What to Consider When Choosing Home Health Monitors

Nearly one-half of American adults have high blood pressure. Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to serious health issues, including kidney failure, heart attack, or stroke. High blood pressure can be easily controlled with diet, exercise, and/or medication, but it requires careful monitoring with a BP tracker to ensure the condition is in check.

High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer because people often don't know their blood pressure is elevated until it's too late. If you have any of the risk factors for high blood pressure, it's essential to have a blood pressure health monitor to let you know if there is a potential problem. Read on and learn how to choose the best home health monitors for your lifestyle and budget.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. Hypertension occurs when the force of your blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. Two numbers measure blood pressure:

Systolic pressure - this is the first number of your blood pressure reading, as in 120/80. It measures the pressure in your arteries during a heartbeat.

Diastolic pressure - this is the second number in your measurement. This measures the amount of pressure in your arteries between heartbeats. 

Normal blood pressure is 120/80. Hypertension is usually defined as having a 140/90 or higher blood pressure reading for an extended period. Some doctors consider a consistent reading of 130/80 as hypertensive. 

What Increases My Risk of High Blood Pressure?

There are many medical, genetic, and environmental factors that can increase your high blood pressure risk. The majority of people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, for example.

The most common cause of high blood pressure is an unhealthy diet. People who overeat sodium and too little potassium are at risk of developing high blood pressure. You can lower your risk by using less salt, avoiding processed foods, and eating more foods rich in potassium - like bananas, beans, or yogurt.

Another major contributor to high blood pressure is a lack of physical activity. When you exercise, your blood vessels remain strong and healthy. This can help reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure. 

Being more active can also help you maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight may develop high blood pressure because your heart is working harder to move blood and oxygen through your body. 

Why Should I Use Home Health Monitors to Check my Blood Pressure?

Now that you know some of the risk factors for developing high blood pressure, you may want to check your pressure to make sure it is not too high. If you've been diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor may encourage you to check your blood pressure regularly.

There's no need to go to a doctor's office to check your blood pressure. A clinical blood pressure monitor makes it easy to check your blood pressure at home. Home health monitors make it easy and convenient to keep track of your pressure any time you like.

Knowing your blood pressure can help you prevent long-term health conditions. As with most things related to your health, knowledge is power.

What Kind of Blood Pressure Monitors Are Available?

There are many kinds of blood pressure monitors on the market. The traditional monitor like the one in your doctor's office includes a cuff that wraps around your upper arm, a bulb to inflate it with air, and a stethoscope to listen to your heartbeat while releasing the air pressure. This is a very accurate method, but it isn't easy to use by yourself.

Digital heart rate and BP monitors are much easier to use. Some models wrap around your wrist. You press a button, and the monitor inflates itself, checks your pressure, and displays the numbers of a large screen.

You can also choose a model that has an arm cuff. This is similar to the style you see in a doctor's office. Both provide an accurate reading of your blood pressure.

Which BP Monitor Should I Buy?

There are some considerations to make when choosing a blood pressure monitor. Generation Guard monitors use advanced measuring techniques to ensure an accurate reading. Our monitors also provide information about irregular heartbeats and hypertension alerts. 

When choosing a monitor, makes sure it is FDA or CE approved. Look for a model with a large LCD that is easy to read. Battery-powered devices are also convenient if you travel and want to take the monitor with you. 

If you're unsure what type of device is right for you, contact us. We can discuss your options and help you choose a blood pressure monitor that's a perfect fit.  

Other Home Health Devices You Should Consider

Many illnesses, such as infections from a cold or virus, are often preceded by a fever. Electronic digital thermometers can help you monitor your body temperature every day so you can see if there is a sudden change. A sudden change could be an early sign of an illness.

Digital thermometers are also useful when you suspect you have a fever. They are easier to read than mercury thermometers and equally as accurate. There are oral and temporal (forehead) models available. 

Monitor Your Health

If you have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing high blood pressure, home health monitors are essential. You can check your blood pressure regularly from the comfort and convenience of your home. If you notice your pressure is increasing, you can notify your doctor and take steps to lower it through lifestyle changes or medication. 

Choosing the right kind of device is also essential. Look for a device that is FDA approved, easy to use, and accurate. High-quality home health monitors are more affordable than ever.

View all of our health monitoring devices or contact us to learn more about the Generation Guard difference. We can help you take control of your health.