A blood pressure monitor, what is it for?

The blood pressure monitor allows you to perform a blood pressure measurement yourself, for example when a health professional suspects in a person a risk of hypertension. It is also used to monitor changes in blood pressure in people who have suffered from cardiovascular disorders (stroke, heart attack) or to see the effect of treatment over several days.

Designed for use by non-professionals, blood pressure monitors allow you to take your own measurements without having to travel. It saves time and during a pandemic, it avoids having to go to health facilities if there is a fear of being infected there. Finally, for very emotional people, it is also a way to avoid the "White Coat Hypertension (WCH)", because if you are stressed at the time of the measurement, it will be distorted.

As you take your own measurements, this type of device is sometimes known as a "blood pressure monitor".

How to take blood pressure on a blood pressure monitor?

Above all, it is important to comply with the instructions of your doctor. If your doctor has asked you to monitor your blood pressure, he/she should show you how to do this and tell you the step-by-step protocol to follow. It is also essential to consult the user manual of your blood pressure monitor beforehand.

Hereunder are the steps to follow in order to take your blood pressure correctly :

1 Take a rest 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure.

2 Sit at a table with your legs uncrossed and being careful to keep your feet flat.

3 Depending on the model of blood pressure monitor, put the cuff around your arm or your wrist (1 to 2 cm above the elbow or the bend in the wrist) and respect the position indicated in the instructions.

4 Activate the measurement. It is important to be calm and relaxed, not to speak nor move during this measurement.

5 Take three consecutive readings spaced one minute apart. It is normal for your blood pressure to vary from measurement to measurement, sometimes significantly. The average of the three measurements should constitute the reference of your self-measurement.

6 Remove the cuff. Make sure that the results have been noted down or that they are correctly saved in the device.

7 To compare measurements from one day to the next, make sure that they were carried out at the same time during the day and under identical conditions (no overconsumption of coffee, for example ...).

In order not to distort the results, the blood pressure should not be taken after drinking alcohol, smoking, taking a bath or exercising. These tips are indicative and can in no way replace those of a health professional.

How to read a blood pressure monitor?

The heart works like a pump. What is called blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries. It is calculated based on:

1 Systolic pressure: the heart contracts and pushes blood through the arteries.

2 Diastolic pressure: the heart relaxes in order to fill up again.

3 Pulse: the number of heartbeats per minute.

These are the measurements made at systole and diastole which are expressed, for example: 13/8. There are no ideal values, the blood pressure varies from one individual to another depending on their build, gender, lifestyle, medical history, medication, etc. Only your doctor can interpret these results.

What type of blood pressure monitor to choose?

Advances in electronics today make it possible to benefit within the framework of easy-to-use at home devices, different from the dial models reserved for healthcare professionals, whose use, which also requires a stethoscope. , is more complex.

There are different types of blood pressure monitors, but whatever your choice, the device must above all be reliable and easy to use! The second criterion to check before buying a blood pressure monitor is that the device has been validated by the health authorities. This is the case with blood pressure monitors sold in pharmacies, but also with Thomson blood pressure monitors

Wrist blood pressure monitors

As its name suggests, this blood pressure monitor is placed on the wrist and integrates directly on the cuff the manometer which displays the results. The advantage of these devices is that they are more compact and therefore more transportable. Some models, such as the Thomson W8 cardio wrist blood pressure monitor, are available in small rigid transport boxes. They are reliable as long as you take the correct measurement. For example, when measuring, the wrist must be raised to the height of the heart.

Other wrist blood pressure monitors, such as the Thomson cardio W6 model, automatically calculate the average of the last 3 measurements, as recommended by the French Higher Health Authority.

Arm blood pressure monitors

With these devices, the cuff is placed on the arm during the measurement. Unless the health professional advises otherwise, in France, the measurement carried out on the arm is preferred, which is easier to implement. Before choosing a model, remember to check the diameter of your arm.

Electronic blood pressure monitors

On electronic blood pressure monitors, the result is displayed on a digital screen and not by a needle on a dial. There are arm blood pressure monitors whose display is connected to the cuff by a tube and arm blood pressure monitors without a tube whose display is included in the cuff as is the case with the Arm blood pressure monitor without cardio tube A9 from Thomson. This version is more comfortable and easier to use. The latter are more compact, but a model with a tube is preferable when you cannot see well up close.

Connected blood pressure monitors

These devices allow measurements to be sent via Bluetooth to a dedicated application on a computer, tablet or smartphone. This allows you to track over time, display curves, statistics, etc. But it can also send the measurements results to your doctor by email or SMS. There are connected blood pressure monitors for the wrist and for the arm.

Final tips:

It is perfectly possible to buy only one single blood pressure monitor for a household. In fact, some connected models offer the possibility of saving several profiles. This makes it easier to follow up.

These devices are not reimbursed by the French social security system. On the other hand, check with your mutual insurance company, full or partial coverage may be offered.

Self-measurement is a good thing, but will never replace a test done by a healthcare professional.

Therefore, Please consult your doctor!