{"id":16682,"date":"2021-08-04T17:56:29","date_gmt":"2021-08-04T17:56:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ade-medical.z4pby1v9-liquidwebsites.com\/?p=16682"},"modified":"2023-06-09T05:50:51","modified_gmt":"2023-06-09T05:50:51","slug":"find-the-best-blood-pressure-monitor-for-you-in-5-easy-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medical.andonline.com\/find-the-best-blood-pressure-monitor-for-you-in-5-easy-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"Find the Best Blood Pressure Monitor for You in 5 Easy Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Find the Best Blood Pressure Monitor for You in 5 Easy Steps<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>\n
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Whether your doctor has asked you to start monitoring your blood pressure at home or you\u2019re just being proactive, finding the best blood pressure monitor for you will help you get the most accurate results. \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

With so many types of blood pressure monitors on the market today, this can feel a little bit like Goldilocks trying to find her perfect bowl of porridge!<\/p>\n

But have no fear \u2013 here are five\u00a0simple steps to finding your \u201cjust right\u201d monitor.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

1. Select Your Type<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

For most people, Upper Arm monitors are the way to go. \u00a0They\u2019re the gold standard of home blood pressure monitoring. \u00a0But for those with certain medical conditions, larger arms, or those who travel frequently, a Wrist monitor might be the right choice for you. \u00a0This blog post<\/a>\u00a0can help point you in the right direction if you\u2019re not sure.<\/p>\n

There are also lots of other types of blood pressure monitors on the market today, like traditional bulb and stethoscope (aka sphygmomanometers), finger monitors, watch\/wearable monitors, or cuffless blood pressure monitors. \u00a0While sphygmomanometers are very accurate with proper training, they can be much more difficult for people to use at home. \u00a0Many of the other types are newer technologies, and\u00a0may not be as accurate<\/a>\u00a0as upper arm or wrist monitors.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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2. Determine Your Cuff Size<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Once you\u2019ve picked your type of blood pressure monitor, next you need to pick your size. \u00a0Many people might think that it\u2019s as simple as using the same size as your t-shirt, but that\u2019s not the case! \u00a0If your cuff is too small, your blood pressure reading will be artificially high. If your cuff is too large, you may get a reading that is lower than your actual blood pressure.<\/p>\n

So\u2026 don\u2019t skip this step! \u00a0Measuring your arm is easy. \u00a0With your arm hanging at the side of your body, measure the circumference of your upper arm at the midpoint between the shoulder and elbow.<\/p>\n

Measuring your wrist is easy, too \u2013 just measure the circumference of your wrist about two fingers below your wrist crease.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

3. Check the Device’s Clinical Validation<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

All blood pressure monitors sold in the USA are required to pass the FDA\u2019s approval process, aka 510(k) clearance, but many quality manufacturers take testing one step further by obtaining clinical validation.<\/p>\n

Clinical validation tests are often performed by third parties to verify the accuracy of the monitors against certain criteria, meaning the monitor (if it passes) gives reliable and accurate results. \u00a0These results are then published in peer-reviewed journals, giving an extra degree of certainty.<\/p>\n

When you compare blood pressure monitors, make sure to select one that is clinically validated to ensure accuracy. \u00a0See our\u00a0clinical validation studies<\/a>\u00a0here.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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4. Look for Irregular Heartbeat Detection<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

You may know you have an Irregular Heartbeat (including arrhythmia, A-fib, and others), and if so, you should look for a monitor an Irregular Heartbeat Detection.<\/p>\n

However, even if you haven\u2019t been diagnosed with a type of irregular heartbeat, it is still a good feature to look for as it may be a sign of a new or changing condition. \u00a0An irregular heartbeat is defined as a heartbeat that varies by 25% from the average of all heartbeats during the blood pressure measurement.<\/p>\n

We recommend contacting your physician if you see this symbol frequently.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

5. Decide if You Need Any Other Features<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

We\u2019re getting closer! \u00a0You now know what type and size of blood pressure monitor you need, and that you should be looking for a clinically validated monitor with irregular heartbeat detection.<\/p>\n

But now you\u2019ll start to notice all the other features to choose from \u2013 and there can be a lot. \u00a0Here are some questions to ask yourself:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n