Features of upper arm & wrist blood pressure monitors include automatic or manual inflation and digital displays. Bariatric & BP devices are also available. Read our Buyers Guide for help finding the right product.
While you can still buy a very cost-conscious traditional blood pressure device with a manometer and stethoscope today&rsquos automatic home blood pressure monitors make using reading and recording your blood pressure rates almost effortless. With the monitor cuff in place inflation and deflation takes place at the press of a button then the reading is displayed on an easy-to-read screen. Additional features makes it easier still.
Top Home Blood Pressure Monitor Features
Smart heart technology features include an irregular heartbeat detector and/or risk category indicator. The blood pressure monitor will alert you if it detects an irregular heartbeat or any condition that merits a phone call to your doctor.
A memory function will store results some monitors can store results from two separate users and may also offer averages. These recordings can be very helpful to your doctor who can review them at your scheduled appointments.
Getting The Right Fit
In The Know: Blood Pressure Numbers
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The systolic pressure is the top number and gives a reading of the pressure as your heart contracts to pump blood to your body.
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The diastolic pressure is the bottom number and gives a reading of the pressure between heartbeats.
Before purchasing a home blood pressure monitor it&rsquos important to determine the right cuff size to ensure an accurate reading. Upper arm cuffs typically accommodate arms that are 9&rdquo to 17&rdquo in circumference use a tapemeasure around your upper arm to get your measurement. Many blood pressure home monitors come with two cuffs both standard and large adult cuffs to enable you to get the most accurate fit.
There are blood pressure monitors available in extra large sizes such as the Bariatric Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with a high performance motor and the AccuFit&trade extra large cuff contoured to fit arm sizes 16.5-23.6&rdquo.
Blood pressure monitors with wrist cuffs are another option if you have a larger than average sized arm. The Medline Plus Digital Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor may be more comfortable to use. Keep in mind that wrist cuff monitors still require proper arm positioning at the heart level.
It&rsquos essential that the cuff is the appropriate size and is properly applied. If the cuff doesn&rsquot fit you correctly or isn&rsquot in the right position you won&rsquot get an accurate reading. The best approach is to take your monitor with you to your doctor&rsquos office and have a nurse check that you&rsquore doing everything correctly.
