Having high blood pressure means that you will need to monitor that pressure regularly. Depending on what your doctor tells you, he may ask for your blood pressure on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Knowing how to get a blood pressure reading is the first step in taking more control over your condition and preserving the goals you have set for you when it comes to diet, exercise and lifestyle.
There are many different kinds of blood pressure monitors, but the two main types are digital or aneroid. Digital blood pressure cuffs, either automatic or manual, are easy to use, read and maintain. Large display numbers on most digital units make it easy for those with vision problems to view their blood pressure reading, as well as pulse rate and, with some models, your blood oxygen level.
The older blood pressure monitor, known in simple terms as the blood pressure cuff, is more complicated to use and read, though it can be a bit cheaper than automatic digital models. With the analog model, a patient must wrap the blood pressure cuff around the upper arm, usually the left, as it's closer to the heart. A stethoscope must also be used to get a blood pressure reading through this method. Two elastic tubes emerge from the blood pressure cuff; one is a hand pump, the other is a dial that will display numbers. You should have good hearing to use an old-fashioned blood pressure cuff, as you will need to listen through the stethoscope for the sound of heartbeats.
Both types of blood pressure monitors are available at drugstores and medical supply stores, as well as various sizes. Some models fit on the wrist, while some still come with cuffs that wrap around the upper arm. Both types will inflate and display readout automatically, usually within 30 seconds. These types of models are accurate, but users must take care to remain still while they are in use so as not to alter the reading or produce error messages.
The arm monitors can range in price from $50 to $200, so make sure you shop around or ask your doctor to suggest a model for you if you're not sure what you need. Manual inflation of cuffs will save money, but many older people suffering from arthritis or other conditions may find that method difficult. Wrist models can range anywhere from $50 to $100, so again, check to make sure you find something that will suit your specific needs. Blood pressure monitors can also be bought on the Internet from medical supply wholesale stores or private businesses, so check out prices with them also. You'll more than likely have a larger selection to choose from, and many online businesses offer free shipping.
No matter which blood pressure monitor you choose, make sure that you will be able to master its use with a minimum of instruction. Also make sure that you will be able to read the display panel, as well as use the system by yourself, if necessary. Today, there are so many different models and price ranges to choose from. Whether you have a blood pressure problem or not, knowing your blood pressure is always a good idea.
A&d Blood Pressure Monitor
There are many tools that can be acquired by the average individual to help them keep track of their health, and one of these is a blood pressure monitor.
Probably everyone has seen the blood pressure monitor stations in pharmacies, and has sat there and checked their blood pressure at one time or another.
But checking your blood pressure sporadically, or every six months when you visit your doctor, does not help very much. A single reading means nothing. It is only by checking your blood over the course of time that a true picture of the state of your blood pressure will be shown.
And these days, portable blood pressure monitors are so inexpensive and easy to use that there is no reason why you should not acquire one to keep in your own home - and use on a daily basis.
If people suffer from high blood pressure, or have a family history of heart disease, such a monitor is imperative. Athletes concerned with their progress will also find the monitor helpful.
What Is A Blood Pressure Monitor
A home monitor consists of a cuff which you place around your bicep. This is connected to a small machine full of electronics, with a digital display. You press the Start button, and the cuff immediately inflates and tighten on your arm. Because it is so tight, it can sense how quickly the blood is flowing through your veins. This is your blood pressure.
The numbers given are your systolic and diastolic numbers, and your pulse.
Keep a notebook beside the machine, and each day take your blood pressure in the morning and at night. Write down the numbers in your notebook, and if you ever see any noticeable difference, especially if the numbers become very high, you'll know that it's time to visit your doctor for a consultation.
What does "systolic" and "diastolic" mean, anyway?
The definition of "systolic" is: The blood pressure when the heart is contracting.
The definition of "diastolic" is: The arterial pressure during the interval between heartbeats.
In other words, your heart contracts and then relaxes with each heartbeat - pushing your blood through your veins. When it contracts it is called systole and when it relaxes it is called diastole.
So you've taken your blood pressure. The typical numbers for a healthy human being are around 120 systolic and 80 diastolic. If your numbers are near these, that's good. If you've been exercising or under stress your numbers may be inflated - that's why it's important to take daily readings so that you can compare them over time. If your numbers are consistently higher than this, it would be well to visit your doctor - bringing your records with you - to see if anything is amiss.
Both Stan Kitchen & A.caxton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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