Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home

Why should I measure my blood pressure at home and keep a record of it?

Measuring your blood pressure at home and keeping a record of the measurements will show you and
your doctor how much your blood pressure changes during the day. Your doctor can use your record of
measurements to see how well your medicine is working to control your high blood pressure. Also,
measuring your own blood pressure is a good way to take part in managing your own health and
recognizing changes.

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What equipment do I need to measure my blood pressure?

To measure your blood pressure at home, you can use either an aneroid monitor or a digital monitor.
Choose the type of monitor that best suits your needs.

The aneroid monitor has a gauge that is read by looking at a pointer on a dial. The cuff is placed around
your upper arm and inflated by hand, by squeezing a rubber bulb. 

Digital monitors have either manual or automatic cuffs. The blood pressure reading flashes on a small
screen. 

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What are the pros and cons of the aneroid monitor?

One advantage of the aneroid monitor is that it can easily be carried from one place to another. Also, the
cuff for the device has a built-in stethoscope, so you don't need to buy a separate stethoscope. It's also
easier to manage this way. The unit may have a special feature that makes it easy to put the cuff on with
one hand. In addition, the aneroid monitor usually costs less than digital monitors. Aneroid monitors range
in price from about $20 to $40.

The aneroid monitor also has some disadvantages. First, it is a complicated device that can easily be
damaged and become less accurate. The device is also difficult to use if it doesn't have the special
feature--a metal ring--that makes it easier to put the cuff on. In addition, the rubber bulb that inflates the
cuff may be difficult to squeeze. This type of monitor may not be appropriate for hearing-impaired people,
because of the need to listen to heart sounds through the stethoscope.

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What are the pros and cons of the digital monitor?

Because the digital monitor is automatic, it is the more popular blood-pressure measuring device. The
blood pressure measurement is easy to read, because the numbers are shown on a screen. Some
electronic monitors also have a paper printout that gives you a record of the blood pressure reading.

The digital monitor is easier to use than the aneroid unit. It has a gauge and stethoscope in one unit, and
the numbers are easy to read. It also has an error indicator, and deflation is automatic. Inflation of the cuff
is either automatic or manual, depending on the model. This blood pressure monitoring device is good for
hearing-impaired patients, since there is no need to listen to heart sounds through the stethoscope.
A disadvantage of the digital monitor is that the accuracy is changed by body movements or an irregular
heart rate. In addition, the monitor requires batteries. Some models are designed for use with the left arm
only. This may make them hard for some patients to use. Finally, some digital monitors are expensive.
They range in price from about $30 to more than $100.

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Can I use a finger/wrist blood pressure monitor?

Tests have shown that finger/wrist devices do not measure blood pressure very accurately. They are
extremely sensitive to position and body temperature, and are more expensive than other monitors (often
costing more than $100).

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Features to look for in a blood pressure monitor

 The right cuff size is very important. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to tell you the cuff size
you need, based on the size of your arm. Blood pressure readings will be wrong if your cuff is the
wrong size.
 The numbers on the monitor should be easy for you to read.
 If you are using a stethoscope, you must be able to hear heart sounds through it.
 Cost may be an important factor. Since home blood pressure units vary in price, you may have to
shop around. The most expensive units might not be the best or the most accurate.

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How do I know if my monitor is accurate or if I am using it correctly?

Once you buy your monitor, take it to your doctor's office to be checked for accuracy. You should have
your monitor checked once a year. Proper care and storage are also necessary. Make sure the tubing is
not twisted when the monitor is stored, and keep it away from heat. Periodically check the tubing for
cracks and leaks.

Ask your doctor or nurse to teach you how to use your blood pressure monitor correctly. Proper use of it
will help you and your doctor achieve good results in controlling your blood pressure.

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Understanding the medical terms

 Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the artery.
 Hypertension means high blood pressure.
 Hypotension means low blood pressure.
 Brachial artery is a blood vessel that goes from your shoulder to just below your elbow. You
measure the pressure in this artery.
 Systolic pressure is the highest pressure in an artery when your heart is pumping blood to your
body.
 Diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure in an artery when your heart is at rest.
 Blood pressure measurement is made up of both the systolic and the diastolic pressure. It is
normally written like this: 120/80, with the systolic (top) number first.
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What do I need to do before I measure my blood pressure?

 Don't eat or use caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco products 30 minutes before measuring your blood
pressure.
 Go to the bathroom and empty your bladder before measuring your blood pressure.
 Rest for 3 to 5 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Do not talk.
 Sit in a comfortable position, with your legs and ankles uncrossed and your back supported.
 Place your left arm, raised to the level of your heart, on a table or a desk, and sit still.
 Wrap the cuff smoothly and snugly around the upper part of your bare arm. The cuff should fit
snugly, but there should be enough room for you to slip one fingertip under the cuff.
 Check to see that the bottom edge of the cuff is 1 inch above the crease of your elbow.

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How do I use a manual or aneroid monitor?

1. Put the stethoscope ear pieces into your ears, with the ear pieces facing forward.
2. Place the stethoscope disk on the inner side of the crease of your elbow.
3. Rapidly inflate the cuff by squeezing the rubber bulb to 30 to 40 points higher than your last
systolic reading. Inflate the cuff rapidly, not just a little at a time. Inflating the cuff too slowly will
cause a false reading.
4. Slightly loosen the valve and slowly let some air out of the cuff. Deflate the cuff by 2 to 3
millimeters per second. If you loosen the valve too much, you won't be able to determine your
blood pressure.
5. As you let the air out of the cuff, you will begin to hear your heartbeat. Listen carefully for the first
sound. Check the blood pressure reading by looking at the pointer on the dial. This number will
be your systolic pressure.
6. Continue to deflate the cuff. Listen to your heartbeat. You will hear your heartbeat stop at some
point. Check the reading on the dial. This number is your diastolic pressure.
7. Write down your blood pressure, with the systolic pressure before the diastolic pressure (for
example, 120/80).
8. If you want to repeat the measurement, wait 2 to 3 minutes before reinflating the cuff.

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How do I use a digital monitor?

1. Put the cuff around the arm. Turn the power on, and start the machine.
2. The cuff will inflate by itself with a push of a button on the automatic models. On the
semiautomatic models, the cuff is inflated by squeezing the rubber bulb. After the cuff is inflated,
the automatic mechanism will slowly reduce the cuff pressure.
3. Look at the display window to see your blood pressure reading. The machine will show your
systolic and diastolic blood pressures on the screen. Write down your blood pressure, with the
systolic pressure before the diastolic pressure (for example, 120/80).
4. Press the exhaust button to release all of the air from the cuff.
5. If you want to repeat the measurement, wait 2 to 3 minutes before reinflating the cuff.

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What does my blood pressure reading mean?

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If your blood pressure
is between 120/80 and 140/90, you have something called "prehypertension," which means that you are
in the beginning stages and at risk for high blood pressure. 

Only your doctor can tell you whether you have high blood pressure. Most doctors will check your blood
pressure several times on different days before deciding that you have high blood pressure. If you have
high blood pressure or prehypertension, you will need to check your blood pressure regularly and keep in
touch with your family doctor.
Finding The Best Blood Pressure Monitors
High blood pressure is a major problem today and the biggest difficulty with this serious and often life-threatening
condition is that it rarely displays any symptoms at all.

For this reason, it is vital that we all have our blood pressure checked from time to time and there is no easier way to
do that nowadays than by using your own home blood pressure monitor.

Modern automatic monitors are simple to use and most have large digital readouts which are also very easy to read.
Many also have memory facilities which allow you to keep a record or your blood pressure readings over time and
sometimes to print these out or to load them into your computer where they can be plotted into a clear graphical
picture.

One big problem for many people is choosing an automatic digital blood pressure monitor which suits their need (for
example with the right sized cuff) and budget and so we have looked at a number of the leading machines on sale so
that you can get a factual an un-biased view of each.

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Blood Pressure - Understand Your Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure directly affects your health and careful measuring with the
right equipment is essential for accurate readings

High Blood Pressure affects millions of people in the UK increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
It has no symptoms.  The only way for you to know if you have low, normal or high blood pressure is
to have it measured using an accurate blood pressure monitor.

A recent study showed that people who measure their blood pressure at home have better control of
their condition. It found that blood pressure was lower in people who had been checking their blood
pressure at home. More...

To understand more about what blood pressure is, what's normal and why it is important to lower
high blood pressure read the full information on the high blood pressure page.  This site also
contains information about low blood pressure.

Blood pressure monitoring needs to give accurate readings if it is to be worthwhile.  You may have
been advised to measure your blood pressure at home in order to get a more accurate record or your
readings or just want to keep a check on your own blood pressure. On this site you can access a
comprehensive fact sheet about how to measure blood pressure.

Blood pressure is more and more often measured using an automatic blood pressure monitor that can
also be used at home.  For ease of use these machines can be fully automatic and measure blood
pressure correctly on the upper arm at heart level. The readings are given on a digital display and can
be stored in the monitor's memory or printed out.

Check your readings against this blood pressure chart and find out more about what the numbers
mean.

It is worth noting that electronic blood pressure measuring devices have the following advantages:

 Electronic blood pressure measuring devices are becoming the norm now mercury is being
phased out because of its hazardous nature.
 Most of these are now accurate enough for routine clinical use and are relatively inexpensive.
 Automatic machines don't require the use of a stethoscope to hear when the pulse stops and
begins to determine the two readings (systolic and diastolic pressure)
 They eliminate many of the errors in blood pressure measurement that human beings can
generate.

You can buy top models of blood pressure monitors from online medical supply shops such
asMedisave who offer the latest approved models from leading brands such as Omron including the
latest omron m10-it blood pressure monitor, A&D and Microlife at heavily discounted online prices.

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Blood Pressureis the measurement of pressure of the blood flowing through your blood vessels (called
arteries) against the vessel walls. Medindia's simple tool alerts you if for your age your blood pressure is
abnormal by displaying the normal values.

This measurement is important if you are using a home electronic device to check your blood pressure.
Please remember to put on the cuff properly and if your pressure is high check it again when you are more
relaxed. Please remember that your pressure may be higher after a meal or exercise.

High Blood Pressure- the heart exerts more force to pump the same quantity of blood within the same time.
Main Reasons for high blood pressure: hereditary, mental tension, excess intake of common salt, over-
weight, sedentary life- style, smoking and excess intake of alcohol.

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An international journal devoted to research in blood pressure monitoring and variability, Blood Pressure
Monitoring contains papers dealing with all aspects of manual, automated, and ambulatory monitoring.

Blood Pressure Monitoring is devoted to original research in blood pressure measurement and blood
pressure variability. It includes device technology, analytical methodology of blood pressure over time and
its variability, clinical trials -- including, but not limited to, pharmacology -- involving blood pressure
monitoring, blood pressure reactivity, patient evaluation, and outcomes and effectiveness research. 

This innovative journal contains papers dealing with all aspects of manual, automated, and ambulatory
monitoring. Basic and clinical science papers are considered although the emphasis is on clinical medicine.

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 Get the most out of home blood pressure
monitoring
Checking your blood pressure at home is an important part of managing high
blood pressure. Find out how to use home monitors accurately.
By Mayo Clinic staff

Checking your blood pressure at home is an important part of managing high blood pressure
(hypertension). The American Heart Association and other organizations recommend anyone with high
blood pressure monitor his or her blood pressure at home. Home monitoring can help you keep tabs
on your blood pressure in a familiar setting, make certain your medication is working, and alert you
and your doctors to potential health complications.

Because blood pressure monitors are available widely and without a prescription, home monitoring is
an easy step you can take to improve your condition. Before you get started, it's important to know
the right technique and to find a good home blood pressure monitor.

Why do I need to monitor my blood pressure at home?

Monitoring your blood pressure at home offers several benefits. It can:

 Help make an early diagnosis of high blood pressure. If you have prehypertension, or
another condition that could contribute to high blood pressure, such as diabetes or kidney problems,
home blood pressure monitoring could help your doctor diagnose high blood pressure earlier than if
you have only infrequent blood pressure readings in the doctor's office.

 Help track your treatment. Home blood pressure monitoring can help people of all ages
keep track of their condition — including children and teenagers who have high blood pressure. Self-
monitoring provides important information between visits to your doctor. The only way to know
whether your lifestyle changes or your medications are working is to check your blood pressure
regularly. Keeping track of changes can help you and your health care team make decisions about
your ongoing treatment strategy, such as adjusting dosages or changing medications.

 Encourage better control. Taking your own blood pressure measurements can result in
better blood pressure control. You gain a stronger sense of responsibility for your health, and you may
be even more motivated to control your blood pressure with an improved diet, physical activity and
proper medication use.

 Cut your health care costs. Home monitoring may cut down on the number of visits you
need to make to your doctor or clinic. This can reduce your overall health care costs, lower your travel
expenses and save in lost wages.

 Check if your blood pressure is different outside the doctor's office. Your doctor may
suspect that your blood pressure goes up due to the anxiety associated with being at the doctor's
office, but is otherwise normal — a condition called white-coat hypertension. Monitoring blood
pressure at home or work, where that kind of anxiety won't cause those spikes, can help see if you
have true high blood pressure or simply white-coat hypertension.
 Home and workplace monitoring may also help when the opposite occurs — your blood pressure
seems fine at the doctor's office, but is elevated elsewhere. This kind of high blood pressure,
sometimes called masked hypertension, is more common in women and those with cardiovascular risk
factors, such as obesity, high blood cholesterol and high blood sugar.

Not everyone can track blood pressure at home. If you have an irregular heartbeat, home blood
pressure monitors might not give you an accurate reading. In some cases, the type of monitor you
use could depend on your physical condition. If you're overweight or very muscular, you'll need to find
a monitor with a larger arm cuff. If you have hearing loss, a monitor with a digital display may be
more suitable.

Talk to your doctor, nurse or other health care professional about whether home monitoring is a good
option. Keep in mind that a family member or friend who is properly trained may be able to take blood
pressure measurements for you.

Types of home monitors

Today, most pharmacies, medical supply stores, and some Internet sites sell home blood pressure
monitors. All monitors have the same basic parts — an inflatable cuff or strap, a gauge for readouts,
and sometimes a stethoscope, depending on the type of monitor you choose.

 Cuff. The cuff consists of an inner layer made of rubber that fills with air and squeezes your
arm. The cuff's outer layer is generally made of nylon and has a fastener to hold the cuff in place.

 Gauge. Blood pressure monitors are either digital or aneroid. The aneroid monitors have a
gauge with a dial on it that points at a number related to your blood pressure. Some older gauges look
similar to a thermometer and contain mercury. Mercury devices should never be used in the home.

 Stethoscope. Some blood pressure monitors come with a stethoscope. It's used to listen to
the sounds your blood makes as it flows through the brachial artery in the crook of your elbow.
However, without proper training, it's difficult to interpret those sounds. Digital blood pressure cuffs
usually have a built-in sensor that records the information for you.

There are two types of home blood pressure monitors:

 Manual devices. Manual blood pressure monitors use a stethoscope and an inflatable arm
cuff connected by a rubber tube to a gauge that records the pressure. To measure your blood
pressure, you inflate the cuff that goes around your arm by pumping a bulb at one end of the tube.
You then check your blood pressure with a stethoscope — listening to the sounds of blood flow
through the main artery in your upper arm as the pressure decreases in the cuff. Manual monitors are
usually less expensive than digital monitors, but can be more difficult to use.

 Digital devices. Digital monitors have a cuff and a gauge that records the pressure. The cuff
automatically inflates at the touch of a button. These devices automatically calculate heart rate and
check your blood pressure by measuring the changes in the motion of your artery as the blood flows
through the artery while the cuff deflates. Some even give you an error message if you aren't wearing
the cuff properly. Digital monitors also deflate automatically.

Digital monitors can be fitted on the upper arm, wrist or finger. Arm devices are the most accurate.
One use for wrist monitors is for those people for whom a large upper arm cuff is too small or can't be
used because of shape or pain from the pressure of the cuff when it inflates. Be sure your arm is at
heart level when using a wrist monitor. Devices that measure your blood pressure at your finger are
not recommended.
Talk over the choices with your doctor or nurse so that you pick the monitor that's best for your
situation.

Public blood pressure machines

Public blood pressure machines, such as those found in pharmacies, may not be accurate. They may
not have been properly maintained, and the cuff may not be the correct size for you, depending on
the size of your arm. You shouldn't rely on public blood pressure machines to regularly measure your
blood pressure.