Home blood pressure monitors help patients and caregivers track blood pressure fluctuations. Digital monitors are easy to use and come with self-inflating cuffs, while aneroid monitors require manual operation and a stethoscope. Accuracy should be tested before use and annually.
Home blood pressure monitors are convenient devices that help patients and their caregivers better track blood pressure fluctuations. Accurate records can help a doctor determine what times of day, what foods and what activities make a patient more vulnerable to increases in blood pressure, and this in turn can be relevant to the type and amount of medications to be prescribed, as well as whether certain foods or activities should be restricted. An aneroid or digital device can be used comfortably at home by most patients. The main difference between the two is their ease of use: digital models usually inflate automatically and provide a clear reading, while aneroid models must be operated manually.
Digital blood pressure monitors are perhaps the easiest variety to use. This type is especially convenient for those not used to testing their blood pressure. Most come with self-inflating cuffs that activate automatically once the cuff is attached and the device is turned on. This feature, as well as the digital readout, helps the patient get a more accurate blood pressure reading. Many digital monitors also include a hard copy to provide a hard copy record.
Aneroid blood pressure monitors are the “standard” ball-and-pointer type, much like what many people see in their doctor’s office. Taking blood pressure with this device requires a stethoscope and the cuff must be manually inflated. It is best for patients to have a healthcare professional educate them on how to use this type of monitor to ensure accurate readings.
It is also important for patients to have the monitor’s accuracy tested before use and at least annually thereafter. Patients may want to research different models online and read reviews to find out which ones are the best value, or they may ask a healthcare professional to recommend a reasonably priced and easy-to-use monitor.
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