Choose A Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

Devices for measuring blood pressure are generally referred to as blood pressure monitors, but this term is used to describe a whole range of different instruments. These include the small battery operated models for use in the home to the large and complex machines used in hospitals. This article is concentrating on the blood pressure devices that are intended for home use.

A normal healthy person will have a blood pressure of 120 over 80 which is the way that the systolic and diastolic pressures are quoted. The condition known as high blood pressure or hypertension is present when a reading of 140 over 90 or higher is obtained. Since this condition can lead to a stroke or heart attack it is important that it should be treated if it is found. Because there are no obvious symptoms when a person has high blood pressure it is advisable to have regular checks.

While you can visit your local health clinic to have your level checked, many people find it more convenient to purchase their own blood pressure monitor so that they can make the check at home. Concerns have been expressed that using a wrist monitor at home may not give you a correct reading of your blood pressure. But the simple solution to give you peace of mind is to take your machine to your doctor and calibrate it against his instrument.

While the old fashioned anaeroid monitor used a bulb pump and mechanical dial, all wrist monitors show the results on a digital display. Instead of the bulb battery power is used to inflate the cuff. In this review I will discuss wrist monitors from three manufacturers, Wristech, Braun and Lumiscope.

Certain features are standard on each wrist monitor. These comprise battery operated cuff inflation when you start the check, display of both systolic and diastolic pressure in a digital form and provision for storage of the results together with a record of the date and time the test was carried out. Apart from this models vary in price and complexity giving you a wide choice to suit your individual circumstances. For instance one option is a talking blood pressure monitor.

Turning to particular models the Panasonic EW3006S Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor.  This model uses Digital Filter Technology to detect and isolate only the essential pulse oscillation which leads to quick and reliable measurements. The 90 memory feature allows you to save readings for two different individuals. The HoMedics BPW-200 TheraP Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor. Smart Sense technology detects pulse signals while adjusting the cuff pressure to ensure accurate readings. Includes 120 memory for up to two individuals. The LifeSource Blood Pressure Monitor. This is a small and compact model that is ideal for travel. This monitor stores the last 60 readings in an AM/PM memory allowing you to record variations during the day. It also includes a Pressure Rating Indicator and Irregular Heartbeat detection.

There has only been room to cover a small selection of blood pressure monitors in this review, but you should at least have an idea of the features to look out for should you decide to buy a wrist monitor for your own use.