Blood Pressure Machines Available For Home Use

With many different blood pressure machines on the market for home use, it can be confusing for people to discern which one is best for them. Additionally, many are skeptical of taking their own blood pressure at home since they have it taken often at the doctor's office. By keeping track of the blood pressure throughout the day and readings noted in a log, the doctor can determine if medication is working properly or if adjustments are needed.

The most accurate type of blood pressure machines are those typically used in the doctor's office or hospital. Known as mercury sphygmomanometers, they rely on pressure in a tube filled with mercury to obtain accurate blood pressure readings. They require little maintenance and do not need calibration. However, due to the dangers of the mercury in the tube they are restricted in use and seldom recommended for home use by non-professionals.

Aneroid blood pressure machines work similarly to a sphygmomanometer, bet do not rely on mercury to obtain the readings. They read pressure inside the unit as ir adjust for normal atmospheric pressure in relation to the pressure applied through an inflatable cuff. Usually, the adjustable nylon cuff will hold an inflatable bladder into which air is pumped to make the reading possible. Since both types require use of a stethoscope, they are not friendly for the hearing impaired.

Digital Blood Pressure Machines Make It Easy

Taking blood pressure readings at home is simpler, especially for one person, with the use of digital blood pressure machines. There is still a cuff to attach to the arm, but the inflation to right level is automatic, enabling a person to put on the cuff, press the start button and wait for the unit to run through its cycle. Once completed, a digital readout will give the systolic and diastolic pressure in easy to read numerals and some machines will also present heart rate as well.

While the digital blood pressure machines are easy and convenient to use, they may require frequent calibration and adjustments to insure the readings given are accurate. When a person buys blood pressure machines they should take them to the doctor's office for comparison to the readings obtained by the doctor. If the unit is capable of being calibrated, that can be done at that time. If not, the difference in the readings should be noted with the understanding of how far off the home unit is to the professional reading.