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Different Types of Blood Pressure Monitors

You can measure your blood pressure levels at home using either a digital monitor or an aneroid monitor. Digital blood pressure monitors have either manual or automatic cuffs. The blood pressure reading appears on a small screen. An aneroid type of blood pressure monitor uses dial gauge that is read by looking at a pointer. The cuff is inflated by hand, by squeezing a rubber bulb.

Why Use Home Blood Pressure Monitors?
Monitoring your blood pressure levels at home and keeping a record of the results will show you and your doctor how your blood pressure levels change during the day. Your doctor can use these measurements to monitor how well your medicine is working to control your high blood pressure. Also, measuring your own blood pressure is a very good way to take part in managing your health.

Aneroid Blood Pressure Monitors

The advantage of the aneroid blood pressure monitor is that it can easily be moved from one place to another. Also, the cuff for this type of monitor has a built-in stethoscope, so you don't have to buy a separate stethoscope. Some makes of this type of unit have a feature that makes it easier to put the cuff on with one hand - easier if you're on your own. Aneroid monitors also cost less than digital monitors ranging in price from about $20 (£15) to $30 (£20).

There are also some disadvantages of aneroid monitors. One - it's quite a complicated device that can easily be damaged and thus become less accurate. The device is also difficult to use if it doesn't have the special feature--a metal ring--that makes it easier to put the cuff on. In addition, the rubber bulb that inflates the cuff may be difficult to squeeze.

This monitor may not be appropriate for hearing-impaired people, because of the need to listen to heart sounds through the stethoscope.

Digital Blood Pressure Monitors

Digital blood pressure monitors are automatic and are most popular type of blood pressure measuring device. The readings are shown on an easy to read screen. Some digital monitors also have a printout that gives you a record of the blood pressure levels.

Digital monitors are easier to use than the aneroid monitor units. They have a gauge and stethoscope that are one unit, and the numbers on the screen are very easy to read. They also have an error indicator, and deflation is automatic. Inflation of the cuff is either automatic or manual, depending on the model. This blood pressure monitoring device is good for hearing-impaired patients, since there is no need to listen to heart sounds through the stethoscope.

One disadvantage of the digital blood pressure monitor is that the accuracy is changed by body movements or an irregular heart rate. Some models are designed for use with the left arm only, which could cause problems for some people to use. Finally, some digital monitors are expensive. They range in price from about $30 (£20) to over $100 (£70).

Blood Pressure Monitor

A blood pressure monitor is a good thing to have on hand, especially if you know that you suffer from high blood pressure, or have a family history of heart disease. Because blood pressure is an excellent indication of how your heart is performing, and how much stress it might be under, your blood pressure is a vital piece of information in determining your overall health. Indeed, along with your heart rate, your blood pressure numbers are often referred to as your ëvitalsí. One of the first things most doctors or nurses will do when they see you in a treatment environment is to measure your vitals with a blood pressure monitor.

I worked at a residential drug and alcohol treatment center for over a year, and during my time there I became very familiar with the use of blood pressure monitors. The old school and more traditional blood pressure monitors that you usually see your doctor use are called sphygmomanometers. This is the typical cuff thing that they Velcro onto your arm, and then pump up by hand. It has a pressure gauge attached, and requires careful watching to accurately determine your blood pressure. These traditional blood pressure monitors are usually used in conjunction with a stethoscope to give a reading of your heart rate as well. That means taking vitals the old school way is a very active process and requires some amount of training.

Fortunately, there are newer and easier to use blood pressure monitors available today. Today you can purchase electronic sphygmomanometers that are programmed to basically do everything for you. All you need to learn how to do is properly attach the cuff to the subjectís arm, which is easier than tying your shoes. Then with the push of a button, the blood pressure machine does the rest. It even records your heart rate, and displays it along with your blood pressure in a little LCD display. All you have to do is wait for it to finish.

Needless to say, these automatic blood pressure monitors made my life a lot easier when I was working at the treatment center. Anyone that works in a medical environment that doesnít have the training nurses and doctors have gotten in the use of a regular sphygmomanometer will certainly appreciate having an automatic blood pressure monitor on hand.

Since my time at the treatment center, I have purchased my own electronic blood pressure monitor. It's a nice tool to have on hand to accurately gauge any stress your heart may be under if you think you may be having heart trouble.