blood pressure monitoring machine

How To Buy A Blood Pressure Monitor For Home Use

Before you purchase a blood pressure monitoring machine you’ll need to learn the different features and your price range as well as how often you’ll be checking your blood pressure. It’s vital to purchase your blood pressure monitor from a reliable medical supply retailer who has someone that specializes in teaching others how to properly take their blood pressure. Many people mistakenly use the words monitor and a cuff interchangeably, however, rarely you will buy a cuff without a monitor. Here’re some blood pressure monitor buying tips for your specific needs.

Know Your Budget

You can find blood pressure monitors from Rs. 1500 to well over Rs. 4000. The cost depends on the brand, the features of the monitor and your specific desires. Always have a figure in mind before you buy. This way you won’t be paying for features that you don’t need and you will stay within your budget.

Select a Blood Pressure Monitoring Machine Model

All blood pressure monitors come with a manual. You can find both semi-automatic and automatic styles. Each specific model will have its own unique features. In a manual blood pressure monitor cuff will wrap around your arm and you will pump it up with a rubber bulb that is at the end of the cuff. You’ll listen to the sounds with a stethoscope and take your blood pressure simultaneously. These are typically the least costly style of monitors. Also they will require more work from the user than automatic monitors.

In Semi-automatic monitors also we will wrap the cuff around the arm, however, they will have automatic readings. You’ll press a button and it will automatically inflate, record your blood pressure and display it on a digital screen. There is usually some sort of memory storage as well and it will record your most recent blood pressures. The price range will be in middle for these type of monitors.

In automatic blood pressure monitors, cuff is simply placing on the arm by sliding them on. You press a button and the monitor does the rest of the work. It will read your blood pressure, display it and store the results for comparison to the most recent. They often have additional capabilities.

Finalize whether you will buy upper arm type or wrist type

Choosing your style will be important to your price. Wrist monitors are smaller than upper arm modules. They have a cuff that goes around the wrist and the pressure taking will be automatic. Many doctors feel that these are not as accurate as upper arm monitors as they are farther from the blood flow from the heart.

Upper arm monitors are larger, however, they often comes with more capacity than wrist monitors. They are less costly in many cases. However, the user must wrap the cuff around their arm properly to get an accurate reading. Most healthcare professionals feel that the upper arm models are the most accurate of all. Hence they highly recommend such models for accuracy in results. Users should understand how to properly operate their blood pressure monitor at all times.

Measure Your Arm Or Wrist

Once you’ve chosen the testing site, you’ll want to measure your wrist or arm. Generally speaking, wrist monitors fit wrists up to 25.4 centimetres in circumference. While upper arm monitors fits on arms up to 45.7 centimetres in circumference. If your arm is larger, then you’ll want to choose a monitor that has a large cuff. They usually fit arms up to 61 centimetres.

Assess Memory Storage

Automatic and semi-automatic blood pressure monitors will be having memory storage that can store about 200 blood pressure readings. The more storage space a monitor has, the more it will cost. If you test your blood pressure 1-2 times per week, then it’s a good idea to buy a blood pressure monitor that can store at least 20 readings. If you test your blood pressure on a daily basis, so you can report it to your doctor, then buy a home blood pressure monitoring machine that can store at least 100 readings.

Also, some monitors store readings for more than one user. If you and another person will test your blood pressure, then get a monitor that can store multiple readings. Just make sure you get one that can store enough readings.

Consider Additional Features

A blood pressure monitoring machine will have additional features. This includes being able to detect irregular heartbeat, measure pulse rate and track changes in your diastolic rates. Keep in mind that the more features a monitor has, the more it will cost. Also you’ll want to decide whether or not you actually need any additional features. Users who have a heart condition will likely benefit from such features. But others might not have any need for those features. There’s no need to spend more money on a monitor that has features you won’t use.

Warranty Options

You can purchase a warranty for your blood pressure monitoring machine, and the warranty will usually be good for 1-5 years. Some warranties only cover certain parts of the monitor, while some warranties cover the entire monitor. Some brands might charge more if they offer a warranty. While other brands might include the warranty in the price of the digital BP monitor itself. It is a good idea to get a warranty for the monitor you decide to buy.

Learn how to use your device

It’s a good idea to purchase an Omron BP Monitor from a specialist that sells such equipment. They will be able to show you how to use the monitor. If not, then see your doctor or a nurse, and they will show you how to properly use your monitor. It is extremely important for you to become completely familiar with how to use your home blood pressure monitor. It is always wise to discuss the above mentioned blood pressure monitor buying tips with your doctor.

Published by

Dr. Aleksandar Grbovic

Hi! My name is Aleksandar Grbovic. I’m a radiology resident with five years of experience in General Medicine. As a medical writer, I have only one goal in my mind - to bridge the gap between doctors and patients point of view by breaking down complex medical topics and presenting them in lay people language. Knowing that my writing might help someone out there connect the dots is what keeps me motivated.

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