How To Choose Affordable Blood Pressure Monitors

It is more convenient to have your own blood pressure monitor at home if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension. You could do monitoring in the comfort of your own home rather than going to the doctor's clinic.

You can also go to Walgreens, Sam's Club or other pharmacies that have the sit down automatic blood pressure machines available to customers who want to check their own pressure. These checks are fairly accurate, but your blood pressure may be different than it would be if you were checking at home. Part of the reason is that some people may be more anxious outside their home. Your pressure may also fluctuate depending on the time of the day.

Think about it, you're out shopping, driving around, dealing with traffic, trying to find things in the store, and then waiting patiently to check out (many times not). Your blood pressure is bound to be a little high, and yes, it is normal for it to fluctuate throughout the day. But stress also has significant impact on your pressure. You might be better off having your own blood pressure monitor at home to check it at times when you are not influenced by the hustle going on in the world outside.

There are many different types of blood pressure monitors available for home use in the market. Most of them can be purchased in most pharmacies and online sites. Prices varies from as low as $25 and up to $300 and more, depending on the features of the unit, and whether it is electric, battery operated or manual. Blood pressure monitors also come in different types that can perform the test using the finger, wrist, or arm. Some of them inflate automatically and others must be pumped up manually with the attached bulb.

Larger sized cuffs are also available if needed, and most if not all blood pressure monitors will tell the individual their pulse as well as blood pressure reading. To go just a bit further, some monitors will also tell the user if an irregular heartbeat, if a low or high reading is detected, and will give you average of three readings. Most monitors also come with a carrying case, batteries, and forms to record your readings. More expensive models have more features, more than one size cuff, extra bulbs, and just about extra everything.

All these bells and whistles are really not necessary. A basic unit from Walgreens for $35 will serve you just fine. Most blood pressure monitors offer a warranty card you can send in; along with an address you can send it to if you have any problems with the blood pressure monitor. Besides, if you have bought an inexpensive unit, it may just be worth it to just replace with another unit, instead of taking all the time and trouble to send the monitor in for repairs. A home blood pressure monitor is a real life saver. Remember, hypertension is a silent killer.

High Blood Pressure Causes

Though the cause of high blood pressure, in the majority of cases, is unknown. This type of high blood pressure is known as "primary or essential hypertension" and ninety five percent of sufferers, more than 70 million Americans, have "primary or essential Hypertension".

Normal blood pressure has a reading below 120/80. Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is referred to as "pre-hypertension". High blood pressure has a reading of 140/90 or above.

Fortunately some of the contributing factors to high blood pressure are known.

Arteriosclerosis is the hardening of plaque along the walls of the arteries is one contributing factor. Another is the thickening of the artery wall and yet another contributing factor for high blood pressure is small arteries.

The other causes are not a single underlying problem but a combination of various factors that have been concluded to be the causes of high blood pressure include:

* Excess alcohol - Alcohol also plays a direct part in your blood pressure. It has been found in several studies, that the higher the alcohol consumption, the higher the blood pressure. However similar studies have also shown that moderate drinkers appear to have a lower blood pressure than non drinkers.

Moderation is the key.

* Excess salt - There is little doubt that salt intake has a direct effect on blood pressure. Both this and the ingestion of dietary potassium have been found to have adverse effects on a person's health.

High salt intake is considered to be anything more than 5.8 grams per day.

* Diet and Being Overweight - Obesity is another major problem. Overweight people are more liable to have a higher blood pressure than their slim counterpart. The heart and other vital organs have to work harder which leads to added strain.

* Stress - At work or home.

The two most important and affecting factors are high salt intake and genetic tendencies. The first is easily controlled, for the second, diligent monitoring is key.

The only true way of ascertaining whether you have high blood pressure or not is by having it checked by a doctor or even self monitored at home. This is a an easy procedure and every adult should have their blood pressure taken at least on an annual basis if not more often.

Secondary Hypertension

There are a few cases of high blood pressure in which the underlying problem from which it stems is known. This type of high blood pressure is known as 'secondary hypertension'.

Secondary hypertension is said to be caused by kidney abnormality, a tumor or tumors in the adrenal gland, or a congenital defect of the aorta. Treating the underlying cause will usually return the blood pressure back to normal.

Unfortunately of all high blood pressure patients only five percent of people with high blood pressure have 'secondary hypertension'

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an essential and effective in both preventing and controlling high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes alone, however, may not be enough it may be necessary to take blood pressure medications.