Blood pressure is a major indicator of a person’s health. It corresponds to the pressure exerted by the walls of the arteries of the heart to expel the blood and to make it circulate through all the organs. To be considered normal, it should be around 120/80 mmHg. Below or above these numbers, there is either low or high blood pressure.
The latter are risk factors for cardiovascular accidents, affecting nearly 15 million people, which require close monitoring through an autotensiometer. In this article, let’s take a look at this type of device. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn more about blood pressure.
For whom are self-tensiometers intended?
In principle, they are intended for everyone, including people with high blood pressure, the elderly, overweight, descendants of people with high blood pressure, and people with chronic diseases such as diabetes. However, there are exceptions, as they are contraindicated for people with anxiety, those with heart problems, or with arm circumferences greater than 33 cm.
How to choose a self-tensiometer?
In the United States, self-tensiometers bearing the CE mark are authorized for sale on the market and for use, whether or not they are registered in the list relating to market surveillance by the Centre Of Disease Control (CDC). Of course, this registration is only a voluntary administrative step, but only the clinical validation counts for the reliability of the device.
Most specialists recommend blood pressure monitors that take measurements on the arm rather than on the wrist. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice in choosing a good quality device. They will also help you interpret the results. In any case, opt for an electric self-tensiometer, which is the most interesting and practical to use.
What are the rules to follow to take your blood pressure properly?
To take your blood pressure correctly, it is important to follow these rules:
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- Read the instructions for the device carefully.
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- Take your blood pressure before meals and before taking any medication.
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- Sit down (avoid standing).
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- Rest for 5 minutes.
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- Remove all objects that may be in the way, such as your watch, long-sleeved clothing, tight-fitting tops, etc.
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- For right-handed people, use the left arm; for left-handed people, use the right arm.
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- Take 3 successive measurements one to two minutes apart, every morning, noon, and evening on the same arm or wrist.
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- Stay calm and still while taking the measurements.
How to use a blood pressure monitor?
The way to use a blood pressure monitor varies according to the type of device:
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- For an upper arm device, first put on the inflatable cuff. Then, adjust the cuff to the correct size (until the cuff line folds in on itself). Do not over-tighten the Velcro; the hose should be directed towards your hand, in the crook of your arm. Then place your forearm on a table. Bend your elbow slightly and stretch your palm upwards without clenching your fist.
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- For a wrist device, place it two fingers away from your wrist with the screen on the inside of your arm and rest your elbow on a table. Your wrist should be at heart level, and your fingertips should touch your shoulder opposite the arm being measured.
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- Once the device is in the correct position, begin the measurement by inflating and deflating.
What are the advantages of a self-tensiometer?
Strongly recommended for hypertensive patients, an autotensiometer allows you to:
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- Monitor blood pressure at any time, especially during suspected instability (unusual fatigue, dizziness, nosebleed, among others).
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- Take the necessary measures and treatments to quickly stabilize your blood pressure, which must be defined solely by your doctor. In other words, avoid self-medication.
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- Simplify your life, as it allows you to collect information on your health status without travel or assistance from others.
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- Report the results to your doctor and easily adhere to treatments.
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