It’s common for those with existing or suspected heart conditions to keep a blood pressure monitor at home. However, healthy people are also recommended to check their blood pressure (BP) regularly. Regular screenings help you detect conditions such as irregular heart rhythms and hypertension, allowing you to consult with a doctor as soon as possible.
When it comes to choosing a blood pressure monitor, a digital model is most recommended for home use due to their ease of use. Here’s everything you need to know before you purchase a digital blood pressure monitor.
What Is a Digital Blood Pressure Monitor?
If you have no knowledge on how to measure your BP, the digital blood pressure monitor is ideal for you. Your BP is written in two numbers: your systolic blood pressure and your diastolic blood pressure. The top number is a measure of your systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure of the blood against artery walls during each heartbeat. Your diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number, and is the measure of the pressure in your arteries between each heartbeat. A blood pressure monitor measures these two numbers to detect high BP and spot any possible heart conditions.
Unlike manual blood pressure monitors, you do not need to use a stethoscope or read a manometer to know your BP. Instead, you put a cuff on either your wrist or your arm. This cuff starts to inflate at the press of a button or a bulb. Once the cuff is fully inflated, it will slowly start to deflate, and this is when the machine will start to note down your BP and pulse rate. It then displays your result on a digital screen, usually an LED display.
Benefits of a Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
Keeping a digital blood pressure monitor in your home is an investment in your health. Monitoring your BP gives you the following benefits:
● It spots potential health issues early. Regularly monitoring your blood pressure allows you to detect any irregularities early, so you can consult your doctor for further evaluation and testing. Catching heart conditions early makes them easier to manage and treat later on.
● It helps track the effectiveness of interventions. If you already have a heart condition, regularly checking your BP allows you to check if a prescribed treatment or recommended lifestyle change is working.
● You don’t need a health professional to help you monitor your BP. Due to the digital blood pressure monitor’s ease of use, you can easily track your BP in the comfort of your own home or without having to go to the doctor’s office.
How to Choose the Right Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
With so many blood pressure monitors on the market, it can be tough to determine which one is the best for you. Here are some factors to consider when choosing:
● The size of the cuff. The cuff should fit snugly around your upper arm with enough space for two fingers underneath. Look for a monitor with an easily customizable cuff for the most accurate results.
● Other features. You can kill two birds with one stone by getting a monitor that measures more than just your BP, such as your heart rate.
● Bluetooth connectivity. Many digital blood pressure monitors have an accompanying app that helps you track your BP results, allowing you to analyze your BP trends and see how it correlates to your health.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a monitor is brand trust. OMRON, for example, is the #1 recommended brand by doctors for digital blood pressure monitors that provide clinically accurate home monitoring. Choosing equipment that health professionals trust can give you peace of mind regarding its effectiveness and accuracy.
How to Use a Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
Properly using a digital blood pressure monitor is crucial to gain the most accurate results. Here is a step-by-step process on how to accurately measure your BP.
● Prepare. Do not exercise, smoke, or drink alcohol 30 minutes before measuring your BP. Make sure to relax and remain calm for at least five minutes for the most accurate reading.
● Sit correctly. Keep your feet on the ground and your back supported. Elevate your arm around heart level and rest it on a flat surface, palm upward.
● Put on the cuff. Place it on your upper arm, one inch above your elbow. Ensure that the tubing falls over the front center of your arm. Again, the cuff should fit around your arm with space for two fingers underneath.
● Turn the machine on. Remain calm and relaxed while the monitor measures your blood pressure. Some brief discomfort is expected when the cuff inflates fully, but you can press the “stop” button if it gets too uncomfortable so you can adjust the cuff and try again.
Once the cuff has deflated, remove it and take note of your results.
Investing in a High-Quality Digital Blood Pressure Monitor Today
Measuring your BP at home is an easy, hassle-free way to track your cardiovascular health regularly. A digital blood pressure monitor puts the power of information in your hands, helping you stay in tune with your body and respond to potential issues before they escalate. Indeed, integrating this simple tool into your routine allows you to better take control of your health.