Monitoring your blood pressure with Blood Pressure Monitors
If you are a pre hypertension or high blood pressure person, advisable you arrange to monitor your blood pressure level regularly on daily basis/weekly/monthly.There are various Automatic blood pressure monitors are available in the market today. You may choose a better Digital blood pressure monitor from any reputed company (better for home/personal use).
Measuring your blood pressure at home and keeping a record of the measurement can show you and your doctor about your blood pressure changes during the day/during a week/month. Your doctor can use the measurement to see how well your medicine is working to control your blood pressure. This will help your managing your blood pressure and health in a better way.
Advantage of Digital monitor
Digital monitor is automatic and the blood pressure measurement is easy to read, as the numbers are shown on a screen.It is easier to use than any other monitor unit, and the numbers are easy to read. It has also an error indicator, and deflation is automatic.
Disadvantage of the digital monitor is that the accuracy is changed even by slight body movements or an irregular heart rate. And the monitor requires batteries.
Before taking measurement
Avoid eating, smoking, and exercising for at least 30 minutes before taking a measurement. Also, rest for at least 15 minutes before taking your first reading. It’s good idea to measure your blood pressure at the same time each day for consistency (basis personal experience better between 0700 to 0800 hrs and 1900 to 2000 hrs) and as per your convenient.Put your arm, at the level of your heart, on a table, and sit straight in a relaxed manner.
Wrap the cuff smoothly around the upper part of your (left) bare arm. The cuff should fit correctly.
Put your left arm through the cuff loop. The bottom of the cuff should be approximately 1-2 cm above the elbow. The cuff tab should lie over the brachial artery on the inside of the arm
Pull the cuff so that the top and bottom edges are tightened evenly around your arm.
When the cuff is positioned correctly, pres the sewn hook material firmly against the pile side of the cuff.
One should avoid taking measurements during stressful times. Measurements should be taken in a quiet /calm place and one should be in a relaxed, seated position. Better remove clothing from your (left or right) upper arm, remain seated straight and do not talk during the measurement.
Keep a record of your blood pressure and pulse for your doctor. As a single measurement does not provide an accurate indication of your true blood pressure, you may have to take and record several measurements over a period of time.
Wait 5 to 10 minutes between successive measurements to allow our engorged vessels to return to normal. You may require more rest time between readings depending on your individual physical characteristics.
Using digital monitor:
Wrap the cuff around your left or right arm and Turn the power on to start the machine.The Cuff will automatically inflate by itself with a push of a button. After the cuff is inflated, the automatic mechanism will slowly reduce the cuff pressure.
The monitor screen will show you, your blood pressure reading. Note down your blood pressure, by writing the systolic pressure before the diastolic pressure. You can also note down your pulse rate being displayed on the screen.