Parts of a Digital Blood Pressure Monitor

The digital blood pressure monitor has several parts, including the display unit, the arm cuff and the air hose. An individual would likely purchase a digital blood pressure monitor because his physician has diagnosed him with high blood pressure.

The Unit

• The main unit shows the digital information. It also has a setting button for the date and time. It has the off and on button; this button is used to start the measuring process too. The unit has a user ID button, if you are able to use it for more than one person. Most of the time, the unit can only be used for two people. The memory button is helpful for going back and tracking blood pressure over a certain time period.

Unit Display

• The unit display shows systolic blood pressure, which is the top number; the bottom number shows diastolic blood pressure. Your physician will provide a target goal for you on both of these measurements, as people's goals can vary. The display shows your heart rate also. Most digital units show date/time and a memory symbol, and provide a symbol for irregular heartbeat. If a irregular heartbeat shows, report this to your physician as soon as possible.

Air Tube and Plug

• The components also include the air plug and air tube. The air plug must be plugged into the unit to "air up" the blood pressure cuff. This air tube and plug are made from a black or gray durable piece of rubber tubing. The air tube is connected to the air pressure cuff.

Blood Pressure Cuff

• The blood pressure cuff is the part that does that actual measurement of blood pressure. The cuff has arrows showing how it should be aligned to the arm. The blood pressure cuff also has Velcro to tighten it to the arm. It must not be tightened too tight, because it could cause a misread on the unit. These measurements are displayed on the digital unit.

Other Components

• Most units also have an AC adapter and back up batteries, which keep the stored info from being lost.