To measure and keep a check on your fluctuating blood pressure, it is always advisable to keep a monitor at home. Read the following Buzzle article for options.
Keeping a record of blood pressure at homes is encouraged by medical professionals and health organizations. Hypotension, hypertension, and heart patients who need frequent updates about their blood pressure on a daily basis may not always be able to visit the concerned doctor. It is in these times that such monitors are a valuable medical equipment in homes. If you keep a track of your blood pressure on a daily basis, your doctor will find it easier to suggest you some more effective medicines.
Two Options
There are two types of monitors available — the aneroid monitor and digital monitor. To choose the best option for you, you must consider your requirements and functions. Obviously, the price of these devices and the ease of handling them will be the top criteria for selecting the suitable monitor. You will also want the calibration of the monitor to be in easy readings scale so that you can decipher their meaning.
It is a good idea to ask your family doctor for recommendations of some good monitors for so that you can ease your worry of searching the best in the market.
| Monitor | Description | Merits | Demerits | Price |
| Aneroid Monitor | Just like a speedometer on your bike, analog or aneroid monitor contains a pointer on a dial. To measure, you need to put the cuff around your upper arm and inflate it by squeezing the rubber bulb. Read the pointer reading for measurement. | Aneroid monitors are easily portable and inexpensive as compared to digital monitors and most of them come with a built-in stethoscope, so you save some money as you needn’t buy a stethoscope. It also comes with a special feature that makes it easier for an individual to put the cuff by using just one hand. | Complexity in handling and less accurate readings do not make aneroid monitors a preferred option. Without the special metal ring that helps in putting cuff with one hand, it can be difficult to operate. For physically weak patients, squeezing the rubber bulb may not be easy. Moreover, for people with hearing problems, it is difficult to listen to the sound of the heartbeat through a stethoscope, that is essential to use for measuring, especially in this monitor. | US$20 to US$40 |
| Digital Monitor | A digital meter consists of an error indicator feature, automatic deflation unit, with a gauze and stethoscope. Just like it is easier to read the readings on a digital watch, it is easier for patients to understand and note down accurate figures in numbers on the monitor screen. | Digital blood pressure monitors are especially designed for home usage can either be operated manually or they can be automatic. Since it is digital, numbers appear on the screen, making it easier to be read. In advanced digital monitors, there are options for taking printouts of blood pressure measurements, which is very useful for people who want to maintain a proper record of every measurement. In this case, there is no need to use a stethoscope, and hence it is easier for people with hearing problems to use it. | Small changes in the heartbeat and body movements can lead to accuracy issues. Due to the requirement of batteries, one has to be aware of changing them when they’re discharged. Various digital monitors can only be used by left arms making them uncomfortable for many patients to use. | US$30 to US$100 |
By visiting a medical equipment shop, you can check out various options before buying one. You can also go through online reviews so that you can not only select the best blood pressure monitor but also ask the shop owner various questions about the effectiveness of the best pressure monitors. This way you can be assured of the best deal.
