Blood Pressure Monitor Reviews

High blood pressure affects countless people around the world. It is dangerously unpredictable and can lead to a stroke or heart attack. The reason high blood pressure is so dangerous and has been labeled the ‘silent killer’ is because it has no symptoms.

The only way to find out if you have low, high or normal blood pressure is to use a blood pressure monitor. An automatic blood pressure monitor is simple enough to use at home and can save your life if used correctly and regularly.

Blood pressure is the amount of force that blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels as it passes through them. It is measured by temporarily stopping the flow of blood in an artery. The heart pumps blood in pulses so there is a peak pressure, called the systolic pressure and there is a minimum pressure, called the diastolic pressure.

A cuff around the upper arm is inflated to above the likely systolic pressure, usually about 180mmHg. This stops the blood flow down the arm. Then as the cuff deflates, blood starts to flow through the artery again.

Blood pressure is calculated by listening to this blood flow with a stethoscope. The pressure while the heart is beating is the systolic pressure. The diastolic pressure is the pressure while the heart is relaxed between the successive heart beats.

Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120/80. Anyone with blood pressure higher than that is in danger of high blood pressure and anything lower than 120/80 is thought to be low blood pressure. There are two monitors that can easily be used, each with their own pros and cons.

The aneroid monitor is a manual device with a built in stethoscope. It is cheaper than the digital monitor and is very easy to move from place to place. The disadvantage with this monitor is that is can be tricky to use. It is inappropriate for the hearing-impaired because of the need to listen through the stethoscope.

A metal ring feature which some of these monitors have, make it easy to put on the cuff. Without it however, the machine is difficult to use. The bulb that inflates the cuff may also be hard to squeeze and all this can prove difficult if you do not have help.

The digital monitor is automatic which makes it the easier option. The blood pressure is measured for you by a built-in stethoscope and deflation is automatic. Inflation is either manual or automatic depending on preference.

The disadvantages are the higher cost and window for inaccuracy. Readings can be affected by posture, battery life and an irregular heartbeat. Doctors usually perform this test on annual checkups, but once a year is not enough if you have a chronic blood pressure problem. Investing in an automatic blood pressure monitor is not only good for your health but it can save your life.