Choosing the Best Home Blood Pressure Monitor 

Arm yourself with important information when selecting the home blood pressure monitor that is best for you.

Your blood pressure changes during the day depending on the foods you eat, your emotions and medications you take, so using a home blood pressure monitor will give you the facts you need to effectively gather regular measurements. In conjunction with scheduled visits to your healthcare provider, there are many options available to routinely monitor your blood pressure at home.

Regardless of the monitor you select, certain procedures should be followed in monitoring your blood pressure at home. Be sure to take your blood pressure at a consistent time each day for the most reliable results. Each time you take a measurement, take 2 to 3 readings 1 minute apart and record your findings. Avoid smoking or drinking caffeinated beverages within 30 minutes prior to taking a reading. Sit with your back straight while sitting on a firm chair with your feet flat on the floor. Make certain your legs are not crossed at all. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface with your upper arm at heart level.

Arm or Wrist Monitor?

Generally, the arm monitor is found to be more reliable than the wrist monitor because the artery in the upper arm gives a more reliable reading than the wrist artery. When using an arm monitor, always make sure the cuff fits correctly. Simply measure around your arm and select a monitor with the correct cuff size. There are arm blood pressure monitors that have easy squeeze inflation bulbs that fill the cuff with air and then automatically deflate once the reading is taken. There are also those that inflate automatically. The automatic arm cuff system insures an easy fit with the correct arm placement every time. Once the arm is positioned in the automatic cuff, the cuff inflates automatically and measures your blood pressure. The majority of home blood pressure monitors rely on battery power, often AA or AAA, but there are some that come with rechargeable battery packs.

Digital Displays and Automatic Monitors

Once your blood pressure is taken, the results are displayed on a large digital panel. These digital results are easy to read and record, making careful record- keeping simple but reliable. Many of these monitors are lightweight and portable allowing you to take it with you while traveling. There are models available at a variety of price points. Reliable home blood pressure monitors can be purchased from about $40.00 - $80.00. Some higher priced models are usually automatic and include additional features such as printed results, travel cases and battery packs.

Whatever your choice in home blood pressure monitors, it is advisable to check with your healthcare provider to review proper use procedures during a regularly scheduled visit. Ease of use, affordability and reliable measurements should all be taken into consideration when selecting the home blood pressure monitor. Arm yourself with this important information when selecting the home blood pressure monitor that is best for you.