Blood pressure monitoring is a vital tool in assessing patients with high blood pressure or hypertension and those already diagnosed as having cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that around 1 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension. If your doctor has told you that you have high blood pressure, you should regularly monitor your blood pressure.
Traditionally, monitoring is undertaken in a busy clinic or hospital and requires the patient to attend an appointment and be attached to a monitor. However, this can often lead to stress, and if you would rather avoid such stress, purchasing your very own blood pressure monitors can benefit you. These gadgets allow you to test yourself whenever you feel the need, particularly if you feel unwell or suspect that something may be wrong.
How to Measure Your Blood Pressure with a Blood Pressure Monitor
Measuring your blood pressure will require a blood pressure monitor, and it is vital to know how to measure your blood pressure correctly. Research has shown that around 70% of people do not take their readings accurately, affecting the diagnosis of hypertension. However, with practice and time, accurate measurements are easily achievable.
Before you begin testing yourself, make sure that you have taken off any tight jewelry or clothing which may be restricting your movement. Sit down in an upright position (or stand if preferred), then place your arm on a flat surface, making sure that it is relaxed at your side. If using an automated monitor, program the device accordingly before securing the cuff to ensure no air leaks. Ensure that the monitor is at heart level and release the safety catch to perform its job.
Now pump up the monitor to around 20-30mmHg above your normal systolic pressure, however much this may be. Your pulse should become audible within a few seconds through the stethoscope (if using an automated machine), which has around two bells. The sound of the first bell will represent your systolic blood pressure, while the second indicates your diastolic. Using an automated monitor, you do not need to worry about any bells. These devices are programmed to automatically print out readings for systolic and diastolic pressures after 40 seconds.
When recording readings for hypertension diagnosis, it is best practice to take readings every 5 minutes for 30-60 minutes. This means that if you do not have an automated blood pressure monitor, it would be necessary to buy two monitors to carry out the test. Alternatively, this may mean that your doctor will need to spend more time with you - something which nobody wants!
Wired or Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor?
Another factor you will need to consider is whether you choose a wired or wireless blood pressure monitor. These days, wireless monitors are becoming increasingly popular, and while they do not contain any wires, the cuff needs to be connected via Bluetooth to work. This can cause an element of frustration if you lose your phone between tests, so ideally, opt for a wired version instead. Although these devices may come with risks such as decreased accuracy, they remain more reliable than wireless options.
How Often Should You Monitor Your Blood Pressure?
It's a question that anyone who has ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure may have asked themselves at one point or another. It is especially relevant as the condition becomes more common and more people regularly monitor their blood pressure. The short answer is "as often as possible," – but let's take a closer look. Anyone who has been told they have high blood pressure should pay close attention here, even if you don't usually check your own BP.
Conclusion
It is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly to ensure that you remain on top of hypertension symptoms and in a position to take action. However, it is equally crucial that you monitor your blood pressure correctly to ensure the accuracy of the results. After you have diagnosed yourself using a blood pressure monitor, it is best to speak to your doctor about the best course of action. Some patients may only need to carry out self-monitoring for a short time before receiving their diagnosis, while others may require further testing. If you are unsure about what is required of you, ask your doctor for more information.