How to Choose The Best Home Blood Pressure Monitor?
Posted by Yogesh Nadar on
Do you ever wonder about your blood pressure but don't want to go to the doctor to find out? Worry not because a home blood pressure monitor allows you to check your blood pressure from the comfort of your home. It's not only convenient, but it's also an excellent way to monitor your health and prevent hypertension. But, with so many blood pressure monitors available, how do you know which one to buy?
Don't worry, folks, because we're here to assist you in selecting the best blood pressure monitor for your needs. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be immersed in the world of home bp monitoring. In this blog, we will discuss what are different types of blood pressure monitors and how to choose the best home blood pressure monitor according to your needs.
What are the different types of blood pressure monitors?
Before we delve into the factors to consider when choosing a home blood pressure monitor, we must understand the different types of available blood pressure monitors. The two main types are:
Manual Blood Pressure Monitors
Manual bp machines, also known as aneroid monitors, comprise a cuff that wraps around your arm, a pump that inflates the cuff, and a gauge that measures your blood pressure. They are cost-effective, portable, and precise, but they require some practice to use correctly.
Digital Blood Pressure Monitors
Digital bp machines, also known as automatic or electronic blood pressure monitors, are simple to use and provide quick and accurate readings. They are made up of a cuff, a digital display, and an electronic pump to inflate the cuff. They are divided into two types: wrist monitors and arm monitors. Wrist monitors are more compact, portable, and comfortable to use than arm monitors but may be less accurate.
These devices can also be used to measure blood pressure at home.
How to choose a blood pressure monitor?
There are various types of blood pressure monitors to choose from. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a Home Blood Pressure Monitor:-
Accuracy
Accuracy is the most important factor to consider when selecting a home blood pressure monitor. To effectively manage your blood pressure, the monitor must provide accurate readings. Look for clinically validated monitors which have been tested and proven to provide accurate readings. Check for the British Hypertension Society (BHS) certification mark or the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
Cuff Size
The cuff size is also important when selecting a home blood pressure monitor. The cuff should be snug enough to wrap around your upper arm or wrist. The accuracy of the readings can be affected if the cuff is too small or too large. Most blood pressure monitors include a standard-size cuff that will fit most adults; however, if you have a larger or smaller arm, you may require a different cuff size.
Ease of Use
Look for a blood pressure monitor that is easy to use and read. Digital monitors are generally easier to use than manual monitors because they automatically inflate and deflate the cuff and provide digital readings. Look for a monitor with a large, easy-to-read display, simple buttons, and clear instructions.
Memory and Storage
Some blood pressure monitors include memory and storage features, allowing you to save your readings over time. This allows you to keep track of your progress and share your results with your doctor. Monitors with at least 60 memory slots and a date and time stamp are ideal.
Price
Blood pressure monitors are available for as little as ₹1,000 and as much as ₹10,000. While BP monitor price is important, don't sacrifice accuracy and quality for a lower price. Choose a monitor that meets your requirements while remaining within your budget.
How to use the BP machine?
Once you have chosen the right blood pressure monitor, learning how to use it correctly is essential. Here are the steps to follow:
- Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor and your back supported.
- Place your arm on a table or armrest, palm facing up.
- Wrap the cuff around your upper arm or wrist, ensuring a snug fit. Depending on whether you're using an upper arm or wrist blood pressure monitor, the bottom of the cuff should be about an inch above your elbow or on your wrist.
- Start the computer by turning on the monitor and pressing the start button. The cuff will automatically inflate.
- Wait for the cuff to deflate and your blood pressure reading to appear on the monitor.
- Keep a log of your readings or save them to the monitor's memory function.
- Repeat the process every day at the same time, preferably before you eat or take any medications.
To ensure accurate blood pressure readings, follow these tips:
- Before taking your blood pressure reading, relax for at least 5 minutes.
- Avoid caffeine, smoking, and strenuous exercise for at least 30 minutes before your reading.
- Take your readings with the same arm each time.
- Every day, do your reading at the same time.
- Sit still and avoid talking while having your blood pressure checked.
Choosing the best blood pressure monitor is absolutely essential for hypertension management and avoiding complications. When choosing a blood pressure monitor, consider the accuracy, cuff size, ease of use, memory and storage, and price.
Once you've decided on a monitor, learn to use it properly and follow the guidelines for accurate readings.
Remember to share your blood pressure readings with your doctor and follow their recommendations for blood pressure management.
You can take control of your health and avoid complications by using the best blood pressure machine and monitoring routine.
Some of our best selling blood pressure monitors are -
In addition to blood pressure monitors, there are various other types of medical equipment available in the market. If you're interested, you can check out the selection on the TenTabs website.
- ECG Machine monitors your heart rhythm and electrical activities. ECG machine price ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹3,00,000
- EEG Machine detects epileptic activity that causes several seizures.
- Holter ECG System spots the irregular heartbeat rhythms that an ECG machine might have missed.
- A patient monitor such as a Contec patient monitor is used to monitor the health of the patient.
- A syringe infusion pump is part of the injection that injects medications inside bodies.
FAQs
Is the blood pressure the same for all age groups?
No, Different age groups have different blood pressure. For example:- ages 1 to 5 years 90/60 whereas 20 to 29 years should have 120/80
Is digital bp machine accurate?
Most of the time, digital machines are accurate, but if you move during the reading. Then the reading might not be accurate.
What time of the day is the blood pressure highest?
Usually, blood pressure is at their highest a couple of hours before you wake up. It continues to rise during the daytime and peaks at noon.