Should I buy a home Blood Pressure Monitor?

[aphex]

My doc put me on some new mediciation that can raise my blood pressure, he suggested that I check it every few days to make sure its relatively stable and not too high.

Right now i've been driving to Publix every few days and using the machine near the Pharmacy.

Just curious, how well do the home ones typically work? (as accurate as the ones you sit down for in stores?)

Think it would be a sound investment?

I was looking at the Omron HEM-711AC, which is $39 shipped at Amazon right now;
http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...8240301&pf_rd_i=507846

 

[Crono]

As long as you follow the instructions carefully with cuff placement, tightness, relaxing for period of time before measuring your blood pressure, etc, it should be fairly accurate for monitoring blood pressure changes. I don't know brands, but that one looks to be well reviewed and adequate.

 

[Papagayo]

Yes,
We have 3 to make sure the consistency is there with the unit, because sometimes you will get a weird readings..

Automatic is always nice..

Investment to your health.

 

[BoomerD]

As accurate as the ones in the stores? That sets a pretty low bar for accuracy...

The one you linked to looks like it might be ok, in fact, maybe better than most. Do NOT rely on them too much however.
My wife bought me one of these a few years ago when my blood pressure first went through the roof:
http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-S...qid=1214315966&sr=1-32

It's fucking worthless. I compared it to the real thing in my doctor's office one day. It was off by more than 25% in 3 separate readings.

 

[DrPizza]

It's worth noting that your blood pressure fluctuates during the day by a lot more than people realize. Also, it's possible in Boomer's case (just taking a guess here) that his blood pressure was higher at the Dr's office than at home. That's often the case, because patients are often more tense at the Dr's office.

 

[olds]

yes

 

[evident]

fyi, my mom's doctor and several of her physical therapists/ nurses also recommended the omron brand for home blood pressure monitor, so it seems to be a good product. I ordered one yesterday

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
It's worth noting that your blood pressure fluctuates during the day by a lot more than people realize. Also, it's possible in Boomer's case (just taking a guess here) that his blood pressure was higher at the Dr's office than at home. That's often the case, because patients are often more tense at the Dr's office.

That's probably true, but I sat in the doctor's office with the nurse and compared the imitation blood pressure device to the sphygnomometer in the exam room at the same time. I was NOT taking the readings at home, then comparing to the reading at the doctor. That's like comparing apples and road apples...you just get shitty results.

 

[uberman]

I've got one. It works great. I took it to the doctor's office and checked it against his. It was accurate.

I don't know my brand, but it's a battery operated self inflating wrist cuff.

 

[ghostman]

I have two at home. One doesn't give very good readings while the other seems to be decent. I think the decent one was an Omron.

 

[aphex]

I'm thinking I may go up to the HEM-780

For $13 more it has some good extra features, and the arm band is larger. The cheaper one says 9-13", well my arm is just a hair over 13" so no need to squeeze.

 

[shopbruin]

I have the Omron one you linked up, and it works fine. The major reason was so that I could take readings at home, and bring the machine into the doctor, since whenever I go to the doctor, it's always higher.

 

[BUTCH1]

Originally posted by: freesia39
I have the Omron one you linked up, and it works fine. The major reason was so that I could take readings at home, and bring the machine into the doctor, since whenever I go to the doctor, it's always higher.

X2, this unit works good for me as well..

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: aphex
I'm thinking I may go up to the HEM-780

For $13 more it has some good extra features, and the arm band is larger. The cheaper one says 9-13", well my arm is just a hair over 13" so no need to squeeze.

Get the bigger cup. Sometimes when i pump up my unit the cup starts to come off. My arms are too big.

 

[Madwand1]

I suggest using a manual device and a stethoscope if you want more reliable and repeatable results. And exercise for reducing blood pressure.

 

[child of wonder]

Considering 1/3 of the American adult public has hypertension, it's probably not a bad idea for a lot of people to purchase a home monitor.

I had no clue my BP was so high when I was 21 until I started getting horrible nose bleeds. Go to the Dr. and it was 160/110!

8 years later after quitting smoking and losing weight it's down to ~134/78 without medication but a little more weight loss and exercise and hopefully I can get it to 125/75 or lower.