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Types of Blood Pressure Monitors


Automatic Digital Blood Pressure Monitors

The majority of home monitors are digital blood pressure monitors. These monitors are easier to use than the manual monitors, which often means more consistent readings, and make it more likely that blood pressure will be monitored routinely. The technology of digital monitors has improved rapidly and now they are considered only very slightly less accurate than manual blood pressure monitors. Digital blood pressure monitors have sensors that detect the sounds of blood in the artery in the cuff.

Therefore, generally for home use, digital monitors are recommended. Most of the popular models are automatic and inflate the cuff. This leads to less variability and more accurate readings.


Features

There is a range of expanding possible features, so before buying think about what your current and immediate future use are likely to be. Examples of common features include the following:

Compare some popular automatic digital blood pressure monitors and a list of their major features.


Where pressure can be measured

Upper arm
This is the traditional place to measure blood pressure and gives accurate measurements. Many authorities on blood pressure recommend the use of blood pressure monitors with arm cuffs. The cuff is usually placed on the left arm at heart level.

Wrist
Measurement at the wrist is accurate, but the position of the wrist is very important. The wrist should be held at heart level. Incorrect positioning of the wrist will result in errors or variable readings. Therefore, if using a wrist blood pressure monitor, it is important to carefully follow the instructions and be very consistent in wrist and body positioning.

Finger
Generally measurement of blood pressure at the finger is not recommended for home measurement, due to problems of accuracy and consistency.


Manual Blood Pressure Monitors

The type of blood pressure monitor that is used by most doctors’ offices, called a sphygmomanometer, is a manual blood pressure monitor. This type of monitor has a cuff that is wrapped around the arm and then inflated with a squeeze bulb. A stethoscope is used to listen to the blood in the artery. The pressure is measured either by a column of mercury or by a circular dial. Now that there is a wide range of accurate and easy to use digital monitors available, manual monitors are generally not used at home. Training is required to operate the manual properly and to be able to hear properly they must be used in a quiet environment.


Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors

These are monitors that are worn continually 24 hours a day. Generally, they are provided by the health care provider and worn for one or more days. This type of monitor takes blood pressure readings at regular intervals, usually every 15 or 30 minutes. Ambulatory blood pressure monitors have a cuff that is connected to a small controller/recording unit that is attached to a belt.

These monitors are often used to determine if there are major changes in blood pressure during the day or night. They are often used to determine if fainting spells are due to sudden drops in blood pressure.