Blood Pressure Machine - What Type to Purchase
Some doctors request that their patients use a blood pressure machine at home in order to record their blood pressure level during the day. Doctors can use the information in order to determine if the medication they have prescribed has been effective at reducing their patient's blood pressure to a healthy level.
Aneroid and digital monitors are available for use at home for effectively measuring your blood pressure. The aneroid blood pressure monitor contains a dial type of a gauge that allows you to see your blood pressure reading by using a pointer. You are required to squeeze a rubber ball in order to inflate the cuff. Some digital monitors are provided with cuffs that have to be manually inflated, however some models are designed with cuffs that are inflated automatically. The blood pressure information is presented on a screen with the digital blood pressure machines.
Aneroid Monitor
The aneroid monitor has the advantage of being easily taken with you from one location to another. Some of these types of blood pressure monitors are designed for easily placing the cuff on your arm while using one hand. The aneroid machine is also lower in price when compared to the digital monitors.
The disadvantage of the aneroid blood pressure machine is due to being damaged easily and loosing some of its accuracy in recording your blood pressure. If you have a monitor that was not provided with a metal ring it can make it difficult for you to place the cuff properly on your arm. For some people, squeezing the bulb can be somewhat difficult. Also, for people who have a hearing problem this type of blood pressure machine might be difficult to properly use due to the need to use the stethoscope.
Digital Monitors
Since this type of blood pressure machine automatically does just about everything it is the most popular type of blood pressure device. The blood pressure numbers are conveniently displayed on a screen and some of the devices produce a paper print out that makes it easy to keep a record of your blood pressure changes. The gauge and the stethoscope in the digital monitor are one unit which makes it somewhat easier to use when compared to the aneroid version.
Deflating the cuff is done automatically by the monitor and it is also provided with an indicator that lets you know if an error has occurred. If you have a hearing problem this would be the correct choice of a blood pressure machine since using a stethoscope is not required. The monitors due require batteries and the accuracy of this type of blood pressure monitor can be affected by body movement or due to your heart rate being irregular. Basically they are easier to use and are preferred by many patients that use a blood pressure machine at home.
