In order to monitor an individual’s blood pressure, a person needs to utilize a device that can identify the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There are a variety of different methods that are used by doctors and clinics across the country. Some are simple cuffs all the way to sophisticated machines that automatically give digital readings and indicate if the pressure is too high or too low. Blood pressure is an excellent indicator of a multitude issues that if caught early enough can save lives.

Two Main Components

It’s important to understand that choosing the right device for you or your family, means understanding that you do have choices. There are two major components that you’ll find with each. There is a cuff that will go around your wrist or upper arm, or a finger clamp. This will include some type of read out or dial to indicate pressure levels. As well there should be a stethoscope or other measuring device. When combined an accurate idea of an individuals blood pressure will be determined.

Some find it necessary to purchase a home monitor, these will accomplish the same task as the devices that you’ll find in hospitals and clinics. Although for all blood pressure monitors the outcome is the same, to find out the systolic and diastolic pressure of a persons blood. Understand that with a less expensive monitor, bought for the home, you may find the readings to be slightly less accurate.

What’s Right For You?

The differences between the fitting devices, such as the arm band, wrist band or finger clamp, could be determined by the need. If an individual is slightly overweight, then an ill-fitting arm band may not be feasible. A wrist band would more logical due to the simple fact that the wrist is not as affected by your body weight as the upper arm. A major health concern of overweight people is the risk of blood pressure and heart problems that can lead to extreme illness or even death. An alternate method, such as a wrist band is viable and useful for those people. For those with a home monitor, you should ask your doctor for a recommendation of what the most accurate and cost effective model would be. In some cases a doctor may ask that you wear a full time ambulatory blood pressure monitor to more closely monitor your pressure throughout the day.

By: Debra Trotter

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