High Blood Pressure Monitors

By Jennifer Bailey

There is no visible way one can understand changes in human blood pressure, and naturally, checking regularly is the only means to keep track of it. The blood pressure results can predict the risks for your body and health, thereby enabling your physician to suggest ideal food, work, and sleep schedules for you.

Different blood pressure monitors provide different readings. The most common blood pressure monitor uses a column of mercury to gauge the blood pressure with a hand pump attached to the arm of the patient. When you pump this, the blood pressure monitor tightens on your arm. Readings taken by this device are usually accurate. But a disadvantage with this type of mercury-based blood pressure monitor is that accidental spilling of mercury can cause various allergic reactions and illness.

Even though many types of blood pressure monitors are available on the market, mercury-based pressure gauges are more dependable and widely used. But in a technology-driven society where electronic gadgets are exceedingly popular, mercury pressure devices are fast replaced by aneroid and electronic blood pressure monitors. The cuff that is used to attach the device to the arm is important, too. A narrow cuff gives high blood pressure reading, while a broader cuff gives a lower reading. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury. It represents the force of blood exerted on blood vessel walls.

In order to ensure that these new devices provide accurate data, they should be calibrated and validated periodically. Calibration ensures that measurements start from zero on all occasions. It is important that you check the blood pressure monitor you use for accuracy.