Tips for using blood pressure monitors
Many people learn how to take and monitor their own blood pressure in between visits to the doctor.
By monitoring your own blood pressure at home you can give your doctor an idea of how your blood pressure changes with various activities. It will also indicate if current blood pressure treatments are effective.
You can purchase your own blood pressure monitor online or at the pharmacy. Taking a blood pressure is relatively easy. However, ensuring a blood pressure reading is accurate depends much on your equipment and skill.
How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure measurements are taken with a 'sphygmomanmeter' or a digital pressure device.
Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). A blood pressure reading is recorded as 2 numbers, for example 120/80mmHg.
The top number is called the systolic blood pressure. It indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts.
The lower reading is called the diastolic blood pressure. This number indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes.
Tips for buying a digital blood pressure monitor
Digital blood pressure monitors are now widely available from pharmacies, online or medical supply shops and make taking a blood pressure much easier.
There are several types of blood pressure monitors including automatic arm, automatic wrist and manual arm.
The automatic varieties inflate a cuff fitted snugly around the arm or wrist by the touch of a button.
To use a manual blood pressure monitor you have to inflate the cuff by squeezing and pumping the bulb with your hand.
Before buying a blood pressure monitor consider the following:
- Buy from a pharmacy or supplier where you can get advice and instruction on how to use the blood pressure monitor.
- Choose a well known recognisable brand.
- Blood pressure monitors that fit around the arm are generally more accurate than wrist monitors.
- Ensure you get the right size cuff by measuring your arm or wrist.
- For wrist monitors the cuff must be positioned at heart level to ensure an accurate reading.
- Check the monitors keys and displays are easy to read and use.
- Find a blood pressure monitor where you can adjust inflation settings of the cuff. ( A cuff has to be inflated a little above the normal systolic pressure. It can be uncomfortable if the machine automatically inflates the cuff way above the necessary measurement.)
- Check the machine has a memory setting to store past readings.
- Ask the supplier about rechargeable batteries before buying.
- Choose a digital blood pressure monitor with general information on blood pressure.
(Source: Choice magazine)
If you have your own digital blood pressure monitor take it to the surgery and have a nurse or doctor check your technique.
If a blood pressure reading is unusually high or low it is worth taking another measurement and informing your doctor.
Always record your blood pressure measurements soon after taking them and take this record with you on your next doctor's appointment.
Related articles
References
Choice Magazine
Blood pressure monitors
Accessed 26/05/09
Heart Foundation
Self measurement blood pressure
Accessed 26/05/09
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