Which blood pressure monitor is better: wrist or arm? part 2

If you have been getting decent readings and get a abnormal reading once in a while, do not worry. One abnormal reading may be an artifact. Relax, do not fret, and measure your blood pressure again within a few hours or the same time the next day. Only if the pattern changes, then you need to see a health care professional.

Because of the tremendous variability in blood pressure, it is vital to measure your blood pressure at the same time and in the same environment regularly. If the blood pressure is stable, one does not need to monitor BP everyday. In the beginning when a treatment has been started, BP measurements may be more frequent. For most individuals with steady BP, measurements can be done once a week.

Once in a while, take your blood pressure device to your health care professional and get it assessed. Make sure the readings you get are comparable to what the doctor gets.

A single high BP reading is meaningless- you want see reproducible readings over time. Physicians only change or prescribe medications, when they see a pattern of high readings - one single high reading is not sufficient to make a change in your diet, medication, or lifestyle.

Blood pressure kits are now widely available. A decent arm or wrist monitor with automatic features costs anywhere from $75-$150. for more on Blood pressure devices, visit www.medexsupply.com