Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

People who check their blood pressure regularly control it better than people who don’t. They avoid nasty surprises, and can also see just how well their blood pressure control measures are working.

In the early stages of your campaign to bring your pressure down, get your pressure checked every two or three weeks. Later on, once a month is usually enough.

1. Arrange for pressure to be measured by a nurse at your doctor’s office or perhaps work.
2. Don’t use automatic or coin operated machines unless you know that they are being kept well adjusted.

Should you buy your own equipment?

In recent years, blood pressure monitoring have become easier to use, and many types are accurate enough to help you keep the track of changes. There are two main types of blood pressure monitoring devices to use at home:

Aneroid Manual Types

These have a cuff, a stethoscope, and a dial. They are accurate and less expensive than electronic tyoes, but many be hard to use if you don’t have a helper. The best ones have the stethoscope built into the cuff and a metal clasp that holds the cuff in a circle.

Electronic Types

These are more expensive that many manual types but are much easier to use. The best have a cuff that inflates itself, and all you need to do is read the numbers off the display. Some types measure pressure at the wrist or finger, but these are not considered as accurate as those with an arm cuff.

If you plan to use your own equipment:

1. Make sure the cuff fits. If necessary, order an extra large or extra small size.
2. Keep a log of your home blood pressure measurements, and take them to your doctor. If there is difference, your doctor may ask you bring in your equipment to check its accuracy.

Related posts:

1. Blood Pressure, Alcohol And Caffeine
2. Blood Presure Medication