Picking the Best Monitor for You

* Choose a proper size arm cuff . You should be able to slide one finger under the cuff and the lower edge should be one inch (2.5 cm) above your elbow. Larger/smaller cuffs may be ordered.
* Choose the type that best suits your needs:
1. Automatic arm cuff: fits around the upper arm and automatically inflates. This type may not work for some people who have irregular heartbeats.
2. Manual arm cuff: readings automatically display, but you must inflate the cuff by pumping a bulb.
3. Wrist monitors: very convenient, but usually more expensive than other monitors, and slightly less consistent. Works well for people with big arms that may not fit well with arm cuffs.
4. Fingertip monitors: not as reliable as other models and are not recommended.
* Ask your pharmacist to help you choose a reliable monitor. Some reputable brands include Omron, Lifesource, etc. Many generic store brand monitors are made by the same brand name companies.
* Other things to consider: Is the digital display large enough for you to read easily? Does the machine have the ability to store blood pressure values in its memory or will you need to keep these records?

Before Taking Your Blood Pressure

* Sit quietly for at least five minutes with your upper arm at heart level.
* Sit up straight with feet flat on the floor and your back supported. Do not cross your legs or your ankles.
* Wait at least half an hour after eating, smoking, or exercising to get the most accurate reading. You'll need to wait a couple of hours after ingesting caffeinated products.

Taking Blood Pressure

* Roll up the sleeve on your arm or remove any tight-sleeved clothing.
* For arm models, rest your arm on a table with your palm facing upwards. For wrist models keep your wrist level with your heart.
* Avoid talking while taking your blood pressure.
* May repeat after a few minutes. Record the average of three consecutive readings.
* It is important to check the blood pressure reading from your home machine with your healthcare provider at least once or twice a year, or more frequently if the machine is dropped or if the blood pressure readings change suddenly.

What Blood Pressure Numbers Mean

The readings from the blood pressure machine show how hard your heart is working to pump blood. The top number (systolic pressure) is the pressure while the heart pumps and the bottom number (diastolic pressure) is the pressure between heartbeats. People who have high blood pressure have a greater chance of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness.

Blood pressure readings are generally lower with home monitors compared to readings from your healthcare provider's office. Your healthcare provider will decide whether to adjust your medications based on your home readings or office readings. Talk with your healthcare provider if you're concerned about your readings.

What You Can Do To Reduce Your Blood Pressure

There are several dietary and lifestyle changes you can make to decrease blood pressure. These include weight loss, decrease sodium intake, increase exercise, smoking cessation, drinking alcohol in moderation, and increase intake of fruits and vegetables. There are many other things you can do to help control your blood pressure, just ask your healthcare provider. If lifestyle changes alone do not lower your blood pressure, your healthcare provider may also have you take blood pressure lowering medication(s).

This article provided by www.pharmacistsletter.com