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There are many kinds of blood pressure cuffs on the market and that is a good thing since more and more Americans are discovering just how important knowing what your blood pressure is. For many, knowing and monitoring blood pressure can actually make the difference of life and death, especially now that heart disease and heart attacks are on the rise.
Checking your blood pressure is just part of the solution to keeping a healthy heart. Along with the blood pressure cuff, your life expectancy can be increased if you also practice healthy lifestyle habits. A reading of 120/80 is considered normal range and higher than that you fall under the "at risk" category. If your reading is over 140 you are in the high blood pressure category.
If you discover that your blood pressure is in the risky range, then you will need to schedule a trip to your doctor for a wellness check. On this visit, your physician will be able to give you a stress test, to see how well your heart is functioning. He or she will also be able to advise you on lifestyle changes you may need to make.
The easiest ways to lead a healthier life is to exercise and change your diet. A doctor will be able to give more specific recommendations and tell you what you are able to do.
The doctor may also want you to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure from home. If this is the case then you also need a monitoring device that is easy to do. The doctor can advise you on what to buy and how to find the most accurate kind.
You can choose between digital and aneroid blood pressure monitors and knowing the difference between those kinds will make it easier for you to decide what to buy. The easiest way to choose a monitor is to find one that meets your personal needs.
The first monitor is very inexpensive and user-friendly and is called the aneroid monitor. A word of caution is that they are extremely sensitive and are damaged and broken easily, plus you need a stethoscope connected to a cuff.
The next blood pressure monitor is the digital variety. They are only the size of a cell phone and is connected to a cuff you put on your arm which then displays on a monitor your blood pressure reading. Some of these digital monitors keep the last measurements stored in the memory function and also can print results.
While digital monitors are definitely easier to use, they do come with a higher price tag. You will have to determine if you want to risk replacing one of the less expensive models when it breaks, or if you would rather make an investment on the front end.
The wrist or finger blood pressure monitor is also an option, but they are not as accurate. Although these appear to be a good option for those looking for convenience, research also shows that they are not as reliable and that could put you at a risk.
Once you have started to monitor your own blood pressure, you will also have to keep a chart of the results. This will help your doctor to properly evaluate your blood pressure readings. In order to ensure accuracy of the readings taken at home, you should avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, as well as avoid smoking. That is because all of those substances will create an artificial elevation of your blood pressure.
Try to take your blood pressure reading when you are relaxed as even a little bit stressed can elevate your pressure.
Especially those who suffer from hypertension should own a blood pressure monitor. Keeping a monitor available is a great asset and will help you to deal with your hypertension.
Checking your blood pressure is just part of the solution to keeping a healthy heart. Along with the blood pressure cuff, your life expectancy can be increased if you also practice healthy lifestyle habits. A reading of 120/80 is considered normal range and higher than that you fall under the "at risk" category. If your reading is over 140 you are in the high blood pressure category.
If you discover that your blood pressure is in the risky range, then you will need to schedule a trip to your doctor for a wellness check. On this visit, your physician will be able to give you a stress test, to see how well your heart is functioning. He or she will also be able to advise you on lifestyle changes you may need to make.
The easiest ways to lead a healthier life is to exercise and change your diet. A doctor will be able to give more specific recommendations and tell you what you are able to do.
The doctor may also want you to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure from home. If this is the case then you also need a monitoring device that is easy to do. The doctor can advise you on what to buy and how to find the most accurate kind.
You can choose between digital and aneroid blood pressure monitors and knowing the difference between those kinds will make it easier for you to decide what to buy. The easiest way to choose a monitor is to find one that meets your personal needs.
The first monitor is very inexpensive and user-friendly and is called the aneroid monitor. A word of caution is that they are extremely sensitive and are damaged and broken easily, plus you need a stethoscope connected to a cuff.
The next blood pressure monitor is the digital variety. They are only the size of a cell phone and is connected to a cuff you put on your arm which then displays on a monitor your blood pressure reading. Some of these digital monitors keep the last measurements stored in the memory function and also can print results.
While digital monitors are definitely easier to use, they do come with a higher price tag. You will have to determine if you want to risk replacing one of the less expensive models when it breaks, or if you would rather make an investment on the front end.
The wrist or finger blood pressure monitor is also an option, but they are not as accurate. Although these appear to be a good option for those looking for convenience, research also shows that they are not as reliable and that could put you at a risk.
Once you have started to monitor your own blood pressure, you will also have to keep a chart of the results. This will help your doctor to properly evaluate your blood pressure readings. In order to ensure accuracy of the readings taken at home, you should avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, as well as avoid smoking. That is because all of those substances will create an artificial elevation of your blood pressure.
Try to take your blood pressure reading when you are relaxed as even a little bit stressed can elevate your pressure.
Especially those who suffer from hypertension should own a blood pressure monitor. Keeping a monitor available is a great asset and will help you to deal with your hypertension.
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For those who are looking for more details about wrist blood pressure monitor, check out this article for more info on home blood pressure monitors.
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