- Blood pressure monitors measure the systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart beats) and the diastolic pressure (the blood pressure when the heart is at rest). A blood pressure reading is expressed as systolic over diastolic. Normal blood pressure is 120/80.
-
Blood pressure monitors come in two types: manual and automatic. The manual type is what your health practitioner uses. This type uses a sphygmometer, with someone listening with a stethoscope as an arm cuff is released and blood travels through the artery. It's not meant for home use.
The automatic type of monitor, or oscillometer, has an electronic sensor that detects blood flow. The individual places the monitoring cuff around his arm, just above the elbow. Directions that come with the monitor will give detailed instructions about where to place the cuff and how to take a reading. Basically, the cuff is inflated to a pressure greater than the systolic pressure. The monitor will continue to measure pressure until it's lower than the diastolic pressure. The device will then give a digital readout of the systolic and diastolic pressures.
An automatic blood pressure monitor can be a valuable tool for controlling blood pressure. It's important to get several readings during a day because many factors, such as diet, medications, time of day, physical activity and stress level, affect blood pressure.
