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Being diagnosed with high blood pressure does not mean having to change every aspect of your life. It means having to watch your diet, to exercise regularly and to take prescribed medications. It also means having to monitor your blood pressure, either daily or weekly, or however often your doctor requires you to do so.
Taking your own blood pressure is not a difficult endeavor, and with a little practice, you can become as adept as a nurse at reading and monitoring your own blood pressure. There are many different kinds of blood pressure monitors available these days, and many of them work with the simple push of a button. Determining which kind you feel comfortable with and also which one is most affordable determines a little research and knowledge of a few basics.
Digital Versus Analog
First, you must decide whether you want a digital blood pressure monitor or an old fashioned analog style. Both work equally well, though the digital models on the market today are fast, easy and user friendly. If you are familiar with the older models, which are still used in many doctor's offices today, you will understand the difference between the two. With a digital model, all you have to do is wrap the cuff around your wrist or upper arm and push the button.
The machine will automatically inflate the cuff and display a systolic and diastolic blood pressure reading within a minute or less. With an old-fashioned cuff, you will need to wrap the cuff around your upper arm and then with the use of a stethoscope, inflate the rubber ball, pump the cuff to the appropriate pressure and then release a little knob on the rubber ball that will allow the cuff to deflate. This method requires that the user have good hearing, so keep that in mind when shopping.
Seniors
For most seniors, a digital blood pressure monitor is fast, simple and easy. Often, digital monitors will have enlarged numbers for display, making it easy for those with poor eyesight to read the numbers. Not having to listen for heart sounds with the use of a stethoscope makes this model favored among older people.
In addition, many people suffering from arthritis or weak fingers and joints have difficulties pumping up the rubber ball that inflates an old fashioned cuff, something that is not necessary with an electronic digital blood pressure monitor. Keep in mind however, that a digital monitor is more expensive than the older, analog cuff method, but provides conveniences that more than outweigh the increase in cost.
Also, there are several other types of blood pressure monitors available for those diagnosed with high blood pressure, and your doctor may suggest one over the other for various reasons. When speaking with your doctor about blood pressure monitors, ask his or her opinion about which will work best for your condition, abilities and needs.
Most blood pressure monitors are covered by health insurance plans, but ask both your doctor and your insurance company before you buy. In some cases, your physician may have to write a prescription for one in order for it to be covered.
A regular and appropriate check on one's blood pressure is very important to keep a healthy state of the body. With age, blood pressure generally shows a little variation from its normal measurements. And people having frequent fluctuations between high and low blood pressure are required to have a constant tab on their blood pressure readings. With such people it is not even tangible to give a regular visit to a doctor. So the only solution that follows is to keep a blood pressure monitor handy at home.
Blood pressure monitors are generally available in two models: one is digital and the other is manual. Be it of any type they are composed of similar and basic components, which are a cuff and a gauge. A cuff is composed of an inner rubber layer with an outer nylon covering. The gauge on the other hand is either digital or aneroid that features the systolic and the diastolic readings of the blood pressure.
Whatever is the type of your blood pressure monitor, there is a set of rules and guidelines you need to follow and practice.
Know The Process
Before giving a reading to yourself or to others at home, you should know how to use the monitor accurately.
Always start your blood pressure measurement learning classes from a professional hand. Take the help of a nearby medical professional or a nurse for that matter. Understand the basics of the blood pressure measuring machine and the concept of blood pressure. You should be clear of the normal measurements of people belonging to different age groups. For instance, a man and a woman from the same age group will have different normal blood pressure measurements.
Put It Right
Always place the cuff on the right position on the arm to get an accurate reading. Generally a cuff is fastened on the left arm of the patient. The gauge should be kept straight, while measuring the pressure. The stethoscope should also be placed at a right position, a little under the fastened cuff on the left arm.
Certain Precautions
Besides, there are certain other things that you should keep in mind before measuring your blood pressure. Never take a reading after exercising. Instead take a reading before going out for a workout or early mornings. Also, for attaining an absolute correct blood pressure reading do not consume products rich in caffeine or nicotine. Also refrain from binging much on tobacco or alcohol before taking a blood pressure measurement. All these substances can increase your blood pressure to a slight higher level.
Maintain Right Posture
Always sit in a comfortable and erect position while measuring blood pressure. Do not place the cuff of the blood pressure monitor on the clothes that you are wearing but on the bare skin of your left arm.
Follow these simple guidelines while measuring blood pressure and you can keep a proper tab on it even while comfortably relaxing in your home.