How to monitor blood pressure using digital medical devices.

What is a digital blood pressure monitor

Digital blood pressure monitor is a medical devices that allow people to check their blood pressure levels and track their readings anywhere at any time, often independently. While many medical professionals use a stethoscope to listen to your blood pressure manually, these monitors measure your blood pressure with oscillometric technology, measuring the vibration of blood traveling through your arteries and converting that movement into digital readings.

How does a digital blood pressure monitor work

Digital blood pressure monitor feature a gauge, stethoscope and error indicator in one device. Some cuffs inflate automatically while others require the user to use a pump to inflate the cuff manually, temporarily cutting off blood flow to the arm. The cuff then automatically deflates, allowing blood to flow around the artery in the arm once again. The vibration of this blood flow is detected by the monitor, prompting it to record the systolic blood pressure reading. As it deflates further and these vibrations stop, the monitor records a diastolic blood pressure reading. These blood pressure readings are displayed on the device’s screen. Depending on the device, a color indicator may appear to show how the reading compares with normal blood pressure readings.

How to read a digital blood pressure monitor

Blood pressure monitor display two numbers measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The first number indicates systolic pressure (pressure applied against the artery walls when the heart squeezes) while the second number indicates diastolic pressure (pressure applied against the artery walls when the heart is filling between beats). For example, if your systolic pressure is 120 and your diastolic pressure is 80, this reading will be expressed as 120/80 mmHg.

How accurate are at-home blood pressure monitor

While automatic, digital blood pressure monitors are known for being fairly accurate, there are a few factors to pay attention to in order to ensure your readings are as accurate as possible. The Heart Association recommends not smoking, drinking caffeinated beverages or exercising at least 30 minutes before taking a blood pressure reading. Using an arm cuff that fits you properly is also important, as a cuff that’s too small can artificially raise your blood pressure readings.

Maintaining a relaxed composure and good posture can also help when taking a blood pressure reading, as can ensuring you’ve used the bathroom recently. Additionally, Heart Association notes that some fluctuation in blood pressure readings is normal.

What is the most accurate at home blood pressure monitor

Most digital blood pressure monitors are reliable for at-home use, and the one that is most accurate for you will be one that you can use correctly, comfortably and consistently at home. It’s also important to consider whether the monitor is clinically validated and cleared by the FDA, which confirms it meets all the necessary requirements for accuracy.

What’s more, read and follow all product instructions when using an at-home blood pressure monitor to avoid unnecessary errors and inaccurate readings.

Can home blood pressure monitors give false readings

Yes, blood pressure monitors used at home can give false or inaccurate readings, oftentimes due to user error. Wrist blood pressure monitors tend to be less accurate in general than upper arm blood pressure monitors. If you want to measure your blood pressure at home, most experts recommend using an upper arm cuff and following the product instructions carefully.

Types of digital blood pressure monitors

There are two main types of blood pressure monitors available for home use: aneroid (manual) blood pressure monitors and digital blood pressure monitors.

Aneroid monitors feature upper arm cuffs that are inflated by hand, and they contain a gauge and dial that the user reads manually. They also include a built-in stethoscope. These types of blood pressure monitors are typically less expensive than a digital one, but they do run the risk of being less accurate, especially without the assistance of another person. People with any level of hearing loss should also consider avoiding this type of monitor, as the stethoscope may be difficult to hear.

Digital monitors include a built-in gauge, stethoscope and error indicator in the unit and display blood pressure readings on a screen. Inflation and deflation of the arm cuff with these monitors occurs automatically. Some models feature color indicators to show where a blood pressure reading falls in comparison to normal ranges. Some digital monitors also come with a number of additional features, such as the ability to store readings, show average readings or display a number of readings taken within a specified time period. However, they are often more expensive than manual monitors.

How much do blood pressure monitors Cost

The price of a blood pressure monitor depends on the type of monitor and the features it includes. For example, a manual blood pressure monitor typically costs less than a digital monitor that includes features like color indicators, an averaging option and/or the ability to store readings for several users. Digital monitors usually cost between Ksh3,894.14 and Ksh 12980.46, and some may require additional costs for batteries or accessories like a smaller or larger arm cuff.

Does insurance cover blood pressure monitors

Insurance doesn’t typically cover at-home blood pressure monitors, except for people in need of dialysis at home. However, some insurance providers may have special programs for people with hypertension, making these beneficiaries eligible to receive a blood pressure monitor for free. Speak with your insurance provider about what coverage they offer and to learn whether you qualify.

Who might be Beneficiaries of home blood pressure monitor

Home blood pressure monitors may be beneficial for a variety of users, including:

• Individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure
• Those starting high blood pressure medication or treatment
• Individuals with risk factors for high blood pressure or conditions related to high blood pressure
• Pregnant people diagnosed with pregnancy-induced high blood pressure or preeclampsia

Additionally, at-home blood pressure monitors may be helpful for evaluating potentially inaccurate readings. Some instances of false blood pressure readings may include individuals who only have high readings at a doctor’s office and individuals who only have high blood pressure readings at home.

Who shouldn’t use an at-home blood pressure monitor

Individuals diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) may not benefit from home blood pressure monitoring because these conditions can affect a monitor’s ability to provide accurate readings.

Choosing the best blood pressure monitor for You

When considering buying a blood pressure monitor for home use, look into the following factors.

Accuracy

One of the most important aspects of a blood pressure monitor is its ability to provide consistently accurate readings. Look for the following three phrases in product descriptions when trying to determine the accuracy of the monitor:

• Clinically validated: It either meets the requisite Blood Pressure Validated Device List (VDL) criteria for clinical accuracy as determined through an independent review process or is otherwise independently tested for accuracy according to standards set by organizations like the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation for the International Protocol for the Validation of Automated Blood Pressure Measuring Devices.
• FDA cleared: The Food and Drug Administration determines the device meets its criteria for blood pressure cuff devices.

Many blood pressure monitors offer an averaging feature as well with the goal of providing an accurate depiction of your blood pressure. The devices often take three consecutive readings and average them together, accounting for any variability and giving you a single, more accurate data set.

User error can also impact accuracy significantly, so be sure to follow the product instructions exactly as they are written.

Data Storage

Many people use blood pressure monitor devices to track their blood pressure readings over time, in which case data storage of previous readings comes in handy. Some devices only store around 30 readings while others can store as many as 2,000, so think about your storage needs before purchasing a monitor.

What’s more, lots of monitors sync with smartphone apps that can then provide additional data storage outside of the device itself. If you’re tech savvy and like the idea of having your blood pressure information at your fingertips to share with your physician, consider a Bluetooth-compatible monitor with app-based data storage.

Lastly, some blood pressure monitors only store data for one user while others support data storage for multiple users. If you plan on sharing your blood pressure monitor with another member of your household, look into the number of users the device can support.

Display

Display is another important factor, especially for older adults with vision impairments. Look for a blood pressure monitor device with a clear, simple and easy-to-read display screen to prevent misunderstanding your blood pressure readings. If your vision is highly compromised, some devices offer audio readouts as well.

Usability

A blood pressure monitor won’t be helpful (and you probably won’t use it very often) if it doesn’t feel intuitive. Consider the way the monitor lays out information, where buttons are placed, how easy it is to place the cuff correctly on your arm and whether those details feel natural to you.

Important features

Beyond the basics listed above, some blood pressure monitors include special features, such as:

• Pulse monitoring
• Monitoring to indicate an irregular heartbeat
• Color-coded readings to make it easier to track by blood pressure stages
• Pre-formed arm cuffs for a more comfortable fit and accurate reading
• Wireless design for easier use on the go

 

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