High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions people are experiencing globally. In India, for example, hypertension is one major cause of early deaths. In 2017, records showed that 207 million Indians suffer from the disease.
With these details in mind, it is important to always take care of our health. If you are following an unhealthy lifestyle, it is time you switch to a healthier one. You also need to monitor your blood pressure to make sure it is within the normal range.
What’s great about checking your blood pressure is that you can do it from the comfort of your home. With the use of a blood pressure monitoring device, you can always keep track of your blood pressure. The device is extremely important especially if you are suffering from hypertension. To help you better understand the value of having the device, we will discuss its importance in detail.
What Is a Blood Pressure Monitor?
To start, let’s first define what it is. A blood pressure monitor is a device for measuring hypertension. It includes an inflatable cuff that you can wrap around your arm to help check blood pressure.
What Are the Types of Blood Pressure Monitors?
There are basically two types of blood pressure monitors: manual and digital. For the manual type, it includes the inflatable cuff, gauge, and pump. You will need the pump to push air into the cuff through the connecting tube. The gauge is for letting you read the blood pressure measurement.
For the digital type, there are two types as well: wrist and upper-arm models. The wrist model must be wrapped around your wrist. The upper-arm model works like the manual type, with the gauge replaced by a digital reading device.
Why Do You Need a Blood Pressure Monitoring Device at Home?
There are a few benefits of using the device at home. These are as follows:
Aids in the Early Diagnosis
When you are self-monitoring, you can keep track of your blood pressure. This allows you to know whether you have a stable measurement or not. In case you have frequent high readings, you need to visit your doctor as soon as you can. This can indicate that you have a high risk for developing the disease. It can also mean there might be other health issues that contribute to the increase of your blood pressure.
Helps in Your Blood Pressure Treatment
If you have hypertension, having a blood pressure monitor at home can help with your treatment. Your doctor can adjust your medication based on the results of your self-monitoring. They can also suggest some lifestyle changes that can help stabilize your blood pressure.
Promotes Good Control over Your Lifestyle
If you keep track of your blood pressure, you will know what to adjust in your habits. For example, if you are not getting enough sleep, your risk of high blood pressure is high. Lack of sleep can negatively affect the production of your stress hormones. This can result in a blood pressure increase.
If this is the case, you need to get enough sleep, that is, 7-8 hours a day. Follow healthy practices that promote quality sleep, such as:
- Drinking a glass of milk
- Doing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation
- Listening to soft music
- Reading books
Helps Cut Down Costs
Investing in a blood pressure monitor is cheaper than frequently visiting your doctor. The device will help you decide when to see your physician. If you are getting frequent high results, then it’s time you visit your doctor.
Helpful Tips to Achieve the Right Measurements
Despite the quality of the device you are using at home, proper usage is still important. Ask your doctor for some tips in choosing the right device. Once you narrow down your choices, you can follow these tips:
Consult with Your Doctor for Accuracy
Before using the monitor, bring it with you to your doctor. Let them check the device’s accuracy. It is also important to let them see you using the monitor. This way, they can tell if you know how to use it properly or not.
Use the Device Twice a Day
You should take the measurements in the morning before your breakfast and then in the evening. This way, you can see the stability of your blood pressure. Take at least two readings in each measure to get accurate results.
Do Not Take Readings Right After Waking Up
This is because you might have high blood pressure. The reasons for this vary. If you take high blood pressure medications, the pills may not have a 24-hour effect.
It could also be that you are suffering from sleep apnea. This sleep disorder disrupts your breathing during sleep. It puts stress on your body, which can cause blood pressure spikes.
Relax When You Take Readings
Relax yourself a few minutes before taking the measurement. This helps you get accurate results. If your blood pressure reading is high despite being relaxed, then that is a red flag.
Position Your Arm Properly
Make sure the cuff wraps around your bare skin, and position your arm in the most comfortable way. This way, you can ensure you achieve an accurate reading. It is also important not to roll up your sleeve as it can tighten around your arm. This also results in an inaccurate measurement.
Wait for a Few Minutes After Each Reading
As mentioned earlier, it is advisable to take two to three readings a day. However, do it properly. Wait for at least three minutes before taking your next reading. This gives your arm the time to relax.
List Down Your Results
To keep a record of everything, it is best to list the readings down. You can write it down in a journal or record it on your phone or computer. This way, when you visit your doctor, you can show them your list. This can help in their diagnosis.
Conclusion
Investing in a blood pressure monitor is worth it. It saves money by avoiding constant trips to the emergency room and helps with early diagnosis and treatment. It is also important to get quality products from trusted brands like Raycome. They have highly-accurate devices because they design their products using the latest technologies. For more information about their products, visit raycome.com! So, what are you waiting for? Buy your own now!