Using home blood pressure monitors while also keeping records of measurements is a great way to ensure health. By organizing these details they can be presented to doctors for evaluations of medications and for overall monitoring of health. There are two main models of monitors readily available on the market: digital or aneroid. Anyone can use either, depending on what they personally prefer.

Home monitoring is great as it can be done several times each day at an individuals convenience. This alerts doctors and patients to daily changes and help determine how effective a medication may be. It can also help notify a patient to any changes as they occur and therefore help with future management. The monitors provide information that individuals can use to learn to recognize problems.

The main types of equipment for measuring are aneroid and digital monitors. Aneroid versions work by placing its cuff upon the upper arm and manually inflating it by squeezing its bulb. Then readings are found on an accompanying dial gauge. Digital versions are either automatic or manual. Readings can be found on a small display screen.

Aneroid machines are great because they are easily carried and transported. The cuff is combined with the stethoscope so additional equipment is not needed. Aneroid machines are typically cheaper and have price tags at fifty dollars or less. However, they have some disadvantages too. They are more complex, very fragile, and cuffs require significant force to use. The hearing impaired may experience difficulties because they cannot hear the heart using the stethoscope.

The advantages of the digital machines are they are automatic and pressure measurements display on a screen. Some may even print out the records of each reading so they are easily organized and kept on file. The stethoscope and gauge are combined and come with error indicators. Deflation occurs automatically. Cuff inflation can also be automatic or manual, if preferred. This monitor type is great for hearing-impaired patients because the heart beat does not need listening to with a stethoscope. Drawbacks are that its accuracy changes as a patient moves or if he or she has an irregular beating heart. It also needs batteries to function and is more pricey, ranging up to a hundred dollars.

To operate aneroid monitors put the pieces of the stethoscope into the ears in the right positioning. Stethoscope disks should be put on the inner region of the elbow. Then inflate the cuff to around 40 points higher than the normal readings for systolic pressure. Make sure to inflate it quickly as accuracy is compromised if done too slowly. Then loosen the valve so it deflates at about 3 millimeters each second. When the first heartbeat sounds check the pressure with the pointer at the dial. This is the measurement for systolic pressure.

Keep deflating the cuff while listening to the beat of the heart. As it momentarily stops again check dial readings. This number represents diastolic pressure. Write down the two numbers, systolic followed by diastolic and separated with a slash mark. Wait three minutes before taking another measurement.

For digital monitors put the cuff on the arm, turn on the power, and start the machine. It should self inflate with the push of a button for automatic versions. It will then slowly reduce its pressure. Look at the display screen for the final readings and then write these down. Then press the exhaust button so the rest of the air is released from the cuff. Three minutes must pass before measuring again.

Using home blood pressure monitors is easy to do and gives a lot of useful information. Much more detailed record keeping can be kept than from through doctors visits. Readings can be completed many times each day to check daily variation and the overall effectiveness of medications.

Check out our tips and advice on how to correctly use home blood pressure monitors now in our article on everything you need to know about a blood pressure chart

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