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Blood Pressure Monitors

Why should I use an OMRON blood pressure monitor?

Helps to diagnose and monitor hypertension with accurate results as in doctor’s office

OMRON - The No. 1 recommended brand by cardiologists

Easy and effortless use to monitor heart health from the convenience of your home

How does a blood pressure monitor work?

Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer, or blood pressure machine. It consists of an inflatable cuff that’s wrapped around your arm, roughly at level with your heart, and a monitoring device that measures the cuff’s pressure.

The monitor measures two pressures: systolic, and diastolic. Systolic pressure is higher, occurring when your heart beats and pushes blood through the arteries, and diastolic pressure is measured when your heart is resting and filling with blood. So, for example, your blood pressure might be 120 over 80.

Blood pressure readers may be manual or digital, but home blood pressure monitors are usually digital and the whole measurement process is automatic apart from placing the cuff around your arm.

The cuff then inflates until it fits tightly around your arm, cutting off your blood flow, and then the valve opens to deflate it. As the cuff reaches your systolic pressure, blood begins to flow around your artery. This creates a vibration that’s detected by the meter, which records your systolic pressure. In a traditional analogue sphygmomanometer, named as manual blood pressure monitor, the blood sounds are detected by the doctor using a stethoscope.

As the cuff continues to deflate, it reaches your diastolic pressure, and the vibration stops. The meter senses this and records the blood pressure again.

How to take blood pressure readings?

Taking readings requires some thought and preparation, though it will soon become second nature. There are several things to remember:

  • Relax. Steer clear of caffeine and exercise for thirty minutes beforehand, and rest for a few minutes. Sit comfortably upright with your feet flat on the floor and with your back supported.
  • Position your arm correctly. Rest it on a flat surface, with your upper arm level with your heart.
  • Position the cuff correctly, with the bottom edge just above your elbow.

The instruction manual of your device will also provide you with clear instructions.

What are the types of blood pressure monitors?

There are two main types of home blood-pressure readers:

  • Arm-cuff blood pressure monitor
  • Wrist blood pressure monitor

Others measure blood pressure through a finger, and are less reliable.

Both varieties are automatic, so the cuff inflates itself and the meter displays a reading. Make sure the cuff fits you: most models come with a medium-sized cuff, and you may have to order a larger or smaller size if necessary.

Different blood pressure monitors have different features: many will tell you what risk category you fall into, calculate averages, let you download data to another device, or store information for multiple users.

Do some research online before you buy a blood pressure monitor. Also, most bp readers are very accurate, but make sure yours has been clinically validated. Choose one with user-friendly controls and an easy-to-read display.

Disclaimer

This content has been reviewed and approved by a Omron Healthcare Europe cross-functional team to ensure that the provided information is accurate.

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