Blood Pressure Monitors

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According to TheMedSupplyGuide.com

Are you looking for Blood Pressure Monitors? If so, take a look below for some valuable information that may help you in your search.

Measuring your blood pressure and keeping a record of the measurements is important. It will show you and your doctor how much your blood pressure changes during the day. Your doctor can then use the measurements in a number of ways.

What is Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is determined by measuring the pressure changes in the arteries. The lower chamber on the left side of the heart (left ventrical) receives blood, contracts, and forces blood into the arteries to circulate throughout the body. The heart's contraction phase is called systole. When measured the blood pumped into the system of arteries is called the systolic blood pressure. It is affected by the force of the heart's pumping action, the resistance and elasticity of the arteries, blood volume, blood thickness, and the amount of other fluids in the cells.

After the lower left chamber of the heart contracts, it relaxes and refills. This relaxation phase is called diastole. During diastole, the pressure in the arteries falls. When measured, this pressure is called the diastolic blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure

Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. The only way to tell if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. According to recent estimates, one in four U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but because there are no symptoms, nearly one-third of these people don't know they have it. This is why high blood pressure is often called the "silent killer."

Get the facts on high blood pressure and how to live a more heart-healthy life. Find out how you can reduce your risks for heart attack and stroke with proper monitoring by a healthcare provider and simple lifestyle changes, even if you have high blood pressure.

Types of Blood Pressure Monitors

The FDA regulates blood pressure devices. They require companies to show that new monitors are substantially equivalent to models already on the market. They also must demonstrate accuracy through a clinical validation study.

Aneroid Blood Pressure Monitors - These are the monitors that you'll probably see in a physicians office. Aneroid monitors use metal that acts like a spring to measure blood pressure. Aneroid blood pressure monitors have a round, glass covered dial that gives you the reading. The dial is usually attached to a cuff and accompanied by a stethoscope. The cuff is inflated by hand and causes the flow of blood in the arm to temporarily stop. As the blood flow is released the measurement is taken.

Digital Blood Pressure Monitors - Digital monitors have either manual or automatic cuffs and come with a built in LCD screen that shows the reading. Some models allow for wrist or finger readings. The digital blood pressure monitor is probably the easiest to use. Accuracy may be a concern if the individual is not able to hold a fixed position.

Blood Pressure Monitors Manufacturers

Omron Healthcare, Inc., is the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of blood pressure monitors for home use. Omron's clinically proven accurate digital blood pressure monitors are the #1 brand of blood pressure monitors recommended by pharmacists in the U.S. By taking steps to monitor and manage one's own blood pressure, a patient vastly improves the chances of greater long-term health and is able to provide his/her doctor with valuable information. Please see Omron's Blood Pressure Monitors - Meters Page

A&D Medical Lifesource an ISO 9002-registered company with operations in Asia, Europe, Australia, Russia, and North and South America. Since 1977, A&D Medical has manufactured and distributed a full line of advanced electronic blood pressure monitoring equipment and health care products for home and professional use. Lifesource's Blood Pressure Monitors - Meters Page

Choosing a blood pressure monitor

Consider the topics below when choosing a monitor

Display Size - Is a standard or an oversized LCD read-out needed.
Power Supply - Battery powered or AC adapter. If you travel the battery powered unit may be your best choice.
Memory Features - Some models remember the last reading or multiple readings. There are also models that have a PC link.
Cuff Sizes - Large and small arm cuffs are available for some units. The size of the cuff on a blood pressure monitor may be the most important to get an accurate reading.
Ease of Use - Depends on personal preference. People with certain disabilities may find one unit easier to use than another. Check with our recommended suppliers for details.
Accuracy - Readings on some wrist and finger units may not be as accurate as an arm unit depending on the individual.
Length of Warranty - Warranties vary from one to five years. Check your unit regularly to make sure everything runs smoothly and accurately. Recalibration by the manufacturer is sometimes needed.
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

Useful Resources

American Heart Association

Medical Supplies Main