Tensiomètre

A blood pressure monitor, or sphygmomanometer, is a device used to measure the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries. The measurement primarily provides two values: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

Digital models allow for automatic measurements and are a practical option for those who need to monitor their blood pressure at home in accordance with a healthcare professional’s recommendations.

A blood pressure monitor allows you to find out your blood pressure readings at a given moment and to track how they change over time. Home measurements can provide useful information to your healthcare professional when carried out correctly and consistently.

These devices are not a substitute for diagnosis or medical check-ups. The results must be interpreted taking into account individual circumstances and the guidance provided by the healthcare professional responsible for your care.

There are different types of blood pressure monitors depending on where the measurement is taken and the system used. For home use, the main types are digital upper-arm and wrist models.

Digital upper-arm blood pressure monitors

An upper-arm blood pressure monitor uses a cuff that is placed around the upper arm. Automatic devices inflate the cuff, take the reading and display the results on a screen.

They are one of the most common options for monitoring blood pressure at home. It is essential to use a cuff that is the correct size for the circumference of the arm.

Wrist blood pressure monitors

Wrist blood pressure monitors stand out for their compact size and portability. To obtain an accurate reading, it is particularly important to hold your wrist in the position specified by the manufacturer and at the correct height in relation to your heart.

If you are unsure which type of device is best suited to your regular checks, consult a healthcare professional.

To obtain useful results with a digital blood pressure monitor, it is important to follow the device’s specific instructions and maintain similar conditions between measurements.

In general, before and during the measurement:

• Rest for a few minutes before you begin.
• Sit with your back against the backrest and keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Avoid crossing your legs.
• Rest your arm on a surface and keep it relaxed.
• Position the cuff correctly on your skin, following the instructions.
• Stay still and do not speak whilst the blood pressure monitor is taking the reading.
• Record the results if you need to keep track of them.

If your doctor has given you specific guidelines for taking measurements, always follow their advice.

The timing and frequency of taking blood pressure readings at home will depend on the purpose of the monitoring and the recommendations of your healthcare professional. When taking several readings to monitor changes, it is best to keep the times and conditions consistent.

Do not change the frequency of your checks or your treatment based solely on a single reading without first consulting the healthcare professional responsible for your care.

A blood pressure reading usually shows two main figures:

• Systolic blood pressure: this is the blood pressure when the heart contracts.
• Diastolic blood pressure: this is the pressure between heartbeats, when the heart relaxes.

In addition, many blood pressure monitors display the pulse rate. Some models include additional indicators, but these should not be used on their own to make a diagnosis.

Blood pressure monitors with memory can store the latest readings to make it easier to track your blood pressure. This feature is particularly useful when carrying out regular checks.

Some Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure monitors allow you to synchronise readings with a compatible app so you can view your history and organise your data. Check the specific features and connectivity requirements for each model.

A single reading should not be used on its own to diagnose high blood pressure or change a treatment plan. If you repeatedly get blood pressure readings outside the targets set for you, consult a healthcare professional.

If you have a very high reading accompanied by symptoms such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, neurological symptoms, confusion or significant changes in vision, seek urgent medical attention.

At Farmaciasdirect, you can buy blood pressure monitors online and compare different upper-arm and wrist models based on their features, cuff size, memory capacity and additional functions.

Find digital blood pressure monitors and choose the device that best suits your monitoring needs. Buy your blood pressure monitor from Farmaciasdirect and get access to pharmaceutical advice.