How to Choosing a Blood Pressure Monitor

According to the American Heart Association, about 72 million people in the United States age 20 and older have high blood pressure. That's nearly one in three people who should be checking their blood pressure on a regular basis. Very few things require the accuracy of blood pressure readings; so it's important to understand the various features one should look for when choosing a blood pressure monitor. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide if you want a manual or digital blood pressure monitor. Manual monitors come with a stethoscope and an inflatable arm cuff, are less expensive, considered more accurate, but harder to use. Digital monitors have an arm cuff that automatically inflates at the touch of a button, cost a bit more, but are generally easier to use.

2. Make sure the cuff fits properly or you won't get accurate blood pressure readings. Monitors are available for a variety of arm sizes. To determine your cuff size, measure around the midpoint of your upper arm. Regular-size cuffs are usually 9-15 inches. If it's larger than 15 inches, you should purchase a large cuff.

3. Listen and make sure you can hear the sounds if you choose a manual blood pressure monitor with a stethoscope. Also make sure you understand the instructions that come with the monitor. If not, have your doctor's office show you how to properly use the unit. Another advantage to digital monitors is they have a sensor built in that records the readings for you.

4. Be sure you can read the numbers on the display of the blood pressure monitor you select, especially the digital monitors. There are special units available for those with vision challenges, but if those don't help, be sure to have your blood pressure checked by a professional on a regular basis.

5. Check with your doctor or the manufacturer of the blood pressure monitor you're thinking about purchasing and make sure it's "calibrated," which means the measurement should start exactly at zero. Units should also be "validated," meaning the monitor should have been tested and proven to be accurate over a wide range of blood pressure readings and ages and conditions of the users.

6. Call your health insurance provider and ask if they will cover the cost of a blood pressure monitor. Prices vary, from $20 for a basic manual monitor, to over $100 for digital units that electronically print out the readings.

Tips & Warnings

• People with blood pressure issues should have their pressure checked by their physicians as often as directed. Most doctor's offices use a third type of blood pressure monitor, the wall-mounted "aneroid," considered to be the most accurate of all monitors made today.
• Digital monitors can be fitted on the upper arm, wrist or finger. The latter two are not considered to be accurate and should be avoided. Anyone considering a blood pressure monitor should get their doctor's input before making a purchase.

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Resources

• The Mayo Clinic weighs in on blood pressure monitors.
• How to choose a blood pressure monitor, according to the Internet medical resource.