Should I be measuring my blood pressure at home? Part 1

Many people have no idea that they have high blood pressure. This silent but deadly disorder can present with devastating complications if it is not adequately controlled.  When the blood pressure remains uncontrolled, one can develop blindness, a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure or even die from it. Checking the blood pressure at home is a vital part of treatment. The American Heart Association highly recommends that anyone with a high blood pressure should have a home monitor to assess the blood pressure.

Today, there are a wide variety of blood pressure devices available for home use. All blood pressure monitors are available without a physicians’ prescription. However before you buy a blood pressure kit, it is essential to buy the right device and develop the proper technique of measuring blood pressure.

Should I be measuring my blood pressure at home? Part 2

Measuring blood pressure at home has many advantages including:

Making an early diagnosis

Individuals who have had a diagnosis of borderline hypertension, diabetes or kidney problems are always at risk for developing full blown hypertension in the future. Measuring blood pressure can help the diagnosis much earlier that at a doctor’s office

Measuring blood pressure at home can also help you track your treatment. You can easily determine how the blood pressure is being affected by your life style, medications, exercise and diet. Keeping track of the blood pressure helps you adjust the medications at home.

Measuring blood pressure at home also allows a better control of the blood pressure. One develops more responsibility for the health and becomes motivated to improve diet, change the lifestyle and be compliant with the medications.

Home blood pressure monitoring significantly decreases the health care costs. By limiting visits to the health care facility, one can save not only money, but time, travel costs and lost wages.

Measuring blood pressure at home also lets you know how accurate you are at checking the blood pressure and if the pressure is better controlled at home.

I measure my blood pressure at home, but it is always different from the reading I obtain in the doctor’s office. Why is this?

Home blood pressure monitoring is not for everyone. Some people who have a very fast heart rate may not get an accurate reading. In other individuals who are obese or have large arms, the cuff may be too small. Individuals who have a hearing loss may not be able to listen to the sounds and may require monitor with digital display.

Before you buy your blood pressure device, talk to a health care professional and get some basic knowledge on how to use it.

Are the blood pressure devices in grocery stores accurate?

There are public blood pressure machines in many pharmacies, walk in clinics and in most health food stores. These machines are not very accurate and can give falsely readings because they have not been well maintained. These machines have one cuff size for all customers. Do not recommend these devices, especially if you have to pay for their usage.

Are there many types of blood pressure monitors for home use?

The two basic types of monitors are:

Manual blood pressure monitors usually require the use of a stethoscope. The cuff is inflated over the arms, the air is slowly released and one can listen to the sounds of blood traveling across the vessel. These manual monitors are generally less expensive than digital monitors

Digital devices consist of a cuff and gauge. The cuff automatically inflates and deflates. If the cuff is not worn properly one will get an error message. These monitors deflate automatically and record the blood pressure. Digital monitors come with cuffs that can be placed on the arm, wrist or a finger.