A new study revealed that the majority of home blood pressure monitors dispense inaccurate readings. This is extremely upsetting because high blood pressure is the leading cause of death and
disability worldwide. And millions of people concerned about blood pressure rely on these home blood pressure machines to determine whether they are at risk for cardiac disease, heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. With so many people depending on an at-home blood pressure monitor, MD Now wants to alert the community to this widespread medical danger. Here we share the most important details from the study and helpful tips on how to check blood pressure at home. But if you would like the
peace of mind of a more accurate blood pressure reading, remember that all MD Now locations welcome you to come in at any time for a free blood pressure check. Get to the Heart of the Study Results Dozens of at home blood pressure machines were tested in the study. According to the results, the participants’ home blood pressure monitor readings were off by around 5 mmHg a shocking 70% of the time. And respondents’ readings were off by 10 mmHg one-third of the time.
The study also showed that men’s at-home blood pressure monitor readings were less accurate than women’s. The researchers had difficulty identifying the exact reasons for erroneous readings, but they said that certain factors like blood vessel stiffness, arm size, and arm shape are often overlooked when companies develop a home blood pressure monitor. But luckily, there are many ways to ensure the best readings at home. Healthy Advice on How to Check Blood Pressure at
Home While these findings are concerning, the American Heart Association (AHA) says you can still get accurate home blood pressure monitor readings by taking a few simple steps. MD Now Is Your Source for the Highest-Quality Care Discover the caring, convenient, and cost-efficient treatment that can always be found at MD Now. All of our locations are open seven days a week, 365 days a year, and operate on a walk-in, no-appointment basis to conveniently suit your schedule. With 31 locations throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties, quality care is always within your reach. For the Florida locations nearest you, visit https://www.mymdnow.com/locations. To learn more about our urgent care centers, call 888-MDNow-911 or visit www.MDNow.com. MD Now® Urgent Care Walk-In Medical Centers is the leading provider of fast and affordable urgent care to adults and children in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. Our state-of-the-art, walk-in medical centers are open seven days a week to deliver an affordable and convenient alternative to long emergency room wait times and the limited hours of family physicians. No appointment is necessary and major insurance plans are accepted. In addition to providing a comprehensive range of urgent care services to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries, our multiple locations offer digital x-rays, EKG, lab testing, physicals, immunizations, vaccines, occupational medicine, travel medicine and selected primary care services. Find the medical care you need with the convenience you want at MD Now. Call: 888-MDNow-911, online: www.MDNow.com. Many people monitor their blood pressure at home. They often do this to manage or treat a certain health condition. If you monitor your blood pressure at home, keep a record or log of the measurements. The record shows your doctor how your blood pressure changes throughout the day. If you take medicines to control your blood pressure, it will help document if they are working. Measuring your blood pressure at home is a good way to actively manage your health. Path to improved well beingWhat equipment do I need to measure my blood pressure at home?To measure your blood pressure at home, you can use either an aneroid (manual) monitor or digital monitor. Choose the type of monitor that best meets your needs. Look at the following features when you select a monitor.
Tests show that finger and wrist devices do not always provide correct measurements. These devices are sensitive to placement and body temperature. They also are expensive and can cost more than $100. Aneroid monitorThe aneroid monitor manually checks your blood pressure. It has a gauge that you read by looking at a pointer on the dial. The cuff goes around your upper arm, and you squeeze a rubber bulb to inflate it by hand. Aneroid monitors often cost less than digital monitors. They range in price from about $20 to $40. The cuff has a built-in stethoscope. You don’t need to buy a separate one. The unit may have a feature that makes it easy to put the cuff on with one hand. It also is portable and can be carried easily from one place to another. There are some drawbacks to the aneroid monitor. It is a complex device that can be damaged easily and become less accurate. The device may be hard to use if it doesn’t have a metal ring to tighten the cuff. This is what makes it easier to put on the cuff. Additionally, the rubber bulb that inflates the cuff may be hard to squeeze. This type of monitor may not be best for hearing-impaired people, because of the need to listen to your heartbeat through the stethoscope. Digital monitorDigital monitors are more popular for measuring blood pressure. They often are easier to use than aneroid units. The digital monitor has a gauge and stethoscope in one unit. It also has an error indicator. The blood pressure reading displays on a small screen. This may be easier to read than a dial. Some units even have a paper printout that gives you a record of the reading. Inflation of the cuff is either automatic or manual, depending on the model. Deflation is automatic. Digital monitors are good for hearing-impaired patients, since there is no need to listen to your heartbeat through the stethoscope. There are some drawbacks to the digital monitor. Body movements or an irregular heart rate can affect its accuracy. Some models only work on the left arm. This can make them hard for some patients to use. Digital monitors are more expensive. They range in price from about $30 to more than $100. They also require batteries. How do I know if my monitor is accurate or if I am using it correctly?Once you buy your device, have your doctor check it for accuracy. They should check your monitor once a year. On your own, periodically check the tubing for cracks and leaks. Proper care and storage are necessary. Make sure the tubing is not twisted when you store it. Keep it away from heat. Ask your doctor or nurse to teach you how to use your blood pressure monitor correctly. This will help you achieve good results in controlling your blood pressure. How do I measure my blood pressure?Before you check your blood pressure, you should:
Below are the steps to take to use an aneroid monitor.
Below are the steps to take to use a digital monitor.
Things to considerWhat does my blood pressure reading mean?Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90, you may have something called prehypertension. This means that you are at risk for high blood pressure. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, high blood pressure ranges may be lower than for other people. Or, if you are older than 65, goal blood pressure may be higher. Talk to your doctor about what is considered high blood pressure for you. Medical termsMonitoring your blood pressure at home can be confusing. Below is a list of terms that are helpful to know.
When to see the doctorThe doctor should check your monitor at least once a year. This ensures that the measurements are accurate. Only a doctor can diagnose you with high blood pressure. A diagnosis requires multiple readings, so keeping a log is important. You should also log the time of day you you’re your blood pressure. Contact your doctor if you have high readings for several days. Be sure to take your blood pressure log with you to the visit. Hypotension is low blood pressure. This occurs when your systolic pressure is consistently below 90 or is 25 points below your normal reading. Contact your doctor if you have low readings. Hypotension can be a sign of shock, which is life threatening. Call your doctor right away if you are dizzy or lightheaded. Questions to ask your doctor
ResourcesAmerican Heart Association: Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. Can home blood pressure monitors give false readings?But home blood pressure monitors aren't always as accurate as they should be. "Home blood pressure monitors may be inaccurate in 5% to 15% of patients, depending on the threshold for accuracy used," according to Dr. Swapnil Hiremath, a kidney specialist at Ottawa Hospital in Canada.
Why is my blood pressure monitor giving me different readings?Expect variations between monitors.
Not all BP monitors are calibrated exactly alike, which can lead to differences in readings. Some monitors may also be unreliable. The Omada BP monitor is FDA-cleared and has been shown to be accurate within +/- 10mmHG in clinical testing.
What is the most accurate way to measure blood pressure?Intra-arterial measurement of BP is the most accurate method, capable of giving a continuous picture. Indirect recordings give a rough estimate of intra-arterial pressure but less information about the relationship between individual subjects and their environment.
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