This text is machine translated.
About Blood Pressure Monitors
-
What was pulse and blood pressure measuring device?
-
How does a pulse and blood pressure monitor work?
-
Pulse and blood pressure monitors: Overview of the different types of devices
-
Selection criteria for purchasing a pulse and blood pressure monitor
-
Good to know: How to measure your blood pressure correctly
-
FAQs: The most common questions about pulse and blood pressure devices
-
Conclusion: This is how you can find the right pulse and blood pressure monitor
What was pulse and blood pressure measuring device?
Our blood is under pressure. This is always the case. If the pressure rises too much, it is called hypertension – a popular disease here in Germany. Since high blood pressure is a serious health hazard in the long term, it should be measured regularly. Many doctors advise their patients to take blood pressure measurements at home, especially when there is a particular tendency to high values. With a pulse and blood pressure monitor, this is exactly what is possible: Regular health checks in your own home. Of course, this does not replace the visit to the doctor, but can help to detect irregularities at an early stage.
How does a pulse and blood pressure monitor work?
A pulse and blood pressure monitor shows the user pulse and blood pressure values. Two values are collected during the measurement: First, the arterial blood pressure with which the blood flows to the heart. This value is called the diastolic value in the technical language. The second value measured is the systolic value and calls the pressure with which the blood flizes away from the heart. The unit in which both values are specified is mmHg. In addition, pulse and blood pressure monitors indicate the pulse rate.
Pulse and blood pressure monitors: Overview of the different types of devices
Pulse and blood pressure meter for the wrist
The wrist pulse and blood pressure monitor is ideal for beginners and is already available for a few euros. The measurement is carried out by means of a cuff that is applied to the wrist. The small, lightweight devices are especially useful when you want to take pulse and blood pressure measurements while traveling. However, you should be careful when using the device, otherwise measuring errors will creep in quickly. It is important to keep the wrist at approximately heart level during the measurement.
Advantages:
- low price
- small dimensions
- low weight
Disadvantages:
- tend to be inaccurate measurement results
- few additional functions
Simple pulse and blood pressure measuring device for the upper arm
Pulse and blood pressure monitors for the upper arm consist of an upper arm cuff connected to a display unit. The cuff is attached by hook and loop fastener just above the elbow at about heart level. They are available in different versions and price levels, starting with simple devices for occasional use (about 20 to 50 euros).
Advantages:
- additional evaluation functions, such as average values
- wide cuff prevents many measurement errors
- storage of the measurement results
Disadvantages:
- size and weight
- few additional functions
- battery operation
Comfort Pulse and blood pressure measuring device for the upper arm
These high-quality pulse and blood pressure monitors offer numerous additional functions, such as average values, sometimes even a voice output of the results. They save the measurement results and several users can also be created. In addition, they have a high storage capacity and are often powered by power supplies, so there is no need to buy batteries. They are available in a price range between 50 and 100 euros.
Advantages:
- precise measurements
- many additional functions
- with user memory
- often no batteries required
- long service life, often with a long manufacturer's warranty
Disadvantages:
- higher price
- size and weight
Pulse and blood pressure measuring devices with digital interface or app
These modern pulse and blood pressure monitors are small health managers. They start at about 100 euros in price, but can also cost over 200 euros. The devices usually work wirelessly and transfer the measured data to computers, apps or an online platform, for example, via Bluetooth, where they are then processed further. The apps or platforms offer various analysis options and can provide a more holistic health picture by recording additional values (blood sugar, weight, meals, body fat).
Advantages:
- many additional functions
- health management
- digital processing of data
Disadvantages:
- high price
- more complex operation
Selection criteria for purchasing a pulse and blood pressure monitor
In addition to deciding whether you want to measure your blood pressure on your wrist or upper arm, other criteria must also be considered when purchasing a pulse and blood pressure monitor.
Readability and operation
In order to read the values correctly, you should pay attention to a well-readable display when purchasing a pulse and blood pressure measuring device. A large display with touch function or at least a device with large keys can make operation much easier. In addition, one should pay attention to an automatic switch-off.
Cuff circumference
Make sure that the measuring cuff fits around your wrist or upper arm. Some manufacturers deliver your devices directly with two cuffs – once in the standard version and once in the XL-size for a stronger arm circumference.
Battery or power supply
You have to replace the batteries. This can be annoying, especially if there are no batteries available in the case of measurement. In addition, the purchase of batteries is of course a cost factor. Pulse and blood pressure measuring devices with a power supply get their energy from the socket. This is usually more practical and cheaper in the long run.
Memory Function
Those who regularly measure their blood pressure want to compare the values. Pulse and blood pressure monitors with memory function save manual recording of results. They even come with automatic evaluation functions and memory slots for several users.
Software and operating system
Want to purchase a device with a digital interface? Make sure that your pulse and blood pressure monitor and the software are compatible with the operating system of your computer!
Practical advice
Pulse and blood pressure measuring devices for private use are not subject to any calibration obligation. Therefore, it is a good tip to take your own device with you at the next doctor's visit. In this way, you can compare the values of the professional measurement with your own measurement results on site and know for the future with which deviations you have to expect.
One more tip: Test both arms during the first measurements. For the future, you should then take the arm for the measurement that had the higher values.
Good to know: How to measure your blood pressure correctly
- Always measure at the same time of day, preferably in the morning and in the evening
- Do not drink coffee before measuring. Measure before taking medication
- Keep calm: No loud music, no strenuous surroundings
- Relax for at least five minutes immediately before measuring
- Measure on a chair, sitting upright and leaning, with one arm resting on the table
- The blood pressure cuff is at heart level – even for handheld devices
- Do not move or talk during measurement
- Document results
FAQs: The most common questions about pulse and blood pressure devices
Do ich need to take care of something when measuring on the wrist?
To obtain correct results, the cuff must be at the same level as the heart. It is best to angle the arm slightly.
Why do my measurements at home differ from those of my doctor?
This can have several reasons: The handling of the devices and the accuracy of the measurement technology. Therefore, home measurement is good for continuous monitoring of blood pressure, but regular monitoring by the doctor is irreplaceable.
Conclusion: This is how you can find the right pulse and blood pressure monitor
Before purchasing a pulse and blood pressure monitor, you should consider exactly what features you need. Be sure to purchase a device that provides reliable measurement results. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Regular visits to the doctor will never replace the device!