Choose Wisely When Selecting A Blood Pressure Machine
Posted by Angela Richards | Filed under Health & Fitness
Measuring your blood pressure regularly at home is a recommended practice for many people, but especially for those who have high blood pressure (hypertension) or the risk factors for developing it. That’s why it’s wise to purchase a good quality blood pressure machine and learn how to use it properly.
To get the best results from using a blood pressure machine, take your blood pressure at regular times and record the measurements. Then show your record to your family doctor so he or she can see how well you’re managing your blood pressure through diet and exercise, or whether you need to go on medication or have the dosage of your medication adjusted.
The two kinds of blood pressure machines made for home use are known as a digital monitor and an aneroid monitor.
An aneroid monitor is similar to the kind of blood pressure machine used in your doctor’s office. A cuff with a dial gauge is wrapped around your upper arm and inflated by squeezing a bulb attached to the cuff by a short hose. Unlike your doctor’s equipment, however, an aneroid gauge for home use has a stethoscope built into the cuff, so you don’t need to buy a separate stethoscope. Aneroid monitors cost less than digital monitors and are easy to carry around. However, this type of blood pressure machine can be easily damaged, which makes it less accurate. Also, it can be difficult to put on if it doesn’t have a special metal ring. People with arthritis in their hands may find the bulb difficult to squeeze, while people with hearing impairments may find it hard to hear the heart sounds through the built-in stethoscope.
Aneroid monitors, on the other hand, require more skill to use, but are more likely to give accurate readings. Many models have built-in stethoscopes to monitor the heart sounds that tell you where to mark the upper and lower levels of blood pressure. The aneroid version has a dial gauge rather than a digital read-out. It’s typically inflated by squeezing a rubber bulb. Any of these factors can make it more difficult for a patient to use an aneroid monitor at home. They’re also prone to damage easily, which can affect the accuracy of the reading.
When choosing a blood pressure machine, be sure to get the right size cuff for the size of your arm. Your readings will be wrong if your cuff is the wrong size. You should get a monitor with numbers that are easy for you to read. Shop around until you find a blood pressure machine with the right features at the right cost so you can be an active partner in your health care.
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