The Pros of a Digital Monitor
- Easy to use.
- Displays exact numbers- Avoids approximation of readings.
- Mentions pulse rate (mostly).
- Does not require a stethoscope.
American Heart Association (AHA) recommends..
Monitors that require stethoscope whether mercury, aneroid, or other, are NOT ADVISABLE for home monitoring as patients rarely master the measurement technique.
Quick Tips for Buying a Digital Monitor
When you buy a digital monitor, remember the following:
1. Cuff should fit your upper arm
- Measure your arm using an inch tape and match it with the specification on the product.
- If the cuff is too large, it will not restrict the blood flow sufficiently; and if it is too small, it may cut off too much blood flow.
Below are the standard measurements according your arm’s circumference.
Arm circumference
- 22–26 cm
- 27–34 cm
- 35–44 cm
Usual cuff size
- Small adult
- Adult
- Large adult
2. Look for the right features
Here’s what you should look for in your ideal BP monitor:
-
Pulse rate indicator
-
Multiple user memories
-
Large digit display
-
Data averaging function
-
Body movement detector
-
Memory download capability
-
Irregular-heartbeat detector
-
Risk-category indicator
-
1-2 yrs warranty
3. Should be easy to use
The display on the monitor should have large digits and be easy to read. The buttons should be large and intuitive. The directions for using the cuff and operating the monitor should be clear.
4. Should be friendly to your pocket
The cost of digital device can vary based on the features. Check reviews from other users before you select one. This is majorly a one time health investment, so try choosing the ideal one which best suits your needs.
Arm versus wrist digital monitor
Higher accuracy as:
- Upper arm is at heart level.
- Arm arteries are wider & more superficial.
- Device is less sensitive to body position (easier to get consistent results)
Lower accuracy as:
- Wrist is not at heart level.
- Wrist arteries are narrower & deeper.
- Device is sensitive to body position (tricky to figure out proper placement)
American Heart Association (AHA) recommends..
For accurate results, use a home blood pressure monitor that measures blood pressure in your upper arm instead of your wrist.
Tips to master the right method of using a digital monitor
Remain still
- Avoid tea, coffee, smoking or exercising at least 30 mins before measuring.
- Stay still and quiet for at least 5 mins before taking a measurement.
Sit correctly
- Sit straight with back supported.
- Keep feet flat on the floor and legs uncrossed.
- Place the arm on a table, with the upper arm parallel to your chest.
- Place the bottom of the cuff directly above the bend of the elbow.
- Tighten comfortably (2 fingers should fit between the cuff and your arm)
Take multiple readings
- Take at least two readings in a row.
- If the different readings vary by 5 points or more, measure it a third time.
- Log down the average of your measurements.
Record & report accurately
- Record in the morning before taking medications and in the evening before supper.
- Carry your log or monitor with built-in memory to all doctor appointments.
Stay alert!
Do you feel lightheaded when getting out of bed in the morning or when you stand after sitting? Measure your blood pressure while seated and then while standing to check if it falls on changing position. This condition is called postural hypertension and may warrant the attention of your doctor.
Understand your blood pressure category
The blood pressure chart given below will tell you what your blood pressure readings mean.
-
CATEGORY
-
SYSTOLIC
BLOOD PRESSURE(first number)
-
DIASTOLIC
BLOOD PRESSURE(second number)
-
- Low
- 90 or lower
- and/or
- 60 or lower
-
- Normal
- Less than 120
- and
- Less than 80
-
- Elevated
- 120-129
- and
- Less than 80
-
- Stage I hypertension
- 130-139
- or
- 80-89
-
- Stage II hypertension
- 140 or higher
- or
- 90 or higher
-
- Hypertensive
- Higher than 180
- and/or
- Higher than 120
Self monitoring has more benefits than you think!
An occasional recording at the doctor’s office may not give you the true picture of your blood pressure. Whereas, a home monitor lets you check it often, at various times during the day, and record spikes and valleys, if any.
Let’s have a look at the specific benefits of monitoring blood pressure at home
High BP at doctor’s clinic
Your BP is normal at home or other places, but high at the doctor's office due to stress in medical environment. This is called ‘white coat hypertension’.
High BP outside doctor’s clinic
Your blood pressure reading is normal at the doctor’s office but high at other times. This is called ‘masked hypertension’ and is opposite of ‘white coat hypertension’.
Fluctuating BP
Your BP fluctuates far more than usual. Eg. It might soar from 119/76 mm Hg at 10 am to 170/104 mm Hg at 4 pm. This is called ‘labile hypertension’.
High BP in pregnancy
Pregnant women may experience pregnancy-induced hypertension or ‘preeclampsia’. It may appear as early as the 20th week of pregnancy or as late as one week after delivery.
Better dose adjustment
Your doctor can better optimize the dose of your BP medication.
With a BP monitor at home, you can:
- Take better ownership of your blood pressure.
- Assess how your lifestyle choices are impacting your health.
- Build a log of your readings for your doctor to better plan your treatment.
START CREATING YOUR OWN LOG OF BLOOD PRESSURE NOW
Download a monthly chart for yourself
American Heart Association (AHA) recommends..
- Self monitoring is RECOMMENDED for all people with high blood pressure.
- Self monitoring is NOT a substitute for routine visits to your doctor.
- Ask your doctor or his/her assistant to check if your self-monitoring device and technique are correct.
- Tally your readings with the readings taken at the doctor's office.
References:
- -American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, 2017 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High BloodPressure in Adults.
- -Interventions used to improve control of blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD005182.
- -European Cardiology Review 2015;10(2):95–101
- -Reading the new blood pressure guidelines. HArvard health publishing. Updated: December 13, 2019.
- -Pickering et al. S4.1-5 (American Heart Association, Inc.)
- -Efficacy of self-monitored blood pressure, with or without telemonitoring, for titration of antihypertensive medication (TASMINH4): an unmasked randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10124):949-59.
- -The Clinical Application of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Pediatrics. International Journal of Clinical Medicine. 02. 10.4236/ijcm.2011.25111.
- -Prognostic Significance of Between-Arm Blood Pressure Differences. Hypertension. 2008;51:657–662