High Blood Pressure Monitors

By Jennifer Bailey

Doctors consider blood pressure check-ups important. It can be either a regular check with the doctor, or one at home. If you want to check it at home the equipment should be accurate and easy to operate. People even consider the weight of the equipment and the cost, too. Blood pressure measured in a doctor's office only provides a momentary value. Repeated measurements at home reflect s one's actual blood pressure values under everyday conditions.

As people tend to be more relaxed at home than in a doctor's office, it is wise to have blood pressure monitoring equipment at your residence. And these regular blood pressure measurements taken at home can provide your doctor with valuable information on your normal blood pressure values and pulse.

Wrist blood pressure monitors fill this need. These come in the form of cuffs that can be wrapped around the hand, and within seconds blood pressure and pulse rates appear on the large digital display. These monitors are convenient, and as easy to put as a wristwatch. They inflate automatically and provide digital readouts on a screen attached to the band. For accurate measurements, all wrist blood pressure monitors must be positioned at heart level.

The position sensor arrows on the display guide you to hold your measuring arm in the right position, at heart level. Some of these monitors store the readings of the last 30 measurements. Here the storing is done automatically, without having to press the memory button after a measurement, and this memory cannot be cleared.

Naturally, if you care about your health, you care about your blood pressure. So these accurate records will help your doctor realize which times of day, which foods, and which activities make you most vulnerable to rises in blood pressure, and this in turn helps your doctor prescribe the right medicine for you.

By Jennifer Bailey

Self-monitoring blood pressure programs have been initiated to improve blood pressure control and clinical outcomes, and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. While many patients take and record their blood pressure at home, it is unknown whether they accurately report these readings to their primary care physicians.

There are several good, reliable makes of blood pressure monitors like Microlife, Omron, Braun and A&D monitors. The technology used in these monitors has increased in sophistication and accuracy over the last ten years, and they are now regularly used in doctor's offices instead of the older glass and mercury models.

Digital Filter Technology uses a sensor to detect and isolate only the essential pulse oscillation. It helps eliminate other noise factors, leading to a quick and reliable measurement capability.

Automatic blood pressure monitors operate with the push of a single button, and quickly and accurately measure blood pressure and pulse. Electronic circuitry provides personalized inflation and deflation. Completely automatic inflation and deflation is a fast, easy and gentle way to monitor blood pressure at home.

Motion artifact extraction technology is the latest generation of revolutionary non-invasive blood pressure monitor technology. It relies on non-invasive blood pressure measurement technology for its multi-parameter monitors. This is more likely to result in a successful measurement, even in situations where there is patient movement, or the device is used in a moving vehicle.

Some machines measure blood pressure from the wrist or finger. These are not recommended at the moment, as they do not give the same readings as in the upper arm where blood pressure is usually measured.

For increased reliability in measurements it is recommended that blood pressure measurements are taken at similar times every day, and never directly after physical exercise. Results indicate that the value of patient-directed treatment and monitoring programs depends on the reliability of the data collected.

By Jennifer Bailey

There are different ways of measuring your blood pressure, which lets you measure your true blood pressure and get a list of blood pressure measurements. Electronic or digital devices are the easiest ones to use. Digital blood pressure monitors can also be considered the same way. They are especially convenient for anyone who is not used to testing his or her own blood pressure. Testing your own pressure is more convenient than visiting the doctor, as was once required. It allows you to test your blood pressure regularly, keep an accurate record of the readings and have the information ready for your doctor at each visit.

Digital monitors have either manual or automatic cuffs, and come with a built-in LCD screen that shows the reading. Some models allow for wrist or finger readings. Most of these digital blood pressure monitors come with self-inflating cuffs that inflate once the cuff has been secured and the device has been turned on. These monitors also have the feature of digital readouts that help the patient get a more accurate pressure reading. And is a good option for people who are hard of hearing or have poor eyesight. They also detect blood surges underneath the blood pressure cuff. Many digital blood pressure monitors also include a paper printout to provide a handy hard-copy record for your doctor.

In addition to all these, it is also important to consider the location and size of the cuff to check the accuracy of the monitor. The accuracy of the monitor or the reading can be checked if the reading is compared to the reading of a professional measuring device. Also, the monitors have to be tested for accuracy before use at least once a year.

By Donald Saunders

Of all the organs of our body the heart is without doubt the most critical and rightly so as, if it stops pumping blood around the body and delivering vital oxygen to the other organs, including the brain, death will occur very quickly.

Despite its importance however many of us pay little if any attention to the health of our heart until forced to do so, when it is often too late. And yet keeping a check on the heart by simple routine measurement of our blood pressure could not be easier.

As with most things in life, if the heart starts to run into problems then there will be warning signs giving us time to take remedial action and these warning signs often come in the form of abnormally high or low blood pressure.

The principle role of the heart is to take freshly oxygenated blood and pump it through the main arteries and then through a network of smaller blood vessels to all parts of the body. As the heart contracts forcing blood out into the arteries pressure is exerted on the walls of the arteries. Then, as the heart relaxes and its chambers refill ready to pump again the pressure in the arteries falls.

By measuring these two pressure levels we can get an indication of just how well the heart is pumping blood around the body and thus see whether or not it is working normally.

Until quite recently it was necessary to visit the doctor's office to have your blood pressure measured. The doctor would place a cuff around your upper arm roughly at the level of the heart. He would then place his stethoscope over the brachial artery where it runs close to the surface of the skin on the inside of your arm at the elbow and proceed to inflate the cuff.

As the cuff is inflated it tightens around the arm preventing blood from flowing through the brachial artery. The pressure in the cuff, which is indicated by a mercury manometer attached to the cuff, is slowly released and the point at which blood starts flowing through the artery, and which the doctor hears as a "whoosing" sound through his stethoscope, is noted. This is the point at which the pressure in the cuff equals the pressure in the artery as the heart pumps blood through it and is known as the systolic pressure.

The doctor then continues to slowly release the pressure in the cuff and to monitor the sound of blood being pumped through the artery until no sound at all is detected. At this point the manometer indicates the pressure in the artery as the heart is at rest and refilling ready to pump again. This lower pressure is known as the diastolic pressure.

Blood pressure will vary from person to person and will also rise and fall within each of us depending on a variety of factors such as the time of day, our level of activity, whether we are feeling stressed, our general state of health and whether or not we are currently taking particular forms of medication.

For the average person at rest however systolic blood pressure will be around 120 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) and diastolic blood pressure will be 80 mm Hg. As an indication of the degree of variation between individuals, and within any one person, the normal range of systolic pressure is considered to be 90 - 135 mm Hg and the normal range of diastolic pressure is 50 - 90 mm Hg.

If your blood pressure falls outside these readings, then your doctor will need to investigate further to discover why your blood pressure in either unusually high or unusually low.

Since most of us do not visit the doctor on a regular basis, and only venture into the surgery when we absolutely have to, it can often be many months, or even years, between blood pressure checks and we could well be walking around blissfully unaware that we have a time bomb ticking away inside us.

Today however there is a whole range of very simple to operate and relatively inexpensive blood pressure monitors available for use in our own homes and absolutely no reason at all for not keeping a regular eye on our most valuable organ.

So, before tragedy strikes either you or one of your loved ones, why not take a few minutes to check out the range of blood pressure monitors available and buy yourself some peace of mind.

By Joshua Poyoh

It is more convenient to have your own blood pressure monitor at home if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension. You could do monitoring in the comfort of your own home rather than going to the doctor's clinic.

You can also go to Walgreens, Sam's Club or other pharmacies that have the sit down automatic blood pressure machines available to customers who want to check their own blood pressure. These checks are fairly accurate, but your blood pressure may be different than it would be if you were checking at home. Part of the reason is that some people may be more anxious outside their home. Your blood pressure may also fluctuate depending on the time of the day.

Think about it, you're out shopping, driving around, dealing with traffic, trying to find things in the store, and then waiting patiently to check out (many times not). Your blood pressure is bound to be a little high, and yes, it is normal for it to fluctuate throughout the day. But stress also has significant impact on your blood pressure. You might be better off having your own blood pressure monitor at home to check it at times when you are not influenced by the hustle going on in the world outside.

There are many different types of blood pressure monitors available for home use in the market. Most of them can be purchased in most pharmacies and online sites. Prices varies from as low as $25 and up to $300 and more, depending on the features of the unit, and whether it is electric, battery operated or manual. Blood pressure monitors also come in different types that can perform the test using the finger, wrist, or arm. Some of them inflate automatically and others must be pumped up manually with the attached bulb.

Larger sized cuffs are also available if needed, and most if not all blood pressure monitors will tell the individual their pulse as well as blood pressure reading. To go just a bit further, some blood pressure monitors will also tell the user if an irregular heartbeat, if a low or high reading is detected, and will give you average of three readings. Most blood pressure monitors also come with a carrying case, batteries, and forms to record your readings. More expensive models have more features, more than one size cuff, extra bulbs, and just about extra everything.

All these bells and whistles are really not necessary. A basic unit from Walgreens for $35 will serve you just fine. Most blood pressure monitors offer a warranty card you can send in; along with an address you can send it to if you have any problems with the blood pressure monitor. Besides, if you have bought an inexpensive unit, it may just be worth it to just replace with another unit, instead of taking all the time and trouble to send the monitor in for repairs. A home blood pressure monitor is a real life saver. Remember, hypertension is a silent killer.

By Joane H. Bowland

What are blood pressure monitors? A monitor, that monitors your blood pressure. This device will take your blood pressure as often as it is set for, and record the reading that it gets each time. This monitor will help doctors and nurses know if your blood pressure is too high or even too low.

When are blood pressure monitors used? Most of the time the blood pressure monitors are used when you are in the hospital. If you are undergoing some type of procedure in the hospital, many times the nurse will strap a monitor cuff to your arm, so that your blood pressure can be recorded and monitored while they are performing a procedure on you.

Does someone have to manually use a blood pressure monitor on me? A blood pressure monitor can be used manually used by a doctor or a nurse to take an accurate reading of your blood pressure. However, someone manually using the machine is not necessary. The machine will take your blood pressure at pre set times, so that it can be monitored without any one manually operating it.

Can a blood pressure monitor be used in the home? Yes, you can have a blood pressure machine installed in your home. This way you can have your blood pressure monitored, without ever leaving the house. Sometimes this monitor will be used on someone who is bed ridden, and does not have to worry about getting up and becoming unattached to the machine.

Are blood pressure monitors accurate? Most of the time, if the cuff is placed on the arm correctly, the blood pressure machine will monitor your blood pressure accurately. Making sure that the cuff is placed on the arm in the correct spot, and that it is snug enough that it does not move and slide down your arm, will help ensure an accurate reading.

While blood pressure monitors can be used without someone manually taking your blood pressure, this is a great device for when there is no one around that knows exactly how to do this. Making sure the cuff is on correctly is the key to an accurate reading, and will help ensure that you are having your blood pressure taken correct.

By Joane H. Bowland

Digital blood pressure monitors, are great for taking your blood pressure. They are able to give digital results in about the same time, as if you were having you blood pressure taken manually by a person.

Most digital blood pressure monitors are easy to read. This is a great feature, because it allows you to monitor your blood pressure, once the digital monitor has taken the reading. Not everyone knows how to read a blood pressure reading that was taken from a monitor that is not digital, so, having a digital one that is easy to read is some times the best bet.

Some of the digital blood pressure monitors can be expensive, however, keep in mind when you are looking to purchase one for yourself or for someone else, that buying the best blood pressure monitor that you can afford is a great idea. When you buy the best blood pressure monitor that you can afford, you can feel good about your purchase, and get the highest quality you can get for your money. You will find that after you test out some of the higher priced blood pressure monitors, they are really all the same, with only a price difference. This is where you would want to remember this tip, and go with quality as well as a reasonable price.

Digital blood pressure monitors can be used in the home, as well as in the doctor's office or hospital. Many of the clinics will use a digital monitor, so that they can accomplish more than one thing at a time. For example, some clinics will strap the blood pressure cuff to your arm, and proceed to take your temperature at the same time the digital monitor is working. This is great for getting patients in and out of the triage room fast, and helps you do your job professionally and accurately.

You will find that when you are looking for a blood pressure monitor, that not all of them are as accurate as the next one. This is also where buying the best blood pressure monitor you can afford would come in. Be sure and test the monitors and try to get one that is the most accurate, so that you will have an accurate reading.

By Jennifer Bailey

Blood pressure monitors have been in use for a long time now, but different devices provide different readings. Among the various health problems, blood pressure variations and related problems are some of the most serious.

In order to study and evaluate a patient's general condition or cardiac condition, some treatment schedules ask for a round-the-clock blood pressure checks, which requires that a blood pressure gauge be kept with the patient continuously. This is known as ABPM (Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring.) ABPM records blood pressure using an automatic blood pressure monitor that is attached to the arm of the patient.

Blood pressure monitoring device manufacturers have developed low cost and use-and-throw blood pressure monitors that are easy to operate and that give almost error-free readings. Free blood pressure monitoring devices mostly run on batteries and can be easily carried around by patients or doctors. These automatic blood pressure monitors convert pressure readings to electronic waves that are measurable. Most of them are digital devices with clear displays.

Free blood pressure monitors that enable users to take readings on their own are gaining popularity. Recent developments have produced free digital blood pressure monitors that are fully automatic. Generally, blood pressure monitors should be error corrected at regular intervals, and free blood pressure monitors are no exception.

Although blood pressure monitors were originally meant for use inside hospital surgery rooms, they have now become very common instruments even in homes and offices where you can use them comfortably. Needless to say, free blood pressure monitors have made life much easier for patients as well as doctors.

By Jennifer Bailey

Blood pressure monitors have been widely used in the treatment of many major clinical conditions. Checking blood pressure is a routine part of diagnosing illnesses. A sphygmomanometer is a traditional blood pressure monitor using a column of mercury to record blood pressure. The readings of the sphygmomanometer are mostly correct since there are only a few moving parts.

Today, more advanced and low-cost blood pressure monitors are available that are easy to use. Many monitors can even be disposed of after use. They include aneroid and electronic blood pressure monitors that run on batteries. These blood pressure monitors have large, clear electronic displays and are easy to use, even for the home user.

The most commonly used blood pressure monitors among the new category of electronic devices are wrist blood pressure monitors. These are easy to use since there is no need for an inflatable strap to take a reading. They are particularly useful for patients who need continuous monitoring. Fuzzy logic blood pressure monitors are very comfortable. They use electronic signals and perform very quickly to determine the maximum inflation level of the patient.

Most electronic blood pressure monitors are lightweight, extra small, and portable. There are even blood pressure monitors that can be telemonitored using an information network. Remote monitoring devices are ideal for doctors and patients alike. Such easy-to-use blood pressure monitors can take more than a hundred readings at regular intervals using a single command.

Some blood pressure monitors have advanced inflation sensors that automatically inflate to a preset pressure that enables accurate pressure reading. Compactly designed, they facilitate quick readings at home, at work, and even while traveling. Other features of easy-to-use electronic blood pressure monitors include memory storage and date/time display.

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.