy one. Also, the blood pressure monitor will only be as accurate as your technique is. Following the monitor directions every time will increase the accuracy of your readings. Keep track of your caffeine and nicotine intake. You should not consume either 30 minutes before you take a reading. Emptying your bladder and wearing short sleeves will also help to improve your accuracy.
