Picking A Blood Pressure Monitor
Knowing and monitoring your blood pressure can mean the difference between life and death and that is something you should take literally. Heart disease and heart attacks are on the rise and many Americans now understand just how important it is to know your blood pressure and are taking advantage of the blood pressure cuffs at many stores.
Checking your blood pressure is just part of the solution to keeping a healthy heart. Along with the blood pressure cuff, your life expectancy can be increased if you also practice healthy lifestyle habits. A reading of 120/80 is considered normal range and higher than that you fall under the "at risk" category. If your reading is over 140 you are in the high blood pressure category.
If you discover that your blood pressure is in the risky range, then you will need to schedule a trip to your doctor for a wellness check. On this visit, your physician will be able to give you a stress test, to see how well your heart is functioning. He or she will also be able to advise you on lifestyle changes you may need to make.
The simplest things you can do are to add exercise to your life for overall health, as well as changing your diet. Your doctor can give you more specific advise on what is safe for you.
Your doctor may want you to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate at home, in which case you will need to find a monitor that is easy to use. Your doctor will be able to give you advise on how to find one that will provide you with accurate results.
Your choices will be between digital an aneroid blood pressure monitors. Understanding the difference can make your purchasing decision easier. Your personal needs can make this decision practical for your personality.
Aneroid monitors are very portable and user-friendly. The downside is they are also sensitive, and if not treated with extra caution can sustain damage or break easily. You will also need to have a stethoscope connected to a cuff. These models are very inexpensive.
Digital monitors are about the size of a cell phone and come connected to a cuff worn on the arm. This cuff measures the blood pressure and displays it on a monitor. Some models will print the results, or come equipped with a memory of the last measurements.
Even though the digital kind of monitor is easier to use, they are also more expensive. It basically is a choice between paying more right at the start or taking a chance with a less expensive monitor and risking having to replace it if it should break.
The wrist or finger blood pressure monitor is also an option, but they are not as accurate. Although these appear to be a good option for those looking for convenience, research also shows that they are not as reliable and that could put you at a risk.
When you start taking your own blood pressure readings, make sure to keep a chart with the results. Your doctor will want to be able to evaluate your blood pressure. Make sure that you get an accurate reading by not drinking caffeine or alcohol, and avoid smoking. These factors can artificially inflate your blood pressure.
Try to take your blood pressure reading when you are relaxed as even a little bit stressed can elevate your pressure.
Especially those who suffer from hypertension should own a blood pressure monitor. Keeping a monitor available is a great asset and will help you to deal with your hypertension.
For those who are looking for more details about wrist blood pressure monitor, check out this article for more info on manual blood pressure monitors.
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