Blood pressure monitors are an important tool in managing hypertension and heart health.
Monitoring your blood pressure at home can help you live a longer, healthier life. However, you should keep in mind that one of the most important aspects of these monitors is accuracy. There is a possibility that a blood pressure monitor incorrectly displays your reading. If you are purchasing a new monitor, your doctor may recommend that you wait until the day of your appointment to make the purchase. Bring your monitor with you for your appointment and the doctor or nurse will compare it to a regular office monitor. If the measurements of your machine consistently exceed a range of +/- 3 mmHg, you should replace the monitor.
Welch Allyn’s two-year warranty covers defects, materials, and workmanship on your monitor that may occur during the warranty period, but does not cover performance (according to manufacturer specifications). It does not cover damage caused by accidents, shipping, maintenance, or incorrect instructions. When your blood pressure readings are false, you may feel that your device is not up to par and may need to replace the monitor.
However, blood pressure monitors at home are not always as precise as they should be. According to Dr. Philip Baker, blood pressure monitors can be inaccurate in 5% to 15% of patients, depending on the accuracy threshold.
Home Blood Pressure Monitors: Not as Accurate as You Think
Most monitors have a lifespan of about 2-5 years, but it is important to consult the user manual for your specific model to get an accurate estimate. Over time, the monitor may lose accuracy and need to be replaced. Factors such as how often the monitor is used, exposure to sunlight, and extreme temperatures can all affect the lifespan of the device.
In a study conducted recently, blood pressure readings taken at home were found to be inaccurate nearly 70% of the time. Such results can be disastrous for health management. A third of the time, the readings were off by ten millimeters or more. If you are using an at-home blood pressure machine, it is critical to ensure that the readings are as accurate as possible. It is critical to review the readings on an annual basis to ensure that they are accurate. Your doctor should be able to answer any questions you may have about your readings.
Does Correct Cuff Size Matter?
When a cuff is too large, it will provide false low readings, whereas when a cuff is too small, it will provide false high readings. Guidelines for blood pressure measurement are available from the American Heart Association.
It was discovered that excessive cuff tension on the mid-upper arm resulted in a significantly exaggerated blood pressure measurement as a community-based study investigated.
Pressure readings were taken at a cuff less than 6 centimetres above the patient’s arm circumference using a standard adult blood pressure cuff on each arm. The procedure was repeated as soon as the cuff was switched to the other arm. According to the study, blood pressure readings taken on the left and right arms differ significantly (p 0.05). Using Automated ‘oscillometric’ blood pressure measuring devices is explained in more detail. When a cuff is inflated, blood pressure rises in the arm, and the cuff inflates at the wrist in hypertensive patients. Blood pressure cuffs have the appearance of inaccuracies due to their single-width design.
Calibrating Your Blood Pressure Monitor
Automatic blood pressure monitors should be re-calibrated at least once every two years, according to the instructions on the machine. This is where the monitor is tested and adjusted so that it is accurate.
Blood pressure readings at home are frequently more accurate than those taken in a doctor’s office. A presentation of the findings of the study was made today at the American Society of Hypertension. A digital home blood pressure monitor was tested for accuracy and precision against a mercury sphygmomanometer, which is commonly used in medical offices. The devices tested were found to be hazardous for 35% of them. To fit a specific user, calibrated and adjusted devices must be used.
What’s Right for You?
There are many different types of blood pressure monitors available on the market, so it can be difficult to choose the best one for your needs. Some factors to consider when choosing a blood pressure monitor include accuracy, ease of use, and price. Monitors are available for purchase online or at your local pharmacy.
