Blood Pressure Monitor Use At Home

By Jack Douglas

Since Americans are now facing higher rates of high blood pressure and hypertension, it is becoming more important to know and understand how to stay healthy. Although there are risk factors you will need to be aware of, it is even more important to be able to monitor blood pressure both at home and at the doctor's office.

If you have blood pressure readings of 140/90 or more, then you have high blood pressure. Your doctor will be able to give you more advice on how to lower that level and you should heed that advice, because ignoring high blood pressure can be fatal. Therefore, you also need to monitor the blood pressure to make sure that the numbers are going down.

Some of the things you can expect to do to lower your blood pressure include changes in lifestyle. Working with your doctor, you can find the right level of exercise, a good diet and possibly medication to lower blood pressure. You doctor will administer a stress test to find out how well your heart is still functioning and to find out if you are in immediate danger.

After you have altered your lifestyle you will find it very important to the next step will be to learn how to operate a blood pressure monitor and to keep data on fluctuations with your blood pressure It is wise to do this with a professional who can supervise you to better your health.

When advised or prescribed the use of an at home blood pressure monitor, you have two types to choose from. Fingertip or wrist monitors are one of the common choices, but are poor because they are not accurate, and studies have shown that they are not the best tool. It is much better to go with a standardized cuff.

Available in two styles the first is the aneroid monitor. It is a bit like the one you would find in a child's doctor kit and when filled with air it spins. The aneroid monitor is not expensive but they are very fragile and you also need a stethoscope to use it correctly.

Digital monitors have become the more popular choice. A little more pricey, these monitors are more durable, and come equipped with memory to track blood pressure. They are also able to print the information with some models.

These monitors vary in price, but get the best model you can afford. This will provide you with more accurate results, and the monitor will last longer as well. Can you really put a price on your health?

Make sure to work in conjunction with your physician to make sure you are getting accurate readings. Keep a record of the results, so your doctor can know ahead of time if you are at risk for other problems. Keeping a blood pressure monitor on hand will be an effective way to keep yourself in the best health. - 29951

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