Introduction
There are a number of devices available that can be used to monitor blood pressure.
Monitoring blood pressure becomes crucial for many individuals. Individuals above the age of
40 are advised to keep their blood pressure in check. It is vital to ensuring you stay healthy and
fit, since a high blood pressure can cause a number of complications. If these are to be avoided,
you must be able to monitor blood pressure regularly. If you have been recording
your blood pressure on a regular basis, then it becomes easier for doctors to diagnose any
medical problems you may be facing.
History
In the past, blood pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometer. It used the pressure
of a column of mercury to make measurements. The accuracy of the readings varied greatly.
This is because mercury is a material that is greatly influenced by the surrounding temperature.
With the advancement in technology, many new changes took place in the field of medical
sciences. Aneroid and electronic devices were invented to monitor blood pressure.
Features
If you want to monitor blood pressure, you can easily go to your doctor. However,
sometimes it is inconvenient to pay a visit to the doctor. Under such conditions, you need to
do it yourself. There are a number of devices available that can help you to monitor blood
pressure at home. There are two kinds of Blood monitoring devices: the automatic and semi-
automatic devices. The only difference between the two is that in the semi-automatic device
you have to blow up the cuff yourself and fit it around your arm, whereas an automatic device
inflates and deflates the cuff by itself. Before purchasing any kind of blood monitoring device, it
is essential that you first seek advice from your doctor, especially if you are a patient suffering
from consistent high blood pressure. Your physician knows what’s best for you. Accuracy of
the device you purchase becomes vital when you monitor blood. There are a number of tips
that you can consider in order to achieve accuracy when you monitor blood pressure. Upper
arm blood pressure devices are generally considered to be more precise. There are certain
recognized standards when it comes to blood monitoring devices. For example, the devices
labeled with “CE” have been autonomously tested and approved. Devices that have been
endorsed by British Hypertension Society (BHS) or European Society of Hypertension are also
highly recommended. Digital monitoring devices give the most exact measurements when you
monitor blood pressure. These are small and highly efficient. Their battery also has a long life.
Tips and comments
It is advised that you buy blood monitoring devices that have bigger screen. This will make
reading the measurements easier. You should also purchase a blood monitoring device that
has back lights. This way you can read the screen even in the dark. Blood monitoring devices
that include an error sensor are best suited for you. This will tell you if you haven’t attached the
cuff properly to your arm.