Considering a Home Blood Pressure Monitor Purchase? Here Are Essential Facts to Bear in Mind
Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home: A Straightforward Guide
Maybe the numbers on your blood pressure (BP) readings have been climbing lately, or you're about to start treatment for hypertension. Your doctor suggests investing in a home BP monitor to keep an eye on things between appointments. Sounds straightforward enough, right?
Not so fast! A quick search online reveals a dizzying array of models, from old-school cuff-and-stethoscope sets to sleek wireless devices that sync with your smartphone. How do you separate the useful gadgets from the gimmicks without causing a jump in your own BP?
Worry not! Heart specialist Dr. Luke Laffin has got your back. Here are his top six tips on what you need – and what you don't need – in a reliable home BP monitor.
Getting Started: Tips for Taking Accurate Readings
Before diving into Dr. Laffin's expert advice, let's review the basic steps of taking BP readings at home. The American Heart Association provides some helpful guidelines to ensure your readings are accurate:
- Steer Clear of Stressors: Refrain from activities that raise BP, like drinking caffeine, smoking, or exercising, for 30 minutes before testing.
- Posture Matters: Test in a seated position, with your back supported and arm at heart level. Use a cushion or armrest for support.
- Take It Easy: Relax for five minutes before turning on the monitor to reduce stress and get the most accurate reading.
- Timing is Key: Avoid testing immediately after using the bathroom, as a full bladder can increase BP. Set a consistent routine for testing, preferably at the same times each day, for the most useful insights.
Choosing the Right Monitor
With a myriad of BP monitors on the market, making a decision can be overwhelming. Here are six things to keep in mind to ensure you choose a reliable, accurate device.
Opt for Arm Cuffs
You can pick up a BP monitor at any pharmacy or online retailer. When selecting yours, Dr. Laffin recommends choosing a model with an automatic cuff that wraps around your upper arm. These are called brachial BP monitors.
Avoid monitors with stethoscopes, previously mentioned wrist cuffs, or finger cuffs. According to the American Heart Association, upper arm cuffs provide the most accurate readings.
Consider Cuff Size
There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing a BP monitor, only to discover it doesn't fit your arm properly. Cuff size is crucial for obtaining accurate readings, so measure the midpoint of your upper arm exactly halfway between your shoulder and elbow to determine the correct fit.
Ensure your chosen monitor has a cuff size that matches yours, among the following options: - Small: 8.5 to 10 inches (22 to 26 centimeters) - Average: 10.5 to 13 inches (27 to 34 centimeters) - Large: 13.5 to 17 inches (35 to 44 centimeters) - Extra-large: 17.7 to 20.5 inches (45-52 centimeters)
Stick to Simplicity
Tempting as it may be to opt for the latest gadgets with Bluetooth connectivity and cloud storage, remember that simpler is often better when it comes to BP monitors. Dr. Laffin suggests keeping your costs between $40 and $60 for an effective, healthcare provider-approved device that will do the job well.
Skip the Apps
These days, there's an app for just about everything, including BP measurement. While well-intentioned, most smartphone apps have not been rigorously tested and are best avoided. Certain apps claim to measure BP through pulse wave velocity, but these readings can be inaccurate.
Look for Validation and Accuracy
To find a reliable monitor, visit the US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing. This independent review committee tests blood pressure monitoring products for accuracy and gives specific models their stamp of approval. Although not every approved monitor will suit your needs or budget, it provides a quick and convenient way to discover a trustworthy device.
Regardless of the brand, all monitors can experience inaccuracies due to manufacturing errors, wear and tear, or battery depletion. Regularly compare your device to an office monitor at your healthcare provider's office to ensure it's providing reliable readings. Home BP machines generally last between two and three years. After that, annual testing is recommended.
Consider a Three-Reading Monitor
Some monitors take three readings automatically each time you test, spaced 30 to 60 seconds apart. This feature can help increase the accuracy of your readings by providing an average of the three values, which more closely reflects your real BP.
- Incorporating up-to-date health news, home BP monitoring can help manage chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, providing valuable insights between doctor visits.
- To ensure you're making health-and-wellness choices that support overall well-being, pay attention to your diet, focusing on nutrition and maintaining a balanced diet.
- Beyond just BP monitoring, staying active through fitness-and-exercise is crucial in managing chronic diseases, such as hypertension, improving medical-conditions, and enhancing one's quality of life.
- Regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals can help manage medical conditions like chronic diseases effectively and prevent any complications in the future. Additionally, this provides opportunities to discuss health-related news and trends, including advancements in science and treatments.
