Your heart is pounding as you anxiously wait for the results of your blood pressure check. You wrap the cuff around your wrist, hoping that the wrist blood pressure monitor will provide you with an accurate reading.
But how reliable are these compact devices? Do they truly measure your blood pressure with precision, or are they simply convenient gadgets that fall short in accuracy? Let’s uncover the truth about wrist blood pressure monitors and explore their limitations and benefits.
How Accurate Are Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors: Are They Reliable?
While certain wrist blood pressure monitors can be accurate when used correctly and compared to readings taken in a healthcare provider’s office, the American Heart Association recommends using an upper arm cuff for the most precise measurements. However, individuals with larger arms may struggle to find a cuff that fits properly for at-home use. (if you are one of them don’t worry we got you covered check our article on Omron’s blood pressure monitor for large arms).
In cases where finding a well-fitting upper arm cuff is difficult, measuring blood pressure at the wrist can be a viable alternative. Additionally, individuals who have undergone axillary lymph node resection may find wrist blood pressure monitors to be a beneficial option.
It is important to note that improper positioning of the wrist blood pressure monitor during at-home use can result in falsely high readings. To obtain accurate readings, the monitor should be placed directly over the radial artery on the wrist, with no clothing in between, and the wrist should be held at heart level. It is also important to maintain complete stillness and avoid bending the wrist during the test, as wrist flexion can lead to inaccurate readings.
It is also worth keeping in mind that blood pressure readings taken at home, regardless of the type of monitor used, are likely to differ from those taken at a healthcare provider’s office. To ensure the accuracy of your wrist blood pressure monitor, consider bringing it to your provider’s office for comparison with the readings taken from your arm.
Analog Vs Digital Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors
Choosing between a digital and analog blood pressure monitor can be a concern if you’re monitoring your blood pressure. It’s essential to evaluate the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
Generally, digital monitors are more accurate and easier to read due to the clear display, while analog monitors are less accurate but more affordable. However, analog monitors can be challenging to read, and some individuals may prefer them because they’re less prone to damage.
Ultimately, the best monitor for you depends on your personal preferences and financial situation. If accuracy is paramount, a digital monitor is the better option. Still, if you’re on a tight budget, an analog monitor may be a more suitable alternative.
Types Of Blood Pressure Monitors
There are two types of blood pressure monitors:
- digital (Digital BP monitors are ideal for use in the lab due to their ease of use and accuracy)
- Manual (Manual BP monitors necessitate some knowledge to function properly)
In order to determine which option is superior, we will analyze their arguments. To measure your blood pressure, a digital monitor can be utilized by encircling the cuff around your upper arm, lower arm, or finger. On the other hand, a manual blood pressure monitor can utilize a bulb to inflate a cuff. Aneroid and manual blood pressure monitors use the auscultation method, which is more dependable and precise.
Apart from providing distinct readings, the Manual Blood Pressure Monitor comes equipped with a cuff dial that displays values as the cuff is deflated. In contrast, a digital blood pressure monitor is highly portable and user-friendly. However, it’s not advised to use a manual monitor for HBPM due to the need for proper training. Digital BP monitors are powered by either batteries or an AC adapter. Manual blood pressure monitors lack any of the additional features present in conventional blood pressure meters.
(wanna learn to use a manual blood pressure monitor do check out our article on How To Measure Blood Pressure With A Sphygmomanometer).
Additional features such as memory storage and compatibility with smartphones are available with digital BP monitors. Some monitors also show the pulse rate and detect irregular heartbeats. When estimating hypertension, digital blood pressure monitors have a moderate level of accuracy with a sensitivity of 65.7% and a specificity of 95.9%. This means they can accurately distinguish between cases of hypertension and non-hypertension.
Manual Or Digital Which Is More Better?
This question has no definitive answer because it is dependent on each person’s preferences and needs. Some people prefer manual blood pressure monitors because they are less expensive and easier to use, whereas others prefer digital blood pressure monitors. After all, they are more accurate and easier to read. Finally, the best type of blood pressure monitor for you is the one with which you are most comfortable.
Since so many doctors have become more comfortable recommending that patients use home blood pressure monitors, it is becoming easier for them to regularly monitor their blood pressure (read our article on how to use blood pressure monitor manual). You can choose between automatic and manual settings based on your preferences. The cuff, aneroid gauge, bulb, and stethoscope are the four main components of a manual blood pressure monitor. A typical automatic unit has a large digital display and can be worn with a wrist or upper arm cuff. According to some research, these units are less reliable than their manual counterparts. There is no easy way to find the best solution for you or a loved one.
Learn More About Blood Pressure
Before delving deeper into blood pressure, take into account what blood pressure can inform you about your overall health. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can be harmful to your Heart, Kidneys, and nervous system. When the blood pressure reading appears to be two numbers, this is referred to as hypotension. It typically happens whenever the reading is 90/60.
Several Considerations
Before we get into the details of the blood pressure check, let’s look at the factors that may cause blood pressure to increase:
- Smoking
- Caffeine
- Stress
- Temperatures in the teens
- Meditation
Similarly, some components that can lower blood pressure include:
- Loss of blood
- Heart problems
- a lack of essential nutrients
- Severe allergies
Let’s Understand the Blood Pressure Reading
Blood pressure readings can be obtained in two different ways. Both express the same concept.
Systolic Pressure:
The reading’s highest number. The force inside your bloodstream when your heart is pumping to pump blood is measured by systolic pressure.
Diastolic Blood Pressure:
Diastolic pressure is the second measurement. It is almost the lowest reading and measures artery force when the heart is at rest during beats.
A systolic pressure of 115 and a diastolic pressure of 80 are indicated by a blood pressure of 115/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). The higher the number, the harder it is for a heart to circulate blood thru the artery walls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wrist blood pressure monitors can provide a convenient and easy way to monitor blood pressure levels at home. However, their accuracy can vary, and it’s essential to choose a reliable and validated model. Some studies have found that wrist monitors can produce less accurate results than upper arm monitors, while others have reported similar accuracy levels.
Factors such as the positioning of the wrist, movement, and cuff size can also affect the accuracy of wrist monitors. Therefore, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully, position the monitor correctly, and take multiple readings for greater accuracy.
Ultimately, the accuracy of wrist blood pressure monitors can be adequate for monitoring blood pressure trends and detecting possible hypertension. However, for a definitive diagnosis or to assess treatment effectiveness, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional and use a validated upper arm blood pressure monitor.
