How to choose BP monitor?

There are many varieties and types of BP monitor. Purchasing a BP monitor is a good way to keep track of your blood pressure; however, choosing one can be not easy. This information will give you some tips to choose best BP monitor for you.

BP monitors are basically of 3 types
1. Mercury column
2. Aneroid
3. Digital BP monitors.

1.Mercury BP monitor-Seen in Doctor's Office. They are the most accurate, yet most difficult to use. They use a stethoscope to detect the sounds in the arteries.

2,Aneroid BP monitor- are the second most reliable. .These also require using a stethoscope which is included in this particular model. They are lightweight, portable, and affordable. Experts from the American Society of Hypertension recommend this type and say that these are the most inexpensive monitors and little can go wrong with them. Aneroid models can be difficult to use, and may require training by a doctor or health worker. Moreover, using these requires good hearing and eyesight and may not be the best choice for elderly or disabled persons. So aneroid BP monitors are generally less popular than digital monitors.
Tip-Read product description carefully,it be sold with/without stethscope

3.Digital BP monitor- These machines are less accurate, yet they are the easiest to use. They are a good option for people who are hard of hearing or have poor eyesight. If you use it properly, it is best choice for anyone.Also it is important to consider cuff while purchasing digital BP mointor.Cuffs are of three types. Arm, wrist and finger cuffs. Arm cuffs are the most accurate. Finger and wrist BP monitors are only recommended for those who cannot wear them on the arm. An improperly fitted arm cuff will give a false reading. This is the most frequent reason for incorrect blood pressure readings. To determine your cuff size, measure around the midpoint of your upper arm. If it isLess than 31 cm (12.2 in), buy a regular-size cuffBetween 31 and 40 cm (15.7 in), buy a large-size cuffCuffs must be inflated to measure blood pressure- they include those that must be inflated manually, semi-automatic devices, or auto inflate devices.

Arm Cuff BP monitor

Wrist BP monitor

There are some tips when you choose BP monitor.
Display Size - Is a standard or an oversized LCD read-out needed. Try to take that with normal size.Power Supply - Battery powered or AC adapter. If you travel the battery powered unit is your best choice.
Memory Features - Some models remember the last reading or multiple readings. There are also models that have a PC link. Better to choose that has a memory of atleast one month BP monitoring.
Printing options- Some monitors also have printing options to keep your record safe
Cuff Sizes - Large and small arm cuffs are available for some units. The size of the cuff on a BP monitor may be the most important to get an accurate reading. So always use cuff which is not too small and not too large.
Cost - Cost may be the most important factor. Remember to do as much research as possible. The more expensive models may not always be as good as the cheaper ones
Accuracy - Readings on some wrist and finger units may not be as accurate as an arm unit depending on the individual.
Ease of Use - Depends on personal preference. People with certain disabilities may find one unit easier to use than another.
Length of Warranty - Warranties vary from one to three years. Check your unit regularly to make sure everything runs smoothly and accurately.