Blood Pressure Machines Guide

There are two types of blood pressure machines you can use at home- either an aneroid monitor or a digital monitor.  The aneroid monitor is equiped with a dial gauge which you read by looking at a needle pointer.  The arm cuff is inflated by manually squeezing a rubber bulb.  A digital monitor is equipped with either manual or automatic arm cuffs.  The blood pressure reading is displayed on a small LCD  screen.

Pros and Cons of the Aneroid Monitor

The arm cuff has a built-in stethoscope, otherwise you would have to purchase a separate stethoscope.  The cost may be less than digital monitors.

Some of the disadvantages of the aneroid monitor are: it is a delicate instrument that can easily become damaged and give inaccurate readings.  If it doesn’t come with a special feature, a metal ring, that aids in putting the arm cuff on, it will be more difficult to place on your arm.  If you are hearing impaired you will not be able to listen to your heart sounds through the stethoscope.

 Advantages of the digital monitor are:

• Digital monitors are automatic

• Blood pressure measurement is easy to read because it is shown on a LCD screen

• Some of the more elaborate digital blood pressure machines are equipped with a paper printout of your readings

• Inflation of the arm cuff is either automatic or manual, depending upon the model

• No need to listen to your heart sounds through a stethoscope

Disadvantages of the digital monitor are:

• Accuracy can be affected by body movements or an irregular heart rate

• Some are only designed to be used on the left arm

• Most models require batteries

• Some models can be quite expensive 

 Important factors to consider when buying blood pressure machines for home use:

• Ease of use – How easy is it to place the cuff on your arm?  Does the cuff inflate to tightly?  The right cuff size is very important.  Your blood pressure readings will be inaccurate if your cuff is the wrong size.  You can ask your doctor what cuff size you need- based on your arm size.

• Ease of inflation-  with an automatic monitor you just push a button to inflate and deflate the cuff.

• Memory functions-  Consider blood pressure machines that keep a record of your readings.  Many times your physician will ask you to keep a written record of your blood pressure readings.

• Accuracy-   All monitors are not created equal.  Read reviews and find out which monitors have a reputation for better accuracy.

• Readability-   Look for a large LCD digital panel / display

• Affordability-   Which blood pressure machines fit within your budget?