Types of Blood Pressure Monitors

One out of every three Americans has high blood pressure (hypertension). Only 78.7 percent are aware they have this disease according to the American Heart Association. Monitoring your blood pressure at home is an effective way to help your physician keep a close watch on this condition. There are many different types of blood pressure monitors, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages but the purpose is the same.

Definition

• A blood pressure monitor reading is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The higher number is the systolic pressure; this means the amount of pressure of the heartbeats. The lower number is the diastolic and it gauges blood pressure when your heart is at rest. Hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 140 over 90 or above. A reading of 120 over 80 is considered normal.

Significance

• Getting your pressure reading in the doctor's office may not be a true indication to your heart health. Often blood pressure levels are elevated because the patient was rushing to get to the doctor's office on time, or they had to deal with traffic jams, or as often is the case, had to wait a lengthy time before being seen. You can have a more accurate blood pressure reading if you take your pressure at home.

Digital

• Digital blood pressure monitors are sometimes expensive ranging from $30 to $100. They are the most popular kind due to their easily read screens. Some digital monitors can also make a printout, which is handy to take to your doctor appointments. Most people feel digital monitors are easier to use than the aneroid types. Inflation of the cuff is either automatic or manual depending on the type you purchase. Deflation is automatic on all digital monitors. An error indicator makes sure you have taken your pressure correctly. Some disadvantages are that they are sensitive to body movements and irregular heart beats. Many models are for left arm use only and this may be difficult for some.

Aneroid

• Aneroid blood pressure monitors are portable and inexpensive ranging in price from $20 to $30. You read a dial to determine the pressure reading while listening to heart sounds. They have a built-in stethoscope to listen to the heart. Shop for one that has a special metal ring, as this makes it easier to slide the cuff on especially when you are alone. Blood pressure monitors are actually complicated devices and damage will occur, thus making it less accurate over time. The bulb can be difficult to squeeze for some people. This is a poor choice for people who are hard of hearing, because listening to the heart is necessary when using the aneroid style.

Other Types

• Doctors discourage use of finger and wrist monitors because they are inaccurate.

  You will often find free blood pressure screening booths in grocery, pharmacy and discount stores. These machines may not be accurate depending on the maintenance schedule. If you plan to use one regularly, stop by after having your blood pressure checked at your doctor's office. Sit quietly for 10 minutes before using the machine. If the reading is close to the one taken by your doctor the machine is probably in good working order.

Warning

• Hypertension is nicknamed, "the silent killer." The American Heart Association states the death rate resulting from high blood pressure rose 25.2 percent from 1995 to 2005. You can feel just fine and still be suffering the detrimental effects of high blood pressure.