Aug 9,2023
High blood pressure dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Approximately 54% of strokes and 47% of coronary heart diseases worldwide are attributable to high blood pressure.
If you suffer from high blood pressure, taking preventive measures like keeping track of your blood pressure at home can be beneficial in controlling blood pressure and reducing the risk of developing severe disease.
When managing hypertension, regular blood pressure monitoring can be instrumental in keeping it under control. Staying updated with blood pressure readings is an excellent way to be aware of any abnormality occurring and take the appropriate lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of further development of heart diseases.
A healthy person's typical blood pressure reading is below 140/90. But for those who are suffering from heart, diabetes, or kidney diseases, the blood pressure should be in the range of 130/80. Checking your blood pressure with a monitor will not only keep you updated. Still, it will also increase motivation once you witness the improvement due to lifestyle changes.
Blood pressure monitors are available in three versions. They are,
Upper Arm Cuff Blood Pressure Monito
When measuring at home, many people opt for an upper arm cuff blood monitor is the most common choice. Accuracy is essential, so an international brand's blood pressure monitors the quality standards set by various health organizations. Upper arm blood monitors are more precise than other blood monitors. Moreover, they have wide availability. So if you are looking for a reliable blood pressure monitor, you can easily browse any online store or visit a shop with one.
Wrist mount Blood Pressure Monitor
A wrist-mount blood pressure monitor is another type of blood monitor. These blood pressure monitors are much more lightweight and portable than upper arm cuff ones. A negative aspect of this blood monitor type is that people often have difficulty adjusting their arm for the correct position to get a reliable reading.
Finger Blood Pressure Monitor
Unlike the upper arm and wrist blood monitor, this blood pressure monitor is lightweight and easy to carry. It also does not need a cuff to get a reading, making it relatively hassle-free. The downside is that such monitors tend to be less accurate. So when it comes to high-risk patients, relying solely on finger blood pressure monitors is not advisable.
Cuff Size Matters
A well-fitted cuff is vital in providing an error-free and reliable reading. The blood pressure should be tight enough to compress the brachial artery of your arm. So before buying a blood monitor, it is necessary to measure your arm width.
The correct method is to measure the upper arm circumference. Then multiply the figure by 80% to arrive at the accurate length and 40% to determine the width of the bladder cuff.
User-friendliness
A good blood pressure monitor should be simple to operate. The readings panel should be readable. The buttons area should not be cluttered with small buttons that are difficult to press or easy to miss.
Feature To Store Past Readings
The latest blood pressure monitors come with built-in features to save readings. They are capable of storing the data of multiple people. This is a valuable feature as a patient can share the readings with a doctor for a more effective diagnosis.
IOS or Android Connectivity
You can connect specific devices that measure your blood pressure to your smartphone, whether it runs on iOS or Android. This can be a fantastic option to consider when choosing a blood monitor for tech-savvy users that want immediate access to all their readings.
Price and Warranty
We would recommend not spending much money on purchasing a BP monitor. The value should be proportional to the price. So check for warranty to see whether it is of a solid build that will last long enough.
Precision and Clinical Approval
It is essential to buy a blood monitor approved by international medical bodies. The last thing you want is an inaccurate BP monitor that gives you false surprises regarding your health.
Some common health protocol standards for various bodies are the German Hypertension League, the European Society for Hypertension, and the British Hypertension Society.
