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Frequently
Asked Questions About Self Blood Pressure Monitoring |
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Will
I get the same reading each time I use my Blood
Pressure Monitor? |
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No.
Blood pressure is not a static value but changes
with each heartbeat, even in rest condition.
Following are the reasons for variations in measurement
readings. |
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Blood
pressure can change from moment to moment. |
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Both
the upper blood pressure value (systolic B.P.)
and the lower blood pressure value (diastolic
B.P.) vary by 5 to 10 mmHg with each heartbeat
in healthy individuals. These variations may
be considerably greater in the event of certain
cardiovascular disorders. |
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Insufficient
rest condition. |
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This
is the most frequent reason for improper use
in self-administered blood pressure measurement.
A resting time of at least 5 minutes should
therefore be chosen before commencing blood
pressure measurement.
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Incidents
in the course of measurement. |
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Deliberate
movements, muscle activities, coughing, sneezing
and psychological demands such as speaking, listening
and watching (e.g. TV ) may lead to false readings
when measuring blood pressure. Measurements should
therefore be carried out under conditions of
complete rest and without any distraction. |
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Irregular
heartbeat. |
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Cardiac
rhythm disorders can cause inaccurate readings
or may result in measurement failure. These cardiac
rhythm disorders may occur without the self-user
being aware of them. |
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Why
are my home readings different from my doctor's
readings? |
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Many
factors affect blood pressure including the anxiousness
of a doctor's visit. When the blood pressure
is measured in a hospital, it may be 25 to 30
mmHg higher than when measured at home. This
is because you are tense at the hospital and
relaxed at home. It is important to know your
stable normal blood pressure at home. |
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Are
manual inflate monitors as accurate as automatic
inflate monitors?  |
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Yes.
Both models comply with the same accuracy standards.
The only difference is the way the cuff is inflated. |
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Why
is there more variation in my diastolic pressure? |
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Diastolic
pressure is detected by the last "beat" in
the cardiac cycle. This beat is sometimes difficult
to detect with a stethoscope and may be subject
to the practitioner's interpretation. Your
blood pressure monitor detects the last beat
electronically for a more consistent, reliable
diastolic reading. |
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Why
do I get different readings when I take my blood
pressure readings in a short period of time? |
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It
is important to wait a minimum of 15 minutes
between readings to allow the blood vessels to
return to normal. The waiting time may vary depending
on individual physiological characteristics. |
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How
often and when should I measure my blood pressure? |
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It
is recommended that you consult with your health
care professional for the time and frequency
that is best suited for you. It is important
to take your readings at similar times and conditions
on a day-to-day basis. This will allow for reliable
comparisons of your readings. |
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What
happens if I do not place the cuff at heart level? |
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If
the cuff is not at heart level, readings will
be affected producing either higher or lower
measurements.
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Which
arm should I use to take my blood pressure? |
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It
is suggested to consult with your health care
professional to determine which arm is best for
you to use. Your unit and accompanying detailed
instruction guidebook are designed for left arm
use. If you are unable to or should not use your
left arm, please modify the instructions for
right arm use. The same arm should be used for
all future readings to ensure reliable comparisons. |
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How
does my blood pressure monitor detect the readings? |
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digital
blood pressure monitor uses OSCILLOMETRIC method
to analyze the blood pressure of any individual.
In this, an arm cuff covers a bladder, which
detects pulse related pressure changes. They
derive from blood samples, which are streaming
right under the cuff. These pressure changes
are recorded in the course of a patient's measurement.
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Can
I use any AC adapter with my unit? |
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Only
selected units offer the capability of an AC
adapter. If your unit has an AC Adapter feature,
an adapter specifically designed for this unit
is recommended. Use of an adapter other than
the one specifically designed for your unit may
cause permanent damage to your monitor and void
your warranty. |
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Can
I use my blood pressure monitor while exercising
and also in moving vehicles? |
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The
Oscillometric method of blood pressure monitoring
requires quiet, stable conditions. Movement,
vibrations or other activity will interfere
with the reading and likely cause an error
or inaccurate reading. |
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Summary: |
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Most
commonly patient's who are attempting to do
a blood pressure measurement are not sufficiently
in rest condition. Thus, sequential blood pressure
results differ from each other. This limitation
does not derive from a technological error,
but from an imperfectly stable blood pressure
itself.
Basically only some specific
conditions have to be met. The measurements
have to be taken in rest condition, movements
have to be avoided during the measurement process
and the cuff position should be at heart level.
There is no further skill necessary in order
to perform these blood pressure
measurements.
The Oscillometric blood pressure measurement
technology is sufficiently reliable to assess
the blood pressure levels of patients, who suffer
from either hypotension or hypertension. |
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Blood
pressure readings should only be interpreted
by a trained healthcare professional who is
familiar with your medical history. |
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