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How To Choose A Blood Pressure Monitor
By Jack Douglas | October 21, 2009
There are many kinds of blood pressure cuffs on the market and that is a good thing since more and more Americans are discovering just how important knowing what your blood pressure is. For many, knowing and monitoring blood pressure can actually make the difference of life and death, especially now that heart disease and heart attacks are on the rise.
Checking your blood pressure is just part of the solution to keeping a healthy heart. Along with the blood pressure cuff, your life expectancy can be increased if you also practice healthy lifestyle habits. A reading of 120/80 is considered normal range and higher than that you fall under the “at risk” category. If your reading is over 140 you are in the high blood pressure category.
If you discover that your blood pressure is in the risky range, then you will need to schedule a trip to your doctor for a wellness check. On this visit, your physician will be able to give you a stress test, to see how well your heart is functioning. He or she will also be able to advise you on lifestyle changes you may need to make.
The easiest ways to lead a healthier life is to exercise and change your diet. A doctor will be able to give more specific recommendations and tell you what you are able to do.
You may need to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate at home and to do that you will need to shop around for one that is simple to use and your doctor will suggest one that will give correct results
Your choices will be between digital an aneroid blood pressure monitors. Understanding the difference can make your purchasing decision easier. Your personal needs can make this decision practical for your personality.
Aneroid monitors are very portable and user-friendly. The downside is they are also sensitive, and if not treated with extra caution can sustain damage or break easily. You will also need to have a stethoscope connected to a cuff. These models are very inexpensive.
The digital blood pressure monitor is roughly the same size as a cell phone and some of them come connected with an arm cuff. The cuff will measure the blood pressure and that is what is displayed on the monitor. There are even some models with which you can print out the results or they have memory and let you store the last readings.
While digital monitors are definitely easier to use, they do come with a higher price tag. You will have to determine if you want to risk replacing one of the less expensive models when it breaks, or if you would rather make an investment on the front end.
Another option that is not as accurate are wrist or finger blood monitors. While these may seem like a good option for convenience, researchers have shown they aren’t reliable, which could put your health at risk.
When you start taking your own blood pressure readings, make sure to keep a chart with the results. Your doctor will want to be able to evaluate your blood pressure. Make sure that you get an accurate reading by not drinking caffeine or alcohol, and avoid smoking. These factors can artificially inflate your blood pressure.
Try to take your blood pressure reading when you are relaxed as even a little bit stressed can elevate your pressure.
After having been diagnosed with hypertension it is a good idea to keep a blood pressure monitor around. You will find that accurate blood pressure readings will be beneficial to your overall health.
For those who are looking for more details about blood pressure monitors, check out this article for more info on lifesource blood pressure monitor.
Topics: High Blood Pressure | No Comments »