My doctor has suggested I keep track of my BP for a while. We already have a monitor that uses an inflatable cuff around the bicep, but it’s too small for my arm size. The doctor said if the cuff’s too small you get incorrect readings.
I’ve seen units that clamp around the wrist. Are they just as good? Would a wrist reading vary from a bicep reading? I’m thinking that even if it does vary, it’s the trend that might matter more.
Any help?
You can buy a larger size arm cuff to go with your BP monitor. Ask at a large drug store and take you set with you.
Thanks, I’ll check into that too. I’ll add that when I told my wife I was going to investigate a wrist unit she thought that might be easier to use than an arm cuff.
I’m certain a new larger cuff is cheaper.
I would go with the larger cuff anyway. The wrist unit is less accurate.
I have an Omron wrist monitor and the readings that I get match pretty well with what the Doc gets. You have to hold still and make sure that you hold the monitor at the same level as your heart.
My chemo doctor’s practice is using the wrist monitors exclusively. The practice seem pretty high tech, since every MD, RN, and Nursing Assistant has a tiny wireless laptop in lieu of a paper chart system.
While the monitor is waiting to register, I have to bend my arm at the elbow and place my closed hand cross-chest on the collarbone.