Did you know that 1 in 3 Australians over 18 have reported having high blood pressure? And realistically, that number might be even higher since some people aren’t even aware they’re dealing with it.
It’s no wonder it’s nicknamed ‘the silent killer’ – there aren’t any apparent symptoms that are directly linked with hypertension.
Do you really have high blood pressure or just a tension headache? It’s anyone’s guess at that point.
For this reason, monitoring your blood pressure at home is of the utmost importance. The sooner you take note of particular abnormalities, the better your chances of battling them.
If you’re looking for a place to start, the Omron blood pressure monitor might be exactly what you need.
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What Kinds of Omron Blood Pressure Monitors Are There?
There are two basic types of blood pressure monitors, depending on the way they’re attached to your arm.
Arm Cuff
The cuff on these monitors attaches to your upper arm and begins to inflate automatically at the press of a button.
Once the device has your readings, you’ll be able to see your results on the screen.
One thing that’s particularly convenient about these monitors is that they have built-in memories of up to 2 users, allowing you to switch back and forth as needed.
In this way, if you need to keep track of your readings over time, the device will keep those records for you.
On the flip side, some users consider these devices to be a bit bulky and less portable, so if you’re looking for something more compact, you might want to consider getting a wrist cuff Omron blood pressure monitor.
Wrist Cuff
Many people consider wrist cuff monitors to be more convenient since they’re smaller and more lightweight.
They can easily be stored in your drawers at home or your travel bag if you’re planning on going on the road soon. You can never be too safe, right?
They’re used in pretty much the same way as their arm-cuffed counterparts, all you have to do is wrap the cuff around your wrist and let the device measure your blood pressure.
The only downside is that these readings tend to be somewhat more inaccurate than those taken with arm models.
This is largely based on the position of your wrist as well as any involuntary movements you might make when the device is on.
How Should You Take Your Blood Pressure?
Knowing how to take your blood pressure properly is extremely crucial in getting accurate results.
It doesn’t matter if you lead a healthy lifestyle or get a lot of exercise in, if you don’t position your body properly or take your readings at a specific time during the day, chances are you won’t get accurate numbers.
Before you measure your blood pressure, it’s important that you steer clear of any caffeinated drinks and all kinds of physical activity for at least 30 minutes.
Once you’ve done that, sit comfortably with ample back support and your fit placed firmly on the ground. Rest your arms on a flat surface that’s on the same level as your heart.
Position the cuff just above your elbow or right on your wrist, depending on the type of device you have. Make sure you don’t talk while taking your measurements either. And that’s it, you’re all done!
Following these steps is the key to getting precise readings virtually every single time. If your body isn’t positioned properly or you misplace the cuff on your arm, the device will produce inaccurate readings and thus give you the wrong impression of your blood pressure numbers.
This can ultimately endanger your overall health and well-being because you might be ignoring some serious health concerns if your readings are off the mark.
Key Considerations When Shopping for an Omron Blood Pressure Monitor
Apart from the cuffing method, there are a few other things you should keep in mind in order to find a suitable device.
Size and Fit
No matter which part of your arm you’re using it on, it’s crucial that the cuff fits properly. Use a measuring tape to take note of the size you need and then double-check the device’s packaging to see if it’s compatible with your requirements.
Most monitors come with adjustable cuffs so you should get greater freedom to customise the fit to your liking. And remember, ill-fitting cuffs result in inaccurate readings, which is something you should definitely avoid.
Ease of Use
Getting a user-friendly device means that you won’t have trouble handling its operation. The display screen should be large enough to see your results clearly and the buttons should be tactile and accessible.
In this way, you minimise the risk of any inconveniences or mishaps happening when you’re trying to measure your blood pressure.
Extra Features
Some devices have ‘high-risk alerts’, i.e. indicators of high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat. Even if you don’t think of your results as concerning, the device itself might disagree and point out certain abnormalities.
By doing this, it draws your attention to minor details that might seem insignificant to the untrained eye.
In addition, some devices come with smartphone or desktop compatibility, allowing you to transfer your blood pressure readings to another device.
In this way, you won’t have to enter the digits manually and waste time sifting through the data.
Budget
Depending on the extra features they come with, blood pressure monitors can be paired with a range of price tags.
Most of those additional perks are quite useful in determining underlying health concerns sooner rather than later, which might be particularly appealing to the occasional hypochondriacs.
Even if you don’t have any apparent issues at the moment, these high-tech Omron products can ensure that you avoid potential problems in the future as well.
But if you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use device, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get one.
They’re all designed to yield the same results, so if you don’t need any flashing lights or indicators that something’s wrong, even the most basic device will get the job done.
