Blood Pressure Machine Types – Understanding The Differences
Measuring blood pressure gives physicians important clues on the overall state of health of the patients. However, you should know that the measurements do not necessarily need to be performed only at the doctor’s office. Advancements made in the field of medical technology now enables people to use blood pressure machine units in the comfort of their own home. In fact, taking measurements during different times of the day and presenting the data to your doctor regarding fluctuations can help him understand your condition better and give a more accurate diagnosis. However, in order to get useful readings, one must decide on the most appropriate type of blood pressure monitor and use it according to its specifications.
Based on the technology used for the measurement, a BP machine can be aneroid or digital. Let us analyze the aspects involved with these two types of monitors closely in order to make a decision on the best one for your situation. The aneroid involves a gauge type of display and requires that you inflate the wristband manually. Moreover, the aneroid blood pressure machine comes with a stethoscope used to listen to your heart beat at both maximum BPlevels in the arteries, aka systolic pressure and minimum BP, aka diastolic pressure.
The aneroid heart monitor are a bit more accurate than their digital counterparts. However, the truth is that this type of blood pressure machine is easily broken and, without the proper maintenance and care, they will not be accurate for long. In fact, they are only popular in clinics, hospitals, and professional therapists who can ensure that the results are properly read and stored appropriately to avoid damage. In addition, another disadvantage of the aneroid monitors is that any hearing impairment will not allow you to assess the BP accurately via the stethoscope.
On the other hand, digital wrist and upper arm monitors have come a long way and are the best choice for patients who want to monitor their BP at home. Digital blood pressure machine units are much easier to use and one of their advantages is the ability to store data in its internal memory. The newest models of monitors, such as Omron, can store up to two hundred readings. Unlike the aneroid monitors, BP is measured according to the vibration of the blood in the vessels and displayed on an LCD display.
While they are slightly more expensive than the aneroid blood pressure monitors are, the truth is that digital machines are a lot more appropriate for patients who do not have thorough knowledge about the medical field. The interface of this type of blood pressure machine is a great deal more user friendly than the mechanical gauge. However, in order to get pinpoint accuracy on your reading, it is recommended that you adjust the cuffs on the arm or wrist correctly.