Why visit a clinic every day when setting up blood pressure monitors at home can help you save both money and time? Blood pressure monitors are beneficial devices that allow clinical management of fluctuating blood pressure levels. 

A constant high blood pressure level affects heart health and can also induce strokes. Thus, people who suffer from hypertension must track their fluctuating blood pressure levels regularly to prevent various other health risks. As per the details provided by the monitor, you can make the required changes in your current lifestyle and redesign your fitness regime. Tracking blood pressure levels can also help you make the right medical measure at the right time. With these monitors, you can also determine whether your prescribed blood pressure control medicines are working or not. 

So, if you have family members who are suffering from hypertension, give them a blood pressure monitor or get one for yourself. But before you buy one, it is crucial to understand how to choose the right and the best type of blood pressure monitor. So, let’s learn more about blood pressure monitors. 

What are the Different Types of Blood Pressure Monitors?

  • Upper Arm Cuff Blood Pressure Machine: This type of blood pressure monitor is most popularly used in clinics, and health experts often suggest buying this type of monitor. 
  • Finger Blood Pressure Monitor: These are the smallest BP monitors that are easy to carry. Many health experts have added that it doesn’t provide an accurate reading. Still, with multiple readings, you can get a precise reading. 
  • Wrist Mount BP Monitor: These BP monitors are fully automatic and easy to use. However, health experts say that it provides a less accurate reading than upper cuff PB monitors. So, if you are buying this monitor, make sure to wear it appropriately to get a precise reading. 

What to Consider While Buying Blood Pressure Monitors?

You should consider various factors before investing in the right BP monitor. From finding the right cuff size to check the one that fits your budget, there are many factors to consider like:

  1. Clinically Approved Monitors: Always buy a BP monitor after checking if it is clinically approved. Monitors that are not clinically approved may not give an accurate reading and are not recommended to use.
  2. Portability: If you often stay outside the home for long, an easily portable monitor is the best for you. In this case, a wrist mount BP Monitor will be the best pick. 
  3. Buy Monitors That Can be Linked to iOS/Android: Monitors that can be linked to your phone help you maintain monitored data of your recent blood pressure readings. This data may help you design better fitness routines that can be effective in your overall health management.
  4. Heartbeat Detector: BP monitors that also detect heartbeat can help you stay more updated with your fitness level. Heart health is crucial for our overall functioning, and keeping track of it may benefit you in making better changes in your lifestyle. 
  5. Buy the Right Size: If you are buying a cuff BP monitor, check and buy the correct size. Check if the machine fits your upper arm and wrist properly. The wrong cuff size monitors provide inaccurate readings and can do no good. 
  6. Consider Your Budget: You will find various BP monitors in the market that cost between $40 dollars to $200. The higher cost doesn’t define the quality of reading, thus buy invest in the one that fits your requirement and budget. 
  7. Check Warranty: BP monitors are machines that may start malfunctioning anytime. So, it is crucial to check the warranty period before buying them. Buy the one that provides a more extended warranty period so that you can save on its repairing charges later. 
  8. Using Method: Invest in easy-to-use monitors rather than the traditional monitors that are hard to understand. Like, buy a user-friendly monitor that has easy to follow keys or control buttons, better display, etc. 
  9. Monitors that Store Reading Data: A monitor that keeps your past BP readings stored is beneficial to keep track of your daily blood pressure level fluctuation. You can also show this data to your doctors to receive better medical attention.  

How to Use Blood Pressure Monitors?

  • Sit relaxed on a chair, placing your forearms on a table. 
  • Apply the cuff on your arm correctly.
  • Switch on the monitor and follow the direction of use as specified on the monitor. 
  • While the cuff is inflating, wait patiently and keep breathing normally. 
  • Once the monitor shows the result, note the reading and maintain a record or take another reading if required. 

Doctors’ Advise 

  • Doctors often advise that the best time to check your BP level is either morning or evening.