How do you choose the best blood pressure monitor for yourself when there are lot of devices available in the market? Read on to know how to choose the best one.
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood on the arteries, measured during systolic and diastolic movements of the heart. Earlier it was measured using mercury gravity sphygmomanometer. It is measured in terms of mercury millimeters, i.e., in mm of Hg/mmHg.
Usually, blood pressure of a normal person should be around 120/80 mm of Hg/mmHg. For patients having low blood pressure, it is lesser than 90/60 mm of Hg/mmHg, and for high blood pressure patients, it is over 140/80 mm of Hg/mmHg. Routine check-up is essential for both high BP and low BP patients.
Keeping a blood pressure measurement record helps your physician check whether you are given the appropriate treatment or not. It is always better to monitor blood pressure on your own rather than depending on others to check it. As per reviews, blood pressure wrist monitors are the best ones available in the market.
How Does it Work?
Usually, a typical blood pressure monitor is strapped on the upper arm.
The inflated cuff, which is wrapped around the upper arm stops the blood flow for a specific time, by exerting pressure on the main artery of the arm.
The blood flow resumes slowly with the deflation of the cuff.
The connected gauge shows BP measurements on its display.
The korotkoff sounds can be heard using a stethoscope. They are sounds, which can be heard when the arterial blood flows again while measuring blood pressure. They change in tone and volume during the deflation of the cuff. The monitor gives accurate blood pressure readings.
Regular check-up is mandatory for all blood pressure patients. There are various types of blood monitoring devices available in the market. These devices are specially designed to give accurate results and are easy to use. They have electronic sensors and LCD readouts. They are used to measure both, systolic and diastolic pressure.
They are divided in to two main types: digital and manual. However, there are different types of monitors such as wrist monitors, ambulatory monitors, finger monitors, arm monitors, etc, which have both manual and digital inflation mode.
Various reviews ascertain that the wrist ones are the best for home use. The wrist monitor is a monitor, which is strapped on the wrist. It is much smaller in size in comparison with the other monitors. Both slim as well as obese people can use a monitor of same cuff size.
Digital Monitors
They have two types of inflation: either automatic or semi-automatic. They come in a single unit, including the gauge. Some of them automatically measure inflation and deflation. They also contain in-built heart rate measuring instrument, big displays, error indicators, and reading printouts facility. However, the cost also increases with these facilities.
Manual Monitors
They are lightweight and easy to use. The inflation is manually operated. They have a bulb, which the patient has to operate by squeezing to reach the required inflation level. They are portable and can be carried while traveling. They cost lesser than their digital counterparts.
Whenever the person wears any of the digital monitors, his blood pressure is measured after every 30 minutes. Even when the person sleeps, the process goes on. By recording these measurements, doctors can examine any noticeable changes in the blood pressure.
They are also used to check, whether the given medications are working properly or not. It is necessary to purchase a monitor depending upon your need. Choose the one, which you can afford and which will be beneficial for you in a long run.
Evaluation of these devices is done on the basis of its use, accessibility, and cost efficiency. Usually, they use long-lasting alkaline batteries, and they are maintenance free.
Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.