How Does A Blood Pressure Monitor Work
Digital blood pressure monitors feature a gauge, stethoscope and error indicator in one device. Some cuffs inflate automatically while others require the user to use a pump to inflate the cuff manually, temporarily cutting off blood flow to the arm. The cuff then automatically deflates, allowing blood to flow around the artery in the arm once again. The vibration of this blood flow is detected by the monitor, prompting it to record the systolic blood pressure reading. As it deflates further and these vibrations stop, the monitor records a diastolic blood pressure reading. These blood pressure readings are displayed on the devices screen. Depending on the device, a color indicator may appear to show how the reading compares with normal blood pressure readings.
How To Accurately Measure Blood Pressure At Home
Please note: This article was published more than two years ago, so some information may be outdated. If you have questions about your health, always contact a health care professional.
High blood pressure is one of the top risk factors for heart attack and stroke. It’s also common among people who develop severe COVID-19 symptoms.
So, with more people at home practicing social distancing and with fewer chances to check blood pressure at public pharmacy machines or doctor visits, it’s more important than ever to know how to do it at home.
How do I select a home blood pressure monitor?
“The readings you get at home are really important, because they reflect the pressure your heart is facing on a day-to-day basis,” said Dr. Michael Hochman, a doctor of internal medicine at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California.
A list of validated home monitors, the first in the United States and commissioned to meet the American Medical Association’s criteria, is available at validateBP.org. The Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, the British Hypertension Society and the European Society of Hypertension also certify devices.
The device should measure blood pressure on the upper arm, which produce a more reliable result than those that measure from the wrist.
Many devices are automated. Simply put on the cuff and press a button. The results are displayed digitally.
Your health care provider should check the device about once a year to ensure its accuracy.
Blood Pressure Monitors In The Comfort Of Home
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What Is The Difference Between Monitoring Blood Pressure Using A Home Digital Monitor As Opposed To Getting My Reading When I See My Doctor
Digital monitors measure blood pressure oscillometrically rather than by auscultation. In auscultation, stethoscopes are used to take blood pressure by listening for specific heartbeat sounds which the doctor then uses to determine systolic and diastolic pressures. Oscillometric technology measures the vibration of blood traveling through the arteries and converts the movement into digital readings.
OMRON digital blood pressure monitors use the oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement. An oscillometric monitor does not need a stethoscope so the monitor is simple to use.
It is also important to note that Home Blood Pressure monitoring allows you to monitor frequently and share the results with your doctor if you desire.
How Do I Know If My Monitor Is Accurate Or If I Am Using It Correctly
Once you buy your device, have your doctor check it for accuracy. They should check your monitor once a year. On your own, periodically check the tubing for cracks and leaks. Proper care and storage are necessary. Make sure the tubing is not twisted when you store it. Keep it away from heat.
Ask your doctor or nurse to teach you how to use your blood pressure monitor correctly. This will help you achieve good results in controlling your blood pressure.
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How To Get The Most Accurate Reading On A Wrist Monitor
In order to get an accurate reading with a wrist blood pressure monitor, you need to:
- Take the reading with your arm and wrist at heart level.
- Place the blood pressure monitor at the exact right spot on your wrist. Look at the instruction manual for your specific wrist monitor to determine the correct placement.
This means that a reading from a wrist monitor is likely to be inaccurate. While being a little off might not be a big deal if you want to casually check your blood pressure occasionally, thats not the case for most people who are monitoring their blood pressure at home.
Often, if youre taking your blood pressure at home, youre concerned about your blood pressure or you might have even been asked by a doctor to do at-home tracking. This makes the accuracy of readings very important.
Most Accurate: Digital Arm Monitors
Digital upper arm monitors are a great way to measure your blood pressure at home. Theyre more accurate than wrist monitors and theyre easier to master than analog upper arm monitors.
Their accuracy and ease of use make them a smart choice for most people. Plus, many digital arm monitors have user-friendly features like automatic cuff inflation and blood pressure reading storage.
However, digital arm monitors arent perfect. Theyre more expensive than other types of at-home monitors. In fact, some models are priced at over $100. Theyre also not always completely accurate.
Moving your body while the monitor is on can give a false read. Some digital arm monitors cant be used on your right arm, making those models difficult for some people to use. Finally, people with irregular heartbeats might not be able to get an accurate blood pressure reading from any type of digital monitor.
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Is It Normal For My Blood Pressure To Vary
Yes, it is quite normal for peoples blood pressure to change throughout the day and night, or in different settings where you may measure your blood pressure. Many things, such as stress levels, food or drink intake, activity levels, even time of day can all affect a persons blood pressure reading at any given time. In fact, there are published studies that show a given persons blood pressure can change by up to 20mm within a day, based on activity levels, food/drink intake, stress, etc. This is why it is important to take your blood pressure on a regular basis, and review the overall trend of your blood pressure readings with your doctor.
For a convenient tool to help you easily track your blood pressure readings, click here.
Best Blood Pressure Monitors Buyers Guide
Reviewed by health expert Sally Russell, MN, CMSRN, CNE
If you’re one of the 116 million Americans with high blood pressure or hypertension, twice-daily blood pressure readings can clue you in to trends over timedata that could help you prevent complications like a heart attack or stroke.1,2
To make sure we recommended a sensitive, accurate, and easy-to-use blood pressure monitor, we educated ourselves about blood pressure measurement technology, read hundreds of user reviews across the web, and talked with our very own nurse advisor, Sally Russell, MN, CMSRN, CNE. Our verdict: the best blood pressure monitor for at-home use is the Omron Platinum.
Like all of the blood pressure monitors on our list, the Omron Platinum is clinically accurate and offers easy-to-understand results. But its stand-out feature is unlimited storage through a mobile app. Other monitors store around 100 readings, which makes it less convenient for you to track long-term trends.
Find other blood pressure monitors with expanded cuff sizes or lower price points in our full list below.
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Best Home Blood Pressure Monitors Of 2022
These devices can help you keep better track of your numbersand even get them under control
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If you have high blood pressure, you might benefit from being able to keep a close eye on your numbers. For that, youll need a home blood pressure monitor.
Research suggests that self-monitoring of blood pressure can lead to lower blood pressure numbers and, if you have uncontrolled hypertension, may help you get it under control.
And for certain people, a home blood pressure monitor can help diagnose hypertension in the first place. A 2019 study in the journal Hypertension found that almost 46 percent of all U.S. adults could benefit from blood pressure monitoring outside the doctors office. Thats partly because home blood pressure checks can help get around phenomena like masked and white coat hypertension, in which in-office blood pressure measurements are lower or higher, respectively, than they are in daily life.
Here, more about the burden of high blood pressure in the U.S. You can also scroll down to see our top picks for home blood pressure monitors.
Experts have emphasized the need for research focused on better prevention and treatment of hypertension for Black Americans.
Below, youll find four of our top-rated home blood pressure monitors. Members can see our full ratings and reviews here.
How We Reviewed Blood Pressure Monitors
We started our evaluation by looking over prices, user reviews, and doctor recommendations. Here are some things we considered when selecting blood pressure monitors for our list:
- Simple interface: A user-friendly interface with large numbers and big buttons makes it easier to navigate the blood pressure monitor and understand the results.
- Multiple users: A multiple-user feature tracks more than one persons blood pressure, so you can share the monitor with family members and skip the hassle of buying multiple devices.
- Accurate readings: Accuracy is one of the most important things to look for in a blood pressure monitor. We chose only upper arm monitors for our list because they tend to have the best accuracy. Learn more about the different types of blood pressure monitors.
- Memory storage: With high memory storage, you can log your blood pressure readings multiple times a day and over a long period to give your doctor a better picture of your health.
- Advisor recommendations: We asked Sally Russell, MN, CMSRN, CNE, health expert, and educator, to review our selection and suggest one of her own.
Learn about how we rank products by checking out our full methodology.
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To Get The Most Accurate Results When Testing
1. Try to measure your blood pressure at the same time every day. The time between two measurements is at least 5 minute
2. Please follow the instruction manual to properly apply the cuff on your upper arm. Measure always on the same arm .
3. During the measurement, sit in a relaxed position with your feet straight in front of you and your arm on the table. Do not cross your legs.
4. Avoid eating, smoking as well as all forms of exertion directly before the measurement. All these factors influence the measurement result. Try and find time to relax by sitting in an armchair in a quiet atmosphere for about ten minutes before the measurement.
5. Attempt to carry out the measurements regularly at the same time of day, since the blood-pressure changes during the course of the day.
6. Please sit upright and keep your heart and armbands level
What Is The Difference Between The Comfit Cuff And The D
The ComFit cuff is pre-formed to wrap easily around your upper arm. It features 360º around the circumference of your arm to help reduce measurement errors and ensure inflation over your brachial artery. The D-Ring cuff is a soft contoured cuff that is designed for more comfortable measurement. This style is typically seen in a doctors office. You loop one end of the cuff through the D-shaped metal ring, put your arm through the cuff and then fasten the end around the arm. Both cuffs fit a standard- to large-sized adult arm. 9 to 17 in circumference.
When purchasing an at-home blood pressure monitor, it is important to know your proper cuff size. To determine your arm size, use a cloth measuring tape and measure the circumference of your left upper arm midway between your elbow and shoulder. The blood pressure cuff must be neither too tight nor too loose to help ensure accurate readings, providing you with an accurate picture of your hearts health.
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How Do I Measure My Blood Pressure
Before you check your blood pressure, you should:
- Wait 30 minutes after eating or using caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco products.
- Go to the bathroom and empty your bladder.
- Rest for 3 to 5 minutes and do not talk.
- Sit in a comfortable position, with your legs and ankles uncrossed and your back supported.
- Elevate your left arm to the level of your heart. Place it on a table or desk and sit still.
- Wrap the cuff around the upper part of your bare arm. The cuff should be smooth and snug. There should be enough room for you to slip one fingertip under the cuff.
- Check the placement of the cuff. The bottom edge of it should be 1 inch above the crease of your elbow.
Below are the steps to take to use an aneroid monitor.
Below are the steps to take to use a digital monitor.
- Turn the power on to start the unit.
- On the automatic models, the cuff will inflate by itself with a push of a button. On the manual models, you have to inflate the cuff. You do this by squeezing the rubber bulb at a rapid rate.
- After the cuff inflates, the automatic device will slowly let air out.
- Look at the display screen to get your blood pressure reading. It will show your systolic and diastolic pressures. Write down the measurement in your record. The systolic pressure goes in front of the diastolic pressure. For example, 120/80.
- Press the exhaust button to release all of the air from the cuff.
- If you need to repeat the measurement, wait 2 to 3 minutes before starting.
Hypertension Canadas Recommended Bpm Devices Listing
Hypertension Canadas Recommended BPM Devices Listing is designed to help you in your purchasing decisions by easily identifying devices that are validated in studies as accurate.
Devices used to measure blood pressure at home can be purchased from most pharmacies and stores that sell health care equipment. Here are some helpful tips when shopping for a blood pressure monitor:
- Ask the staff for training on how to properly use the monitor and assistance in selecting the proper cuff size and features.
- Blood pressure monitors that have a memory or printout for storing readings are recommended as this allows your doctor to see all readings that have been taken.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check the monitor to make sure it is accurate.
- Automated blood pressure monitors may not work properly in those with an irregular heart rhythm. If you have an irregular heart rhythm, alert the sales staff so you can test out the device to ensure it takes proper readings before making a purchase.
- Make sure to use products that dont interfere with the regular heart rhythm.
- Make sure that the device you are using or purchasing is Recommended by Hypertension Canada. These devices have been clinically validated to be accurate.
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Most Accurate Blood Pressure Monitor
There are many factors to consider when choosing a blood pressure monitor, such as accuracy, ease of use, and price. The most important factor to consider is accuracy, as this will ensure that you are getting accurate readings of your blood pressure. There are many different brands and models of blood pressure monitors on the market, so it is important to do your research to find the most accurate one for your needs.
Greater Goods Smart Blood Pressure Monitor 0604 is the most dependable blood pressure monitor available at the moment. There are two ways to store readings, and the companion app can keep track of up to 60 readings per user. If you prefer a non-smart machine, the runner-up pick is essentially the same monitor with no Bluetooth, but with a smart processor. With its wireless, cuff-and-monitorin-one device, the Omron Evolv, you can do things like record your sleeping patterns. While the on-cuff display is covered in a layer of light, it is small and difficult to read. A blood pressure monitor is only useful as a tool to keep track of your blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of Americans have high blood pressure.
Will I See Differences Between My Readings At Home Compared To Readings In My Doctor’s Office
Yes, you will see some differences. This is normal and can occur for many reasons. Some of the more common reasons are:
So do not be alarmed when you see differences between your readings at home compared to your readings in your doctors office. Discuss it with your doctor to get the best overall picture of your heart health.
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