With the advancement of technology, small portable blood pressure machines have become widely available. Most of these blood pressure devices cost between 5000 to 7000 naira ($20 and above). There are several types and models of small blood pressure devices available in the market. Over the years there has been a great improvement in these products and nowadays you can purchase blood pressure machines with cuffs that are easy to put around the arm. Additionally, these modern machines have digital readouts and also a memory system that can record several recent readings. Some companies have also introduced finger or wrist blood pressure monitor devices. However, the accuracy of finger and …show more content…
Home blood pressure measurements can be immensely helpful in establishing the diagnosis of hypertension, especially if blood pressure readings are high-normal. Learning to use this apparatus is not difficult. Take 2 to 3 readings daily and next time you visit the doctor, go over these readings. A list of multiple home readings will help your doctor in establishing the diagnosis of hypertension.
2. Home blood pressure readings can also be helpful in evaluating the impact of lifestyle changes. If blood pressure is marginally high, and you are making your best efforts to change your lifestyle, you would certainly like to know whether your blood pressure has, in fact, gone down or not. Surely, a drop of 5 to 10mmHg will convince you about the real value of lifestyle changes. Almost certainly you will feel encouraged and perhaps pursue those lifestyle changes more vigorously.
3. A personal record of multiple readings will help you to see if your blood pressure is in good control or not. Remember your goal is to keep the blood pressure below 140/90 at all times. Multiple home blood pressure readings can prove to be immensely helpful in achieving the desirable blood pressure