If you have high blood pressure, your doctor might have asked you to monitor it at home and keep a blood pressure journal to bring to your doctor’s appointment. If you are wondering what the best blood pressure monitor is for you, we have prepared a quick guide about everything to know about choosing the right blood pressure monitor.
What is a blood pressure monitor?
A blood pressure monitor, also often referred to as a sphygmomanometer, blood pressure meter or a blood pressure gauge, is a medical device that measures the pressure of the blood in your arteries. A blood pressure monitor consists of an inflatable cuff that you fit around your upper arm to take the blood pressure reading.
How does a blood pressure monitor work?
When the blood pressure cuff inflates and tightens around the arm, it stops the flow of the blood inside the veins. After a few seconds the cuff deflates, and as it loosens the pressure, the blood starts flowing through the arteries again, creating detectable vibrations in the arterial walls. The blood pressure monitor then records the values of the pressure when these vibrations were recorded.
Are there different types of blood pressure cuffs?
There are two main types of blood pressure monitors: aneroid (sometimes called manual) and digital. Aneroid blood pressure monitors use a rubber bulb, a digital gauge with a needle and a stethoscope. They are mostly used by doctors and medical staff. Digital blood pressure monitors are more appropriate for home use as they inflate and provide the values of your measurement automatically. QardioArm smart blood pressure monitor is a type of a digital monitor.
How do I choose the blood pressure monitor right for me?
It is important to choose the right blood pressure monitor for you, especially if you plan or need to use it frequently. Convenience and ease of use are two features many users look for when picking a blood pressure monitor for home use. A digital monitor is usually recommended and there are two types: an upper arm monitor or a wrist blood pressure monitor. Upper arm monitors are proven to be more accurate and provide readings your doctor is more likely to trust. Apart from design and functionality, you should always select a monitor that is medically precise and clinically validated for accuracy.
QardioArm smart blood pressure monitor is a medically accurate monitor that has been designed to fit everyday life, making it easy to take a blood pressure measurement anytime, anywhere. It’s portable, discreet and stores all your measurements on your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to email results to your doctor with a tap.
Sources:
American Heart Association