How to Choose a Home Blood Pressure Monitor
Hypertension Patients Can Take Readings at Home
Oct 17, 2009
Patients diagnosed with high blood pressure are often advised by their doctors to take blood pressure readings at home. At first this may seem intimidating. After all, the doctor has a special machine, cuff and stethoscope. But taking blood pressure readings at home needn't be complicated or difficult. Digital blood pressure monitors, wrist blood pressure monitors, and diagnostic sets including blood pressure monitor and cuff are all available for at-home use.
Blood Pressure Monitor Choices
There are many choices available to measure blood pressure at home. Typical home blood pressure monitor types include:
- Aneroid monitors: these monitors include a cuff, a gauge with a dial on it, and a stethoscope. They usually cost under $30.
- Digital monitors: digital high blood pressure monitors feature an inflatable cuff with a digital reading. Some offer a print out to easily save the reading to share later with a physician. Expect to pay $30 to $100 for a digital monitor.
- Finger and wrist monitors: these feature a small band that wraps around the wrist or finger and takes a reading.
Pros and Cons of Blood Pressure Kits
Among the blood pressure monitor choices and kits listed above, each has some pros and cons.
- Aneroid monitors: Pro - inexpensive and portable. Con - can be difficult to learn how to use, and may break more easily than other types.
- Digital monitors: Pro - easy for the novice to learn and use. Con - must be used the same way every time without moving or it throws the reading off. Can also be expensive.
- Finger and wrist monitors: Pro - less intimidating than the other types for some patients. Cons - not very accurate, and usually not recommended.
Learning to Use a Blood Pressure Monitor
Digital and aneroid monitors should come with directions. It's important to read and follow directions for each unit. Most fit the cuff to the area of the arm just at the bend of the elbow.
Try to take blood pressure readings at the same time every day. Sit for a few minutes, since activity temporarily raises blood pressure readings. Medications such as allergy medications may also temporarily raise blood pressure. Be sure that the cuff fits properly. A properly fitting blood pressure cuff is essential for accurate readings. Keep the arm steady and at a normal height when taking readings, and take readings from the same arm each time.
Checking New Monitors
New monitor readings may be off by a few points. After purchasing a new blood pressure monitor, take it to the doctor's office. The doctor will check the home monitor against readings taken in the office. After checking the readings, the doctor or nurse notes if the home device is accurate or slightly off. Even if readings are off a bit, the device can still be used at home, as long as the difference is accounted for by the physician or his staff. At the appointment, a nurse, physician or assistant should teach the patient the proper way to fit and inflate the cuff to ensure accurate readings.
Store blood pressure monitors carefully. Heat can crack the rubber or plastic cuff or inflating device. Check batteries on digital monitors and replace when they run low.
Used carefully, home blood pressure monitoring systems provide patients with a way to monitor and partner with their doctors, and help doctors gauge whether or not treatment is working.
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