A&D Medical

Maximizing Patient Care: The Significance of Accurate Biometric Measurements and Reliable Data Transmission in Remote Monitoring

Victoria Licona — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 05:20:49 +0000

Maximizing Patient Care: The Significance of Accurate Biometric Measurements and Reliable Data Transmission in Remote Monitoring

In today’s healthcare landscape, remote patient monitoring (RPM) has become a cornerstone for delivering proactive and tailored care, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. However, the efficacy of RPM relies heavily on two pillars: accurate measurements and reliable data transmission. Let’s explore why these aspects are crucial to enhancing patient care and outcomes.

Importance of accurate biometric measurements:

Accurate biometric measurements are essential for effective patient care. For healthcare providers, precise readings are necessary for informed decision-making regarding treatment plans, medication adjustments, and lifestyle interventions. In remote monitoring, measurement accuracy is even more critical because interactions are not face to face.

Early Intervention: Accurate readings enable early detection of deviations from target values and facilitate timely intervention to prevent complications.

Tailored Treatment Plans: Reliable data allow customization of treatment plans based on individual patient needs, ensuring optimal management, and minimizing risks associated with overtreatment or undertreatment.
Improved Patient Engagement: Patients who trust the accuracy of their measurements are more likely to engage in self-monitoring and adhere to prescribed interventions, leading to better health outcomes and increased satisfaction with care.

The Crucial Role of Reliable Data Transmission

The other critical component in remote patient monitoring is to make sure the data gets transmitted to the healthcare provider. Reliable data transmission is essential for using the data in patient care management. Here’s why healthcare professionals should prioritize this aspect:

Timely Intervention: Reliable data transmission enables healthcare providers to receive real-time updates on patients’ vital measurements, facilitating prompt intervention in case of abnormal values or emergent situations.

Data Location: Getting the data transmitted to an electronic health record or a preferred digital health platform that is convenient for healthcare provider review is essential to an effective program.

Data Accuracy and Integrity: Ensuring reliable data transmission maintains the accuracy and integrity of patient information, minimizing errors or inconsistencies that could compromise clinical decision-making.

Efficient Healthcare Delivery: Streamlining remote monitoring processes through reliable data transmission enhances healthcare delivery efficiency, reducing burdens on both patients and providers and enabling more effective resource utilization.

Accurate measurements and reliable data transmission are indispensable components of remote patient monitoring, crucial for optimizing patient care and outcomes. As healthcare professionals harness the potential of RPM, prioritizing the quality and reliability of these elements is paramount.

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A&D Medical: #1 Pharmacists Recommended OTC Blood Pressure Monitor in Canada

Victoria Licona — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:53:41 +0000

A&D Medical: #1 Pharmacists Recommended OTC Blood Pressure Monitor in Canada

In the vast landscape of healthcare, trust is paramount. Patients and practitioners alike seek reliability, quality, and expertise when it comes to medical products and services. For us, earning the title of the #1 Pharmacists Recommended OTC Blood Pressure Monitor in Canada isn’t just an achievement – it’s a testament to our commitment to accuracy and reliability.

For 50 years we’ve prioritized one thing above all else; trusted accuracy in our products. A&D Medical’s journey to becoming the top choice in Canadian healthcare has been fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence. We’ve invested in research, innovation, and continuous improvement to ensure that our offerings exceed expectations and set new standards of quality and performance.

From providing reliable medical devices to delivering exceptional customer service, we strive to exceed the needs and expectations of our customers at every turn. Our dedication to reliable medical devices has earned us not only loyal customers but also invaluable trust and respect within the pharmaceutical community.

Together, we’ve built a community bound by a shared vision of improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing quality of life for all Canadians. As the #1 Pharmacists Recommended OTC Blood Pressure Monitor in Canada, we recognize the responsibility that comes with our position. We remain committed to driving positive change, fostering innovation, and continuing to earn the trust and confidence of those we serve.

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6 Ways to Reduce Hypertension: World Hypertension Day

Victoria Licona — Wed, 17 May 2023 19:32:17 +0000

May 17th marks World Hypertension Day, a global initiative to raise awareness of hypertension and promote hypertension prevention, detection, and control. To support World Hypertension Day, we encourage everyone to check their blood pressure and spread awareness about hypertension in their communities, here are 6 ways to reduce hypertension.

Over 30% of the adult population in the world and more than a billion individuals worldwide suffer from hypertension. It is the main cause of heart disorders, especially coronary artery disease, and stroke. Additionally, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and dementia can all result from uncontrolled hypertension. Therefore, information regarding this illness should be shared widely.

There are many ways to prevent hypertension, here are the top 6 ways to reduce hypertension:

Get regular exercise

Reduce salt intake

Learn to manage tension or stress

Take a well-balanced diet rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium

Limiting alcohol consumption

Avoiding tobacco use

How A&D can help:

At A&D Medical, we are dedicated to improving hypertension awareness and management through our blood pressure monitoring solutions. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for understanding and managing hypertension. Our products include a range of blood pressure monitors, including wireless and other options, to suit a variety of needs and lifestyles.

Track your health (blood pressure, pulse rate, blood glucose, oxygen saturation, weight, temperature, and respiratory rate) and automatically share your data with a healthcare provider with our free highly rated Heart Track app. A&D Medical is trusted by millions of patients to accurately measure blood pressure every day. The Heart Track App combines A&D’s expertise in connected blood pressure monitoring with an easy-to-use app to improve hypertension management. You can download our app using this link.

At A&D Medical, we are committed to providing accurate and reliable blood pressure monitoring solutions to help individuals and healthcare providers manage hypertension and cardiovascular health.

If you are interested in learning more about hypertension and blood pressure monitoring, please visit our website at Blog – A&D Medical (andonline.com)

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Vital Vitals: The Importance of Collecting Accurate Vitals

Mayuri — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 20:19:36 +0000

Vital Vitals: The Importance of Collecting Accurate Vitals

When it comes to personal health there’s a surprising amount of outsourcing that happens. While you should certainly have faith in the medical professionals you trust with your care, there are plenty of reasons to keep an accurate log of your own vitals. Plus, with the rise in telehealth visits there’s never been a better time to bring some accountability to your personal health.

The Vital Vitals

Okay, so you’re ready to start tracking your own vitals at home. What exactly does that mean? In a nutshell, your vitals include: weight, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature. Basically, the information your doctor would collect at a checkup.

Knowing this information helps doctors to monitor your risk of developing certain conditions (such as hypertension) and also judge your overall health. With telehealth visits, your ability to report accurate readings is integral to your doctor successfully doing their job and keeping you healthy.

Practice Makes Perfect

While your doctor’s office may make it look easy, there’s a science to getting accurate readings. Things like weight, pulse, blood pressure, and temperature can all be impacted by the time of day, if you just ate, what you just ate, current activity levels, and so much more.

It’s important to keep these factors in mind when taking your vitals at home. No one likes to wait at the doctors, but that beat you take between checking in and actually seeing your doctor serves a purpose. It gives your body a chance to rest and return to its default settings.

The Pressure of Accurate Blood Pressure

When it comes to blood pressure, at-home monitoring can actually reveal more accurate results than in-office readings. Of course, that relies on you and an understanding of how to get the most accurate results.

Testing your blood pressure throughout the day and/or wearing a blood pressure monitor that takes readings throughout the day are both ways you can ensure your doctor has the most accurate data.

Keeping track of your own vitals doesn’t have to be a chore, and can be empowering. Knowing more about your own health can lead to healthier lifestyle choices and a healthier you.

If you aren’t sure what vitals you need to track, speak with your doctor. They can help you track your vitals in a way that helps them and works for you.

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On the Down Low – Why You Need to Monitor Low Blood Pressure

Mayuri — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 15:26:29 +0000

On the Down Low – Why You Need to Monitor Low Blood Pressure

When it comes to blood pressure monitoring, hypertension (high blood pressure) tends to get a lot of attention. Which makes sense, given how prevalent it is amongst adults (nearly half of American adults). On the other end of the blood pressure spectrum is hypotension (low blood pressure).

While not as prevalent as hypertension, it is still fairly common and comes with its own set of health risks and problematic symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about monitoring hypotension:

How low is low?

Generally speaking, lower blood pressure is a good thing. However, when it drops below 90/60 mm Hg it can become a health concern.

What causes hypotension?

Low blood pressure can affect people of all ages, but is more common in older adults and pregnant women in their first 24 weeks. Causes include:

Inactivity
Medication
Dehydration
Infection
Nutritional Deficiencies

What are the symptoms and risks?

Symptoms of hypotension range from physical symptoms such as nausea and dizziness to mental health issues like depression. Blurred vision and fatigue are other symptoms that can interfere with your daily life and safety. If left untreated, chronic hypotension can limit your body’s oxygen intake and cause damage to the heart and brain.

When should you talk to a medical professional?

A low blood pressure reading can be scary. That being said, a single instance is no reason to be alarmed, especially if you do not have any symptoms. If you do start to experience symptoms such as nausea and dizziness, it’s a good idea to consult a medical professional.

In rare instances low blood pressure can lead to shock. If you or a loved one are experiencing shock, you should seek emergency medical care immediately.

The bottom line

Hypotension can be a serious condition, but with monitoring and vigilance you and your doctor can get ahead of any serious health threats. Staying active, eating right, and keeping hydrated are simple ways that you can keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

If you think that you may have hypotension, speak with your primary care physician. They can help you develop a treatment plan and determine if there are any underlying causes.

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Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring – The Gold Standard in Hypertension Diagnosis

Han Wong — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 20:08:38 +0000

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring – The Gold Standard in Hypertension Diagnosis

Blood pressure monitoring is something that for many of us exists only in a clinical setting. However, when it comes to getting the “big picture” of your blood pressure, sometimes you have to step outside the doctor’s office, literally.

When your primary care physician or cardiologist is looking to get a complete picture of your blood pressure levels, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) can be a useful tool.

The What

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a blood pressure test that you take with you. You’ll wear a blood pressure measurement device for 24-hours, including while you sleep.

The device will monitor your blood pressure throughout the day and night, approximately every 30 minutes. At the end of the testing period, your doctor will review all the readings to determine how your blood pressure levels correlate with your daily activities and sleep patterns.

The Why

There are a variety of reasons why your doctor or cardiologist would suggest an ambulatory blood pressure test. It is a better predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. Ambulatory BP monitoring can detect abnormal changes in BP that might go unnoticed when it’s only measured in the doctor’s office.

Can detect changes in BP that might go unnoticed when it’s only measured in the doctor’s office. In some instances, ABPM may determine these readings are due to white coat hypertension.

Another potential reason is your doctor may suspect that your office readings are lower. In this instance, ABPM would reveal masked hypertension, meaning your blood pressure readings are higher outside the doctor’s office or may be elevated while you sleep.

The Big Picture

When it comes to blood pressure readings, office tests are good, but ABPM removes any doubt. If taken during an average day it can accurately allow medical professionals to diagnose hypertension or other blood pressure related conditions. An ambulatory blood pressure test can also help determine if a patient would benefit from antihypertensive drugs.

While any sort of medical testing can feel overwhelming, ABPM is an incredibly simple way to determine and improve your blood pressure levels. Even better, diagnosing and treating hypertension can improve your overall health.

If you think you may benefit from ABPM, speak with your doctor. They can help you determine the best and healthiest course of action for you.

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The Link Between Hypertension and Stroke Risk

Han Wong — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 12:40:48 +0000

The Link Between Hypertension and Stroke Risk

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions amongst adults. In the U.S., nearly half of adults have high blood pressure.

That’s a startling statistic on its own, but becomes even more concerning when you consider the increased risk of developing other health conditions.

Amongst these conditions is an increased risk of stroke. More than half of strokes are a result of hypertension. The good news is that there are ways to reduce your risk, but first let’s take a closer look at the connections between hypertension and stroke.

Types of stroke

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions amongst adults. In the U.S., nearly half of adults have high blood pressure. That’s a startling statistic on its own, but becomes even more concerning when you consider the increased risk of developing other health conditions.

How hypertension increases risk

So, why does high blood pressure increase your stroke risk? Simply put – it stresses out your blood vessels.

Hypertension puts blood vessels under constant stress and damages the artery walls, making them weaker. This makes it more likely to develop clots due to poor blood flow. It can also damage arteries to the point of bursting or tearing, which can lead to internal bleeding.

Identify stroke F.A.S.T.

If you or a loved one are at higher risk of stroke, it’s important to know the signs. Thankfully, there’s an acronym to help you out – F.A.S.T.

It stands for:

Face drooping

Arm weakness

Speech difficulty

Time to call 911

It’s simple, straightforward, and can save a life.

Reducing your risk

Now for the good news. You can greatly reduce your risk of stroke by managing your blood pressure. Simple steps like being more active, eating healthier, and medication prescribed by your doctor, can make a huge difference.

Hypertension and stroke can be scary, but with a well-executed game plan you can control your blood pressure and reduce the stress on you and your arteries. If you’re concerned about your blood pressure and/or risk of stroke, speak with your doctor. They can help you develop a plan that fits you.

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Getting a Read on Respiratory Health and Pulse Oximeters

Han Wong — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 21:09:25 +0000

Getting a Read on Respiratory Health and Pulse Oximeters

This past year has brought with it many lessons. One that may have escaped your notice is the importance of monitoring respiratory health. If that string of words doesn’t ring any bells, just take a deep breath, inhale, exhale, and keep reading.

Good news! Assuming you were able to accomplish that simple task, your respiratory health is in pretty good shape. Respiratory health, or lung health, was at the center of discussions surrounding COVID-19, but beyond the pandemic how much do you know about lung health and how it’s measured? Well, that’s a complicated question, but one of the tools used is the pulse oximeter.

What’s a pulse oximeter?

This tool that’s common place in hospitals and clinical settings is still a bit mystifying to most of us. So, what is it? Well, aside from the finger clippie thing (that’s a technical term) they put on you at the hospital – it’s an electronic device that measures the oxygen saturation levels in your blood cells. It performs this task quickly and without using needles or taking a blood sample, allowing for oxygen levels to be monitored in real-time.

Fun fact – pulse oximeters are usually attached to your fingers, but can also be attached to the forehead, foot, ears, toes, or even your nose. Let that be a reminder to be kind to your medical staff.

Getting a reading

When it comes to understanding the numbers in a pulse oximeter reading, it’s fairly simple. Anything higher than 90% is generally satisfactory. Anything below, and you should monitor for other symptoms (such as blue lips, fingers, or nails) and, if you’re monitoring at home, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Keep in mind that readings should also be considered with previous monitoring, to determine if there has been a significant drop.

Who are they for?

Pulse oximeters can be a helpful tool for monitoring and managing a range of respiratory health conditions. Some common situations where they are used include:

During and after surgery for procedures that use sedation.
Determining the efficacy of lung medications.
Measuring a person’s stamina and ability to handle increased activity levels.
Monitoring breathing during sleep to test for sleep apnea.

With all of its challenges, one of the silver linings of this past year is an increased awareness of the importance and value of our health. A pulse oximeter is just one of the many tools that can allow us to get a better understanding of our own health. Knowing and owning your own health is a great way to get ahead of any potential issues and ensure you enjoy a healthy life for as long as possible.

If you think you could benefit from tracking and understanding your oxygen saturation levels, speak with your doctor. They will be able to determine the best way to incorporate this medical tool into your routine for maximum benefit.

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10 Spices and Herbs that Lower Blood Pressure

Han Wong — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 23:12:00 +0000

10 Spices and Herbs that Lower Blood Pressure

Healthy eating has a bland reputation. Not that it’s completely unearned. We’ve all suffered through a flavorless, heart-healthy meal. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. There’s a whole world of heart-healthy flavor out there. All it takes to discover it is a quick trip to your spice cabinet (or your local grocer).

To get you started on your journey to healthy eating with some spice, here are ten herbs and spices that will keep you from reaching for the salt:

Cinnamon

Odds are cinnamon has you thinking sweet thoughts, but this spice has a lot more versatility. This warming spice is good at getting your blood vessels to chill and improve blood flow, which is a good thing for your blood pressure and overall heart health.

Ginger

This versatile spice has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. A natural calcium channel blocker, ginger is a great way to naturally reduce your blood pressure.

Nutmeg

Rounding out our trilogy of classic, sweet and savory holiday spices is possibly the most versatile of them all. Nutmeg is packed with antioxidants and has a slew of anti-inflammatory properties, which have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.

Cardamom

Another sweet and savory option you may not be as familiar with is cardamom. This antioxidant-rich spice is still relatively new in the world of scientific studies. However, early findings are promising, and show that it has the potential to safely reduce blood pressure through its diuretic properties.

Thyme

In addition to being something we could all use more of, thyme (the herb) is really good for your heart. Studies have shown thyme can reduce blood sugar and increase blood flow. Both of which are good for your heart. Also, it contains compounds which have been shown to reduce blood pressure.

Basil

This common herb is anything but common when it comes to heart health. Sweet basil can help to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. It may also have calcium channel blocker properties.

Garlic

Not only is it good for keeping vampires at a distance, garlic also boasts properties that ward off hypertension and heart disease. In fact, studies have found that garlic can have a similar effect to some blood pressure medications.

Mint

After all that garlic talk, you (and anyone in your vicinity) will be happy to hear that mint also has some heart health benefits. This antioxidant-rich leaf helps protect your cells from damage and reduce your risk of heart disease. Plus, it comes in tea form, making it a fairly easy addition to your daily routine.

Cayenne Pepper

If you like your spice to be literal and with a side of sweat, cayenne pepper is a good way to get your blood flowing (literally). This pantry staple is known for increasing blood flow by relaxing your blood vessels. And if cayenne isn’t your tastebud burner of choice, capsaicin (what gives all peppers their kick), has been shown to help reduce blood pressure.

Turmeric

This spice may not sound familiar, but if you’ve every enjoyed curry you’ve definitely enjoyed the health benefits of turmeric. Studies have shown promising results when it comes to its blood pressure reducing properties, when taken regularly.

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Diabetes and Blood Pressure

Han Wong — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:36:50 +0000

Diabetes and Blood Pressure

According to the CDC, nearly 50% of American adults suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure). When you narrow the focus to adults with diabetes, that percentage increases to over 60%. That means 2 in 3 adults with diabetes have high blood pressure. With over 10% of the US population living with some form of diabetes, learning more about the link between these two conditions can be a lifesaver.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of diseases that impact the way the body processes sugar. With type 1, the pancreas does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, which is needed stabilize the body’s blood sugar levels. With type two, the person may produce insulin, but their body has become resistant to insulin. While there are differences between type 1 and type 2, both come with a higher risk of developing hypertension.

Higher risk of hypertension

What about diabetes makes adults more at risk of developing hypertension? Diabetes damages arteries. This makes them more vulnerable to hardening, which can cause high blood pressure. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to additional health issues including blood vessel damage, heart attack, and kidney failure. This makes management of diabetes imperative to heart health.

Highs and lows

On the flipside of hypertension is hypotension (low blood pressure). Low blood pressure is any reading below 90 for systolic or 60 diastolic. Unlike high blood pressure, low blood pressure is usually accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. It’s important to note that some people experience no symptoms from low blood pressure, and can actually live normal, healthy lives.

Symptoms can be confused with diabetes

As is the case with many overlapping health conditions, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the source of symptoms. While high blood pressure usually does not present any physical symptoms, the dizziness and fatigue that can accompany low blood pressure could be confused for low blood sugar. This can be frustrating and confusing, especially when first learning to manage and live with diabetes.

Double-teaming defense

Both diabetes and hypertension increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Learning how to manage both is imperative to your health. There is some good news. With the right game plan, both diabetes and your blood pressure can be managed. This could mean changes to your diet, regular blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring, and, if needed, medication.

Prevention is the best medicine

Of course, the best management is prevention. If you have a family history of diabetes or hypertension talk with your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk. Simple adjustments to your diet and exercise can make a huge difference in reducing your risk. Knowing your family’s health history is a vital step in all aspects of your health, but especially when dealing with heart health.

If you’re concerned about your risk, management, or prevention of diabetes talk with your doctor. Together, you can figure out your personal risk of developing hypertension and/or diabetes and also come up with a plan to keep you as healthy as possible.

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