Hypertensives know how important blood pressure management is. Use a wrist blood pressure monitor at home to check your statistics. A wrist blood pressure monitor accuracy matters. It’s vital to compare wrist and arm blood pressure measurements for sufficient accuracy.
Blood pressure is the cause to purchase a blood pressure monitor, either wrist or upper arm monitor. Wrist blood pressure monitors are a well-known way to monitor blood pressure at home. The American Heart Association recommends wrist blood testing for home monitoring.
However, they are not the most accurate way to measure blood pressure. Blood pressure readings tend to be more biased when measured with wrist monitors.
The most accurate blood pressure reading is taken in a doctor’s office, but many people choose home monitors to check their blood pressure regularly. There are a few significant disadvantages to consider with these devices.
This article covers the accuracy of the wrist blood pressure monitor, so keep reading for full detail.
What Is A Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor?
It is a device you wear to measure your blood pressure. It’s designed for home use, and you don’t need a prescription. Most monitors come with a strap that fits around the wrist.
The cuff is connected to a digital screen showing blood pressure readings. Wrist blood pressure monitors measure the vibration of the blood flowing through the arteries in the wrist. They should always be used on bare skin.
For the most accurate readings from a wrist blood pressure monitor, place your hand on your chest so your wrist is at heart level.
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A Brief On “Wrist And Arm Blood Pressure Monitor”
Both types of monitors measure blood pressure as it flows through the arteries in the upper part of the body. You measure this pressure at different points along your arm. In some people, the systolic blood pressure in the radial artery is higher than in the brachial artery.
That is why it is important to use the devices at home under the supervision of a healthcare provider. They’ll help you interpret the numbers and explain the differences between the readings at home and your provider’s office.
The wrist cuff contains an electronic sensor that detects the pulse and monitors the body’s blood pressure.
Why Is Blood Pressure Important To Health
It is normal for your blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day. Normal blood flow carries nutrients and oxygen to all body parts, including major organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys.
They narrow or widen to keep your blood pressure high and blood flow at a healthy pace. Blood pressure is affected by time of day, exercise, diet, stress, and other factors.
Here are the reasons why blood pressure is important to health. Let’s read in detail.
a). Silent Killer
According to NIH News in Health, U.S., about one in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure, but many are unaware of it. High blood pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it doesn’t usually have any warning signs, but it can lead to life-threatening conditions like a heart attack or stroke.
The good news is that high or high blood pressure can often be prevented or treated with proper control.
b). High Blood Pressure & Health
High blood pressure can cause your heart to work too hard and lose strength. The great force of blood flow can damage blood vessels, making them weak, stiff, or narrowed. Over time, high blood pressure can damage several important organs, including the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes.
Tulane University’s Dr. Paul Whelton, an authority on Hypertension and renal illness, said that Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for death and disability worldwide. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or kidney disease.
c). Who Has Blood Pressure
Even children have blood pressure issues nowadays, so that anyone can be affected by this hilarious issue. It is common thinking that Hypertension or high blood pressure comes with age, specifically in the series 60s.
Dr. Paul Whelton stated that in the 60s, almost two third of the population was affected with Hypertension. Health factors are involved, like excess weight. Similarly, family history matters concerning high blood pressure.
d). How To Diagnose Blood Pressure
Because you usually don’t have any symptoms, the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked by the Doctor.
In this simple and painless test, an inflated cuff with a manometer is placed around the upper arm to squeeze the blood vessels. A doctor can then use a stethoscope to listen to your pulse while the cuff deflates, or an automated device can measure the pressure.
The blood pressure monitor has two types of readings on the screen. The first one represents the pressure in your blood vessels while your heart is beating, called the systolic pressure. The second one is the pressure created when your heart relaxes and fills with blood, called diastolic pressure.
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e). Hypertension
High blood pressure is when the average blood pressure is over 140/90. When your blood pressure is normal and hypertensive, it is sometimes called prehypertension. People with prehypertension risk developing high blood pressure if they don’t take preventive measures.
We can prevent high blood pressure by diet, weight loss, and physical activity. We can treat it too, and we can treat it effectively. Recent guidelines recommend aiming for a systolic pressure below 140.
These medical guidelines are sometimes updated as new research becomes available. The main purpose is to lower your blood pressure to prevent more serious problems. The answer depends on many factors. Therefore, working with your Doctor on your blood pressure goals is important.
f). Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure
It is a silent killer, but doctors have commonly spoken about the early common high blood pressure symptoms. The doctors have explored with the help of high blood pressure patients, so here is a list of symptoms.
- Blurry vision.
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Heart palpitations.
- Nosebleeds.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea
- vomiting.
Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor Accuracy
Most accurately measuring blood pressure from the wrist than a fingertip monitor, which you should avoid using. Healthcare providers recommend upper arm blood pressure monitors as the gold standard for accuracy.
An upper-arm cuff monitor is what the American Heart Association recommends. Some wrist blood pressure monitors can be accurate when used as directed and compared to your Doctor’s office readings.
Some people with large arms may not have access to a properly fitting armband at home. A wrist blood pressure monitor may also be an option for people with armpit lymph nodes removed.
You can bring your bracelet to your next appointment so your Doctor can compare the device to an in-office device. Use a device from the American Medical Association’s list of validated blood pressure monitors. To use the monitor, you must carefully follow the instructions.
Wrist blood pressure monitors are quite sensitive to the user’s posture concerning the monitor. Your arm and wrist must be at heart level for an accurate reading.
According to a 2020 study on Hypertension, Researchers from seven different institutions and the World Hypertension League concluded that out of 970 home blood pressure monitors, 95 were inaccurate.
Validated monitors have been found to provide accurate and reliable readings compared to clinical standards. Wrist blood pressure monitors are notoriously inaccurate and are generally not recommended.
Suppose the patient wants to wear a wrist monitor. In that case, they should bring it to the Doctor’s office to compare it to a professional device and assess its accuracy, says Andrew Feda, M.D., Geriater bei One Medical in New York City.
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Reasons Behind Inaccurate Readings Of Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
Several are the reasons behind the inaccuracy of wrist BP Monitor. The author has explored and written the main point concerning the accuracy of a wrist blood pressure monitor.
a). Heart Beat Pattern
George Avetian, D.O., a family medicine physician at Geisinger 65 Forward Health Center in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, said that the wrist blood pressure monitors could not read irregular heartbeat patterns due to their designation.
b). Designation of Wrist B.P. Monitor
A wrist blood pressure monitor is designed to monitor regular patterns of heart rhythm, so if you have this issue, you must use the upper arm blood pressure monitor at home. If you have time, then visit your Doctor for accuracy.
It is to be noted that the blood vessels in the wrist are narrower, so a validated monitor can read, but a common one may not get a real feeling of the pulse, so it gives the wrong output.
c). Wrist Structure
According to Internist Spencer Kroll, M.D., at the Kroll Medical Group and founder of the Cholesterol Treatment Center in Morganville, New Jersey, the accuracy of Wrist blood pressure monitors is less compared to upper arm B.P. monitors simply because of the wrist structure.
d). Error While Reading
Remember that the arteries in the wrist are thinner and do not go as far beneath the skin as those in the upper arm, as explained in the paragraphs before this one. Readings obtained from a blood pressure monitor worn on the wrist carry with them the potential for error due to the anatomy of the wrist.
How to Make a Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor Accuracy
George Avetian, D.O., a family medicine physician at Geisinger 65 Forward Health Center in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, said wrist blood pressure monitors should be used despite flaws. To get accuracy, place the position of the wrist B.P. monitor matters.
Dr. Avetian says you should have one at home, especially if you’re older with a condition like high blood pressure. With a wrist blood pressure monitor, the public can better understand their blood pressure range and contact their Doctor with any elevations or concerns.
According to Forbes Health and Dr. Feda, M.D., Geriater bei One Medical in New York City, follow the instructions below before reading wrist blood pressure.
- You should wait at least 30 minutes after exercising, smoking, eating a high-salt meal, or drinking something caffeinated. These activities can temporarily increase your blood pressure.
- Ensure you feel relaxed and sit in a relaxed position for five minutes.
- Sit with both feet on the floor and support your back.
- Avoid talking, checking social media, or replying to text messages.
- Avoid any activity that can lead to stress.
- Empty your bladder.
You are also welcome to take part in several readings. “Often, the first reading is higher than the following, so patients should wait at least a minute and then check it again.
Also Read: 7 Best Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors For Home
Important Tips Before Purchasing a Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
Various brands of wrist blood pressure monitors are available in the market. A common person, even an expert, would be confused about selecting the best product. Now, what to do? Don’t worry. Take a long breath and read the very important tips given before purchasing.
a). Check Validation
The first thing you must check is its Validation, which means medical organizations have ensured it works properly to higher clinical standards. It is to be noted that no bracelet styles and wrist monitors are currently validated. Dr. Feda, M.D., Geriater Bei One Medical in New York City recommends consulting the U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Device Listings website to check the Validation of the wrist blood pressure monitor before purchasing.
b). Fit To Wrist
Perform a snugness test on the monitor to ensure it is not overly constrictive. You should be able to wear it like a watch on your wrist; it should be secure enough that it won’t come off easily, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it pinches your skin. Most blood pressure monitors for the wrist contain straps that may be adjusted for a more comfortable fit. Therefore, pick the option that best fits you.
c). Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity paired with an app that gives you additional information about the blood pressure reading you took. The capacity to support several users allows you to use the device with your partner or family member.
d). Screen Size Matters
According to Dr. Kroll, founder of the Cholesterol Treatment Center in Morganville, New Jersey, and medical director of the Kroll Medical Group, some blood pressure monitors include displays that feature extremely large letters to make viewing the readings more convenient. Look for larger numbers and text, or use a larger screen to make it easier to see the results precisely.
e) Battery Backup
With a longer battery, you won’t need to keep reminding yourself to charge the device when you’re done using it. Some patients would rather have a battery that can be recharged, while others would rather have one that must be replaced more frequently.
f). Budget Meet
Regarding home blood pressure monitors, wrist blood pressure monitors are the most cost-effective alternative; nevertheless, their prices may vary anywhere from $15 to as much as $500, so you can locate one that fits within your budget. If the price of an item seems to be too good to be true, make careful to verify its validity status and read any reviews that have been written about it.
Also Read: Best Omron Blood Pressure Monitor For Home Use
Conclusion
Blood pressure management is critical for many individuals, and the accuracy of a wrist blood pressure monitor plays a vital part. Blood pressure monitors are generally dependable when used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
However, there are a few factors to consider to assure accuracy.
Firstly, it is critical to calibrate the blood pressure monitor regularly. Second, the cuff size should match the person’s arm size for reliable readings. Third, while taking a reading, put the arm at heart level and the monitor so that the screen is pointing straight forward.
Because blood pressure may vary between measurements, taking many readings and averaging them can offer the most accurate picture of one’s blood pressure.
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