Choosing a Blood Pressure Machine for Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home
If you are looking for a blood pressure machine that you can use at home then there are two fundamental types of devices to choose from - a digital blood pressure machine and an aneroid blood pressure machine (also known as a manual blood pressure machine). Here are the pros and cons of both kinds of models.
Aneroid Blood Pressure Machine
An aneroid blood pressure machine is the type we are used to seeing at the doctors office and is most likely the device that presents the first image that comes to mind when you think of a blood pressure machine. The pro that stands out the most for an aneroid device is the fact that it is the most accurate monitor for measuring blood pressure. The cuff (the part that wraps around your upper arm and inflates) is easier to wrap around your arm with most models than it is with digital monitors provided it comes with a metal ring. If you choose to buy an aneroid monitor I highly recommend finding a model with a metal ring attached to the cuff, it will make things a lot easier. The other main pluses of an aneroid monitor is that it is easier to carry around and unlike digital monitors does not require batteries to operate.
The main stand out point in the cons of an aneroid blood pressure machine is that it is complicated to use. You need to listen to your heart with a stethoscope along with taking a reading. The cuff needs to be manually inflated with a hand pump, and the pump in some models can be a little tough to 'pump'. The aneroid monitor is also more fragile and can be easily damaged which can effect its accuracy.
Digital Blood Pressure Machine
The digital blood pressure machine has become the most popular choice for monitoring blood pressure at home. It's ease of use is the fundamental reason behind this devices popularity. The digital screen is easier to read than the dial screen of an aneroid monitor. Digital monitors can also save readings so you can track them over a period of time. Some models can even give print outs of your results. The stethoscope is also built into a digital machine and the reading is taken care of automatically so you don't have to listen to your heart beat manually. Another main plus of the digital monitor is that the cuff inflates automatically (in most models) and deflates automatically.
The main con of a digital blood pressure machine is that it is less accurate than its aneroid counterpart. The reading can be altered by an irregular heart beat and body movements. The cuff of a digital monitor can be more difficult to place on the upper arm than an aneroid model even if the cuff is easier to operate when in place. Digital monitors also tend to be more expensive than aneroid monitors. An important factor to take into account when buying a digital monitor is that some are only designed for use with the left arm only. Digital blood pressure machines are generally more expensive than aneroid monitors.
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