
Many doctors advise patients to monitor their blood pressure levels at regular intervals from home, in order to determine whether or not further treatment is needed to stabilize the condition.
If your blood pressure progress is not adequately monitored, serious cardiovascular diseases can arise that can be extremely threatening to your overall health. Deciding on the correct blood pressure machine is an important process that should be approached with caution.
Opt for a digital monitor
The general consensus amongst the fraternity of medical professionals is that digital monitors are more popular than manual ones, because they are automatic and thus more accurate. The clear display usually features large numbers, which makes it easy for anyone to decipher the readings.
The structural make-up of these machines is also less complex: they consist of a digital gauge and an arm cuff, whereas manual monitors include endless paraphernalia such as a stethoscope, manual gauge, inflatable arm cuff, and a rubber bulb for pumping up the cuff. This makes for a far more laborious process, while a digital machine inflates automatically at the push of a button.
Digital monitors are also appropriate for hearing-impaired individuals as there is no stethoscope needed to monitor the heart rate. They are more compact and generally no bigger than a mobile phone or walkman. Some high-tech machines even link up to your personal computer and conveniently print out records of your blood pressure levels. This reliability distinguishes digital machines as the most popular blood pressure monitors on the market today.
Upper arm measurements are best
When on the lookout for the most popular blood pressure monitors, take into consideration that monitors that attach to your upper arm area are more reliable than wrist or finger devices.
These results were determined after rigorous clinical testing and approval by the British Hypertension Society (BHS), one of the top authorities in the business of testing blood pressure machines. Their highly regarded list is comprised of digital upper arm monitors that have been through specialized independent testing, backed up by industry research.
BHS-validated machines
The most popular blood pressure monitors can be found on the BHS list which is updated on a regular basis. It features the best quality machines and top brands, such as Omron, A+D Instruments, and Microlife. Many of these can be ordered and purchased via online stores, which makes for further convenience and ease.
The cream of the crop is Omron – this premium brand currently occupies the top nine seller spots on Amazon.com in the blood pressure monitors category. According to this popular online store the Omron HEM-780 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with Comfit Cuff, priced at $65, is the top seller.
Its Intellisense monitor inflates the cuff to the correct level for you, which means that you don’t need to be frustrated with an unreliable manual pump. This FDA-approved monitor also detects morning hypertension, features clear LCD display, fits a range of arm sizes, and even has a 90-day memory recall that helps you track your progress over a lengthy period.
Whatever your choice, be sure to ask your doctor’s advice as far as home monitoring, additional medication, exercise, and other treatments are concerned. They will also be in the position to offer an informed view of what the most popular monitors are, and which ones would be best suited to your individual needs.