While some people might be skeptical of the accuracy of wrist blood pressure monitors, doctors and health care officials around the world agree that wrist monitors are just as effective as any other device if used correctly. By following the individual model’s instructions, and using the proper sized device, your health monitoring needs will be met with these portable and useful compact blood pressure monitors.
One thing to keep in mind, is that wrist blood pressure monitors are often more sensitive to body position. Unless your device comes equipped with an advanced precious sensor function, you will have to monitor your wrist and arm’s position carefully. Most models require the wrist to be even with heart level when a reading is taking place. By doing this, you can ensure that your blood pressure result is of the highest accuracy possible. Either raise your cuffed wrist up to heart level or simple lie flat when taking a reading. The only time problems are reported with wrist blood pressure monitor accuracy is when patients do not use the proper body position when testing.
While many upper arm cuffs have to be individually sized to each patient (often coming in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large), a standard wrist blood pressure monitor fits just about any wrist size. Because of this, blood pressure readings are more accurate without having to decide on which size cuff you might be. Health care professional not only suggest using a properly snug cuff at heart level, but also recommend taking deep breaths before testing, sitting in an up right position, or comfortably laying flat, and relaxing as much as possible during the short calculating time. By following these easy steps, you can ensure that your wrist blood pressure monitor is operating at full accuracy.
Since the wrist blood pressure monitor is available to you at home or any time you take it along with you, the best way to ensure the most accurate readings is to test several times a day. Time of day, heart level, exercise and what foods you eat can affect your readings throughout the day. By testing your blood pressure multiple times over the course of 24 hours, you can average the readings and monitor the levels more accurately.
If you have any doubt in your wrist blood pressure monitor, feel free to take it along with you to your next doctor’s appointment. Have your doctor read your blood pressure, then immediately follow up with another reading with the wrist monitor. The two readings should be very similar, especially if using one of the latest, automatic wrist blood pressure monitors. If the readings are off by a bit, ask your nurse or doctor can easily to show you the correct way to hold your arm and wrist while measuring your blood pressure.
All brands manufacturers of wrist blood pressure monitors have passed tough safety standards and have an accuracy that is set by most medical organizations. When using a wrist blood pressure monitor, be sure to follow all the instructions exactly, and you will have peace of mind that every reading is as accurate as the last.
