What Are The Best Manual Blood Pressure Cuffs

How we tested home blood pressure monitors Thirty-two Consumer Reports staffers—men and women of different ages and blood pressure ranges—had their readings taken every day on their left or right side for about four weeks. Each person used a different monitor each day.

We compared their readings with those taken with a mercury sphygmomanometer, which is used in doctors’ offices, to measure accuracy. Other factors we considered in finding the best home blood pressure monitor were ease of use and comfort. A few highlights. Get accurate readings Optimal blood pressure is an upper (or systolic) number below 120 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and a lower (or diastolic) number below 80 mmHg. (The higher number shows the pressure when your heart beats; the lower number, the pressure between beats.) According to our experts at, people younger than 60 should generally start drugs if the numbers remain above 140/90; older people, above 150/90. But levels can vary a lot.

Take these steps to make your readings, at home and in the doctor’s office, accurate. • Go the bathroom first. • Don’t smoke, exercise, or consume anything caffeinated for at least an hour beforehand. • Sit quietly for 5 minutes before the reading. Keep your legs uncrossed, your feet flat on the floor, and your back supported. • Pull up your sleeve so that the cuff goes around your bare arm.

Rest your arm on a table so that the cuff is at heart level. • Remain quiet during the test.

• Measure at the same time each day. Levels tend to rise steadily through the day, usually peaking in the middle of the afternoon.

Types of Blood Pressure Monitors. There are several types to choose from and the upper arm cuff is best. You will receive the blood pressure cuff, a User’s Manual, quick start guide, and 4 AA batteries with an A/C (alternating current) adapter 1. The blood pressure cuff remains important for monitoring blood pressure. Hypertension begins when the numbers rise above the normal reading. A blood pressure cuff is a fairly simple instrument used to measure the blood pressure.

Yes, it is quite normal for people’s blood pressure to change throughout the day and night, or in different settings where you may measure your blood pressure. Many things, such as stress levels, food or drink intake, activity levels, even time of day can all affect a person’s blood pressure reading at any given time. In fact, there are published studies that show a given person’s blood pressure can change by up to 20mm within a day, based on activity levels, food/drink intake, stress, etc. This is why it is important to take your blood pressure on a regular basis, and review the overall trend of your blood pressure readings with your doctor. For a convenient tool to help you easily track your blood pressure readings, click. Managing your blood pressure doesn’t have to take a lot of work.

In fact, small improvements to your lifestyle can help. Exercise: Just be a little more active. Walk instead of drive; take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. Eat Smart: Try to find low-fat, low-sodium substituted that also taste great. Potassium found in bananas and carrots is nature’s best medicine for your heart.