A blood pressure monitor is a must-have at home for keeping your numbers under control, whether you have got diagnosed with hypertension (leading to high blood pressure) or simply want to keep your health under check.
A lot of BP monitors are digital, and the measurement process is almost entirely automated. The directions for operating a digital blood pressure monitor are as follows: When you wrap the cuff over your arm or wrist and turn on the device, the cuff will inflate to start the measurement and deflate to finish it.
You should consult your doctor if your blood pressure monitor results are frequently higher or lower than this.
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What is the purpose of a blood pressure monitor?
The cuff blood pressure monitor is a device that is calibrated to measure blood pressure and consists of the following components:
- An inflatable cuff is wrapped around the arm and placed at the same vertical height as the heart to restrict blood flow when tied around the arm.
- A mercury or mechanical manometer is characterized by a vertical glass column carrying mercury or a gauge.
- To inflate the Cuff, a Rubber Ball is linked to it via a pipe.
To measure blood pressure, there are two primary methods: auscultatory and oscillometric, which are categorized into two types: manual and digital BP monitors. Based on the presence or absence of the Mercury column, manual ones can be further divided into Mercury and Aneroid.
What if you get a high blood pressure reading?
- A single high reading isn't necessarily a cause for concern. Whether you obtain a number that is slightly or significantly higher than usual, take your blood pressure a couple more times and go to your doctor to see if there is a problem with your automatic blood pressure monitor or if there is a health risk.
- Wait five minutes before testing your blood pressure if it suddenly rises above 180/120 mm Hg. If your results continue to be abnormally high, see your doctor right away. You could be having a hypertensive emergency.
- If your blood pressure is more than 180/120 mm Hg and you're experiencing symptoms of organ damage including chest discomfort, breathlessness, back pain, weakness, visual changes, or difficulty speaking, don't wait for it to drop on its own.
Why is blood pressure monitoring at home so important?
Home blood pressure monitoring is recommended by doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and other healthcare professionals for a variety of reasons, including the ability to:
- Identify the vital indicator of your overall health.
- Provide information to your doctor to better understand and manage your (high) blood pressure.
- See how you are responding to medication.
Physical exercise, emotional changes, drugs, and stress are just a few of the elements that might impact your blood pressure, so it's crucial to keep track of it at home.
Measuring your blood pressure at home allows you to be more relaxed while also allowing you to take measurements at different times throughout the day. You can supply your healthcare provider with a log of blood pressure measures over time by keeping track of your home blood pressure readings, which can help them evaluate the success of your treatment.
