Blood Pressure Monitors
Heart health is something that everyone should make a priority. One of the best and quickest ways to get a snapshot of your cardiovascular wellness is to test your blood pressure. Both digital and manual blood pressure monitors make it easy to get this reading so you can know the status of your health. Learn more about blood pressure kits below.
What Is A Blood Pressure Monitor?
A sphygmomanometer, or blood pressure monitor, is used to measure the pressure of blood in your circulatory system. Long-term high blood pressure, called hypertension, is a condition that can eventually lead to health problems like heart attacks. By adding a blood pressure monitor to your first aid kit and keeping track of your blood pressure over time, you’ll be able to catch problems early on if levels are dangerously high. A blood pressure test kit typically consists of an inflatable cuff for your arm and a device to take the readings with.
How Do I Use a Blood Pressure Kit?
Typically, you can follow a couple steps when using a home blood pressure kit. First, attach the cuff to your arm, level with your heart. Second, turn the device on, and allow the cuff to inflate. Third, hold still and breathe normally until the cuff deflates while it takes your measurements. Every time you take a measurement, you should take two or three readings in the same session, separated by one minute, to ensure accuracy. Record all of your metrics in a notepad or device so you can easily share them with your healthcare provider.
For a manual reading, attach an inflation bulb to your cuff. Then, place the cuff on your bicep and inflate it until you go past your normal systolic pressure or to 210 mm Hg, whichever comes first. Next, place a stethoscope on the artery located slightly inside of your inner elbow and slowly let out the air until you start to hear a tapping or pulsing sound. This is your blood beginning to flow through your closed artery, and that reading is your systolic blood pressure. Continue releasing air until the tapping noise completely goes away. This is your diastolic pressure and it is easy to find with a blood pressure kit.
If your blood pressure machine was recommended by your doctor, you should follow their directive on how frequently to take readings. As a rule, though, you should take them at the same time of day, so you’re comparing similar conditions. You also should not engage in strenuous activity for at least 30 minutes beforehand.
What Type of Blood Pressure Machine Should I Get?
While most blood pressure monitors are meant for your arm, some are made for the wrist instead. If you’re worried about a regular cuff’s fit or simply find a wrist placement rather more appealing, you can choose between that and one meant for your bicep. Additionally, for people who have a latex allergy, latex-free blood pressure monitors are available. Be sure to double check the product description to know which one you’re getting for sure.
Some blood pressure kits come with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling them to send information directly to your cell phone. If you need an easy way to share data with your healthcare provider or just want to track your readings in a more accessible way, a Bluetooth blood pressure monitor might be best for you.