High blood pressure is a silent killer. It is the force applied to the artery walls as the heart works over time to pump blood to the various parts of the body. The normal blood pressure is between 120 to 130 m Hg Systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic. Hundreds of thousands of people succumb to hypertension every year, while millions of people do not know they have the disorder. It is for one’s own safety that they should keep one of the many types of BP machines at home to constantly measure their blood pressure.
• Recommended Frequency Of Using Blood Pressure Machines For Self-Monitoring
Now it is not like everyone should compulsively go on measuring their BP every hour or so. It is important to measure it at least once in a year. Those who know they have a hypertension problem should measure their pressure of blood at least once a week and those with chronic problems should keep a record of their BP by measuring their pressure of blood daily.
• Developments In The Field Of Blood Pressure Machines
BP machines have come a long way since they were first invented in 1881 by Samuel Siegfried Karl Ritter von Basch. The first machine of measuring pressure of blood was no different from the mercury sphygmomanometers we see today. However a lot has changed with the advancement in electronic technology.
Today there are over a hundred and perhaps, many more models of BP machines available in the market. These range from the tiny fingertip BP monitoring devices to the large commercial BP machines. In fact, BP machines come in all conceivable shapes and sizes. However, one thing remains constant – they all rely on a pumping device and a cuff to measure the systolic and diastolic pressure.
The electronic systolic and diastolic pressure machines have an advantage over the mechanical ones in that they can save a record of all the pressure readings taken. They also have an automated system that inflates the cuff and takes the reading. So there is no need for a stethoscope and any calculations. These electronic devices are accurate and users need no training in operations. Operating these devices is as simple as pressing a button and waiting for the reading to be displayed on the screen.
Tips For BP Machine Users
• When using these machines, especially the wrist, fingertip and anklet type, it is important to sit still in the chair, without talking or even moving. This is important for an accurate reading desired from the machine’s precise gadgetry that registers even minute bodily changes and otherwise discernible movements.
• The best blood pressure measuring machines are the ones with the cuff that can be placed around the upper arm.
• Most basic types of commercial electronic blood pressure machines come with the external cuff that is connected to the pumping device and the manometer through a pair of rubber tubes. One tube inflates and deflates the cuff while the other delivers the reading signal to the manometer.
• These electronic machines are affordable and now everyone with a hypertension condition can monitor their pressure and get to a medical facility in time before things go wrong. Thus, these home and commercial use BP monitoring systems have made it easy for individuals to manage their condition effectively and hopefully the deaths caused by hypertension – the silent killer – will significantly reduce the world over with the proper use of these handy machines.
