How To Choose Home Blood Pressure Monitor

There are many kinds and types of home blood pressure monitors (HBPM). Buying a blood pressure monitor is a great way to monitor your blood pressure; however, choosing one can be confusing. The choice is personal and is usually based on: accuracy, ease of use, price, cuff type, memory and printing capabilities. It is important to choose one that suits you. This article will give you some tips and information on how to choose the best BP monitor for you. There are basically 3 types of home blood pressure monitors, mercury, aneroid and digital blood pressure monitors. Mercury HBPM: Seen in a doctor's office. They are the most accurate, but the most difficult to use. They use a stethoscope to detect sounds in the arteries. Aneroid HPBM- are the second most reliable. Aneroid monitors range in price from $20 to $30. These also require the use of a stethoscope, which is included with this particular model. They are lightweight, portable and affordable. Experts at the American Society of Hypertension recommend this type, saying that these are the least expensive monitors and there is little that can go wrong with them. Aneroid models can be difficult to use and may require training by a physician or healthcare professional. Additionally, they require good hearing and vision to use and may not be the best choice for the elderly or disabled. For these reasons, aneroid HBPMs are generally less popular than digital monitors. Digital HBPM: These machines are less accurate, yet the easiest to use. They are a good choice for people who are hard of hearing or have poor vision. If you use it correctly, it is the best choice for everyone. It is also important to consider the cuff when purchasing an HBPM. There are three types of cuffs. Hand, wrist and finger cuffs. Arm cuffs are the most accurate. Finger and wrist cuffs are only recommended for those who cannot wear them on the arm. An incorrectly fitted arm cuff will give an incorrect reading. This is the most common reason for incorrect blood pressure readings. To determine your cuff size, measure around the center of your upper arm. If less than 31 cm (12.2 inches), buy a regular size cuff Between 31 and 40 cm (15.7 inches), buy a large size cuff Cuffs must be inflated to measure blood pressure - include those that must be inflated manually, semi-automatic or automatic inflation devices. Below are some tips when buying a blood pressure monitor. Display Size – A standard or oversized LCD display is required. Try to take it with normal size. Power – Battery powered or AC adapter. If you're traveling, a battery-powered unit is your best bet. Memory function - Some models remember the last reading or multiple readings. There are also models that have PC connectivity. It is better to choose one that has a memory to monitor BP for at least one month. Printing Options - Some monitors also have printing options to keep your records safe Cuff Sizes - Large and small arm cuffs are available for some units. The size of the cuff on a blood pressure monitor may be the most important factor in obtaining accurate readings. So always use a cuff that is neither too small nor too big. Price – Price may be the most important factor. Be sure to do as much research as possible. More expensive models may not always be as good as cheaper ones. Accuracy - Data on some wrists and fingers may not be as accurate as on the arms depending on the individual. Ease of use - depends on personal preference. People with certain disabilities may find one unit easier than another. Length of warranty – The warranty period ranges from one to three years. Check the unit regularly to make sure everything is running smoothly and accurately. Dr Armughan, author of this article, read more about choosing a home blood pressure monitor