A blood pressure monitor measures your blood pressure. When you do it yourself, you use devices called self-tensiometers which are very useful for monitoring your blood pressure daily between appointments with your doctor, to monitor the effects of a new treatment or , more simply, to take care of one’s health.
- Which model to choose?
- Taking blood pressure in the arm?
- At wrist?
And if some models are now connected, selecting a reliable and easy-to-use blood pressure monitor remains essential because hypertension can cause serious cardiovascular problems. Your Doctipharma consulting pharmacist takes stock for you.
Why control your blood pressure?
The use of a blood pressure monitor at home makes it possible to check the effectiveness (or not) of a treatment prescribed by the doctor, and to react accordingly if the tension observed is abnormal.
Of course, the data provided by a home blood pressure monitor remains indicative and can in no way replace a medical diagnosis: only a doctor can make the diagnosis of arterial hypertension or arrhythmia. With the Omron blood pressure monitors buy things can get really perfect.
What are the blood pressure numbers?
Blood pressure is the blood pressure exerted on the lining of the arteries. Three measurements are given when taking blood pressure:
- The systolic pressure, calculated at first, when the heart contracts and pushes blood in the vessels.
- Diastolic pressure, determined when the heart relaxes and fills.
- The pulse, corresponding to the number of heart beats per minute.
The systolic and diastolic pressures are transcribed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The doctor usually communicates the results in centimeters of mercury to him: a result of 134 mmHg (Systolic) / 83 mmHg (Diastolic) will therefore result in a 13/8. Here again, the interpretation must be performed by a doctor because the figures observed are to be compared with the patient’s medical attributes (illnesses, weight, family history, etc.).
General precautions before choosing a blood pressure monitor for home measurement
- Follow the 3R rule: that is to say take your blood pressure 3 times in the morning and 3 times in the evening for 3 days (preferably before taking any medication). In fact, it is important that measurements are always taken at the same time of day to be reliable.
- Blood pressure is measured sitting down, after a few minutes of rest.
- Record the results in a notebook if the device does not record the measurements, as well as the medications taken recently.
- Do not take your blood pressure more than necessary.
- No alcohol or tobacco at the time of measurement.
- Have read the instructions for use of the blood pressure monitor carefully before use.
Manual and bulb blood pressure monitors
Manual or pear blood pressure monitors are intended for medical professionals and healthcare professionals. They require the use of a stethoscope since the systolic and diastolic pressures are checked visually (reading the manometer) and audibly (with the stethoscope).
Wrist blood pressure monitors
For all electronic blood pressure monitors, the first step is to check that the device has been validated by the health authorities. This is the case for all blood pressure monitors sold in pharmacies. Wrist blood pressure monitors have the advantage of being easily transportable because of their reduced size. The pressure gauge is on the cuff which wraps around the wrist and it is self-inflating: it inflates and deflates automatically to take the measurement.
