Buy Digital Blood Pressure Monitors

High blood pressure affects millions of people each year. A large part of treating high blood pressure involves monitoring it on a regular basis. Home blood pressure monitors make it easy to track and record readings right from home, and allow the individual to avoid frequent doctor visits for regular monitoring. When buying a blood pressure monitor, the consumer needs to be aware of the various types, features, and sizes available, as well as how to properly read the monitor for accuracy.

Who Needs a Blood Pressure Monitor

The people most likely to need a blood pressure monitor include diabetics, seniors, and anyone diagnosed with hypertension or pre-hypertension. Blood pressure changes frequently, and many times readings in a hospital or doctor's office are much higher than normal due to anxiety or stress. Having the ability to monitor heart rate and blood pressure at home allows the individual to ensure a controlled setting, and get readings that are more accurate.

Reading a Blood Pressure Monitor

As the cuff tightens around the upper arm, it restricts blood flow, allowing the meter to read the blood pressure of the individual. When a reading displays, it is extremely important that the individual knows how to properly decipher it. Blood pressure displays in terms of systolic and diastolic pressure.

Systolic pressure is when the heart is contracting, and the diastolic pressure is the pressure between individual heartbeats. The systolic pressure displays over the diastolic pressure, and the numbers help an individual determine if there is a problem.

Since readings can differ at different times of the day, blood pressure should be monitored at various spans throughout the day. Times when stress levels are high, blood pressure readings will be higher. In order to get accurate readings, choose specific times of the day to monitor, and stick to those times.

Different Types of Blood Pressure Monitors

There are several different types of blood pressure monitors available on the market. What consumers ultimately purchase depends mainly on what is most comfortable to him or her, what is easiest to use, and what they can afford.

The most popular type, and most affordable, is the manual arm monitor. It provides a cuff that goes around the upper arm, and uses a bulb that when manually pumped, inflates the cuff to tighten. An automatic arm monitor works the same way, except there is no need to manually tighten the cuff; it does so automatically. A wrist monitor is another type that is affordable, comfortable, and easy to use. Most doctors recommend using an arm monitor for the most accurate readings.

Choose the Right Size Blood Pressure Monitor

In addition to type, there are different sizes of blood pressure monitors. It is important for consumers to purchase blood pressure monitors that offer a proper fit in order to get readings that are more accurate. If the cuff is too large, it will not restrict the blood flow properly, causing the reading to be inaccurate. If the cuff is too small, it cuts off too much blood flow, also creating an inaccurate reading. The standard size is nine to 13 inches, but consumers can find smaller and larger ones to fit their needs. Small comes in a size of seven to nine inches, and large is available in 13 to 17 inches.

Features to Look for in a Blood Pressure Monitor

Certain features create ease of use, extra reading types, and even the ability to store results for multiple users. Different brand automatic arm monitor options provide an assortment of added features, such as digital displays, multiple user memory, and irregular heartbeat detectors. Manual arm monitor options generally do not come with added features, and wrist monitors only do if they are digital. The most popular feature is the digital display reading, but heart rate monitors, and storage capabilities come in a close second as features consumers love.

How to Buy a Blood Pressure Monitor on eBay

If your doctor told you to watch your blood pressure, you need to take him seriously. High blood pressure can lead to severe health problems, including stroke and heart attack. There is no reason to run to the doctor every other day for a blood pressure reading, you can get a home blood pressure monitor from reliable sellers on eBay, and monitor your pressure at home. Just enter "automatic arm monitor, " "manual arm monitor, " or "blood pressure monitor" into the search bar at the top of any page for results. With convenient shipping options, you can get your monitor delivered fast.