Taking blood pressure readings is a normal part of life for people with hypertension. Home blood pressure monitors are becoming more common and are growing in popularity. Due to the convenience of having a check-up regularly and whenever you want, more people who do not have a known blood pressure condition are opting to purchase a blood pressure monitor for their usage and ongoing tracking.
There are two different ways that one can monitor their blood pressure, via the arm or wrist. Arm blood pressure monitors are more widely recommended since they are considered more accurate. While both monitors are designed to measure the same thing, each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, which we will discuss in more detail below.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at whether wrist blood pressure monitors are as accurate as arm monitors. Let’s get right to it!
Arm Blood Pressure Monitors
As mentioned, arm blood pressure monitors are the more accurate option, provided it’s the right size for your arm. They generally come in manual and automatic models, and more advanced models provide handy features such as memory features which are extremely helpful for tracking historical results and even have the option to store information for more than one user.
These higher-end models can connect via apps that allow you to use the information in your fitness regime or even send it to your doctor directly. One of the main drawbacks of the arm blood pressure monitor is that it can provide an inaccurate reading if the arm cuff is not fastened properly.
Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors
Due to their size, wrist blood pressure monitors are generally more accessible and portable than arm blood pressure monitors. Cuff size is not an issue with wrist monitors; they are naturally more comfortable to wear. These monitors are much more user-friendly since they do not require much learning or skill to use since they are usually automated.
In addition, wrist monitors can provide more than one blood pressure reading, most importantly, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure shows the pressure that the heart contracts to pump blood throughout the body, while diastolic pressure illustrates the pressure between beats.
Even though they are more user-friendly, wrist monitors are generally less accurate, especially lesser-known brands. Plus, these monitors are much more sensitive to positioning than arm monitors.
Reasons Why Arm Blood Pressure Monitors Are More Accurate
There are two main reasons why arm blood pressure monitors are more accurate than wrist monitors. The first is due to the actual anatomy of the arm and wrist. When you consider the blood vessels in your wrist, they are narrower and lie much closer to your skin when compared to those in your upper arm, which makes it more difficult to get an accurate reading.
The other major reason is due to placement of the monitor. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot merely place a wrist monitor and press a button to receive a reading. Armbands generally have more clearly marked placement points to guide the user than the wrist monitor. Therefore, there’s more room for error when using the latter.
While readings that are only slightly off may not be terrible to the individual who occasionally checks their blood pressure at home, it is a much bigger deal for someone with an underlying condition related to their blood pressure.
Rankings of Blood Pressure Monitors
It is recommended that you do your research before making your purchase. If you’re someone with a condition related to blood pressure, such as hypertension, it may be worth asking your doctor for a recommendation so that you can send them the results each time you read.
Best: Digital Arm Monitor
Digital arm monitors are the best and easiest way to check blood pressure. As discussed, they are more accurate than wrist monitors and much easier to learn and use than analog monitors. Furthermore, they have additional features such as automatic inflation of the cuff and information storage. However, they are also generally the most expensive variation.
Second: Analog Arm Monitors
Also known as aneroid monitors, these machines are used to manually check your blood pressure and usually are required to be inflated by squeezing a rubber ball and monitoring a dial to get a reading. Reading the dial can be somewhat trickier than on a digital screen. In addition, analog arm monitors require a stethoscope for the reading, which can prove troublesome for those with trouble hearing. They are, however, usually much cheaper than digital monitors.
Least Recommended: Wrist Monitors
These are great for taking your blood pressure on the go and tracking other stats simultaneously. They’re great for individuals that cannot easily fit an arm cuff or do not feel comfortable with having limited movement with their arms as cuffs can cause.
Tips for Checking Your Blood Pressure at Home
Regardless of the type of monitor you decide to use, there are a few tips that will significantly help you ensure that the readings you receive are as accurate as possible. These tips and tricks are as below:
- Read the instructions. Before you attempt to use the monitor you’ve chosen, make sure you know exactly how to use it or ask a medical professional to show you how to use it correctly if you’re still uncertain.
- Maintain a schedule. If you intend to take your blood pressure frequently, try to take your reading simultaneously each time. This will aid in the consistency of the results that your receive.
- Avoid pressure-impacting items such as caffeine, cigarettes, and alcohol for at least an hour before you take a reading.
- Empty your bladder. Believe it or not, a full bladder can affect your blood pressure.
- Never wear your monitor over clothing.
- Maintain good posture. Do not cross your legs or lean on anything.
- Double-check that the cuff or band is placed correctly.
By following these tips, you will be able to get the most accurate results possible.
Conclusion
Based solely on accuracy in results, a digital arm blood pressure monitor is widely considered to be the best option. Wrist monitors are portable and great for individuals who want to check their blood pressure on the go or do not have a strict need to check their blood pressure at specified periods.
While having a good quality arm monitor will improve the likelihood of providing you with an accurate reading, it is important to ensure you know how to use the monitor correctly. Incorrect usage of any blood pressure monitor will deliver inaccurate results.