Is it really okay to check your blood pressure from your wrist? (Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor) Let's talk about this!

Many people now check their blood pressure at home. You may have seen some people checking their blood pressure by placing a strap around their upper arm. However, there are also small machines that can be attached to the wrist to check their blood pressure. Today we are going to talk about the Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor.

What is a wrist blood pressure monitor?

Simply put, this is a device that you can use to measure your blood pressure, or blood pressure, at home. Most often, it consists of a cuff that you wrap around your wrist and a digital screen attached to it. The readings are displayed on that screen. Nowadays, wrist monitors also come in wearable forms that you can wear on your wrist, like a watch. They can also sometimes track your exercise routine and other things like how many hours you sleep. With a wrist monitor like this, you can track your blood pressure as you go about your daily activities. This will give you and your doctor a good idea of ​​how your blood pressure is doing outside of your doctor's office. However, it's important to remember that wrist monitors may not be as accurate as monitors worn on your upper arm. Therefore, doctors only recommend these in special cases.

To get the most accurate reading when taking your blood pressure from your wrist , you should place your arm over your chest, with your wrist at heart level.

What is the difference between a wrist monitor and an upper arm monitor?

Both upper arm monitors and most wrist monitors have cuffs that are wrapped around a part of your arm. Both types measure the pressure of blood as it flows through the arteries in your upper body. However, the two places where this pressure is measured are different. A wrist monitor measures blood pressure in a blood vessel called the Radial Artery, which is near the wrist and forearm. An upper arm monitor measures blood pressure higher up, in the brachial artery in your upper arm. Your blood pressure can naturally vary slightly between these two places, your wrist and your upper arm. This is because the pressure changes as blood flows through each of the blood vessels in your body. Research has shown that in some people, the systolic blood pressure (the top number) in the radial artery is higher than that in the brachial artery. That's why home devices like this should be used under the guidance of a doctor.Then the doctor can explain the numbers to you, and if there is a difference between the readings taken at home and the readings taken at the doctor's office, explain why.

When do I need a wrist blood pressure monitor?

If your doctor has told you to check your blood pressure at home, you may need a monitor like this. Checking your blood pressure at home can be helpful in the following situations:

• If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (Hypertension) or low blood pressure (Hypotension) .
• If you have risk factors for high blood pressure.
• If you've just started taking medication for your blood pressure, your doctor may want to see how well the medication is working.
• If you are pregnant .
• Your doctor may think you have white coat hypertension (meaning your blood pressure is high at the doctor's office but normal at home) or masked hypertension (meaning your blood pressure is high at home but normal at the doctor's office).

If you want to check your blood pressure at home, doctors usually recommend an upper arm monitor. It's very similar to the device your doctor uses to check your blood pressure. However, for some people, a wrist blood pressure monitor is better.

Is a wrist blood pressure monitor suitable for me?

No matter what type of blood pressure monitor you buy, it's important to talk to your doctor about what's best for you. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends upper arm monitors over wrist monitors. That's because upper arm monitors are generally more reliable. However, a wrist blood pressure monitor may be right for you if you:

• If a cuff-style monitor doesn't fit your arm properly.
• If you have a medical condition that would make using an upper arm device dangerous or painful.

Your doctor is the best person to decide whether a wrist blood pressure monitor is right for you. He or she will know if there are any reasons why an upper arm monitor might not work for you. He or she will also be able to teach you how to use your wrist blood pressure monitor to get the most accurate results.

Are wrist blood pressure monitors really accurate?

Doctors generally rate upper arm blood pressure monitors as the most accurate. That's the "gold standard."One. However, wrist blood pressure monitors can also give accurate readings if you do these things correctly:

• If you follow the instructions exactly on how to use that monitor (this also includes holding your hand in the right position - we'll talk about that below).
• You are using a device that is on the list of blood pressure monitors that have been validated, that is, certified, by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Don't use fingertip monitors, wrist monitors are more accurate. You can bring your wrist monitor with you to your next doctor's appointment. The doctor can compare it to a monitor in the office to see how accurate your monitor is.

How do I use a wrist blood pressure monitor?

Before you use a new device, take it to your doctor to check its accuracy. Your doctor can compare your blood pressure readings from your wrist monitor and the upper arm monitor in the office. This will help you make sure you are getting accurate readings at home. To get the most out of your monitor, you should:

• Check the pressure while maintaining the correct posture .
• Keep a blood pressure log and share it with your doctor.
• Learn what's normal for you.

Sitting with correct posture

If you use the monitor in the wrong position, your blood pressure reading may be inaccurate. When you take the device to your doctor, ask them what the correct position is. It helps to see and practice it before doing it yourself. Follow these tips at home:

• Avoid coffee, tobacco products, and exercise 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure. Also, start by going to the bathroom and remaining quiet for about five minutes.
• Choose which hand you will use. That hand should be in the correct position. You can hold the other hand in a comfortable position.
• Sit on a chair with your feet on the floor. Position the chair so that there is a flat object, such as a table, in front of you.
• Place the cuff around your wrist and secure it.
• Keep your elbow on the table. Slowly lower your arm across your chest, keeping your wrist at heart level.
• Relax and stay in this position until you start measuring your blood pressure.
• Measure the pressure without talking or moving .

When measuring blood pressure, it is very important not to do these things:

• The wrist being above or below the level of the heart.
• Keeping your wrist on the table or in your lap.
• Keeping your arm straight down (vertical position).

Keep a pressure logbook.

Your device will probably save your blood pressure readings in its memory. However, it's a good idea to write down every reading you take in a notebook. You can show it to your doctor . You can also download and print out a blood pressure log like this online. Ask your doctor what to write in your log. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Write down the date and time of each reading.
• Check your blood pressure twice a day – before breakfast and before bed. Each time, take two readings, about a minute apart. That means you should have four readings in your log per day. Your doctor will tell you how many days a week you should check your blood pressure.
• Write down any notes that you think are relevant to the day. For example, if you were stressed at work, didn't sleep well, or felt sick, write them down. Your doctor may also tell you to write down the times you took certain medications.

Learn what's normal for you.

Some people have naturally low blood pressure, such as 90/60 (measured in mmHg - millimeters of mercury). For others, low blood pressure can be a problem. Before you start using a wrist blood pressure monitor or other home device, it's important to ask your doctor about the following:

• What is the normal blood pressure range for me?
• How much pressure do I need to have?
• How low is my blood pressure?
• When do you want to talk about my blood pressure reading?

When should I seek medical advice?

If your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher, you have symptoms of high blood pressure, or you are unwell and worried about your blood pressure, you may be having a condition called a hypertensive crisis . This is a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Call your doctor if:

• If your blood pressure is higher or lower than normal for you.
• If you have difficulty using the monitor at home.
• If you have questions about how the pressure should be calculated.

Before purchasing a wrist blood pressure monitor, be sure to talk to a doctor. There are so many devices on the market, it can be difficult to choose what's right for you.

What is the message we want to take home from this story?

Okay, so now you have a good idea about how to check your blood pressure from your wrist. The most important thing to remember is that these home devices are never a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. They are only used as a supplement to a doctor's measurements and advice. It is important to see a doctor regularly to check your blood pressure and other important things. Doctors usually recommend an upper arm monitor. However, in some special cases, for example, for people who do not fit the upper arm properly, or for those who have a medical condition that makes it difficult to check from the upper arm, a wrist monitor can be useful. Therefore, if you want a monitor, talk to your doctor first and ask what is best for you and how to use it correctly. Then you can be more aware of your blood pressure and stay healthy.

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