Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure (we call it pressure)? Or are you a little worried about it? If so, you've probably seen home cholesterol tests and blood pressure machines that are sold in pharmacies and now even online. They are advertised as "easy, fast, and accurate results at home without having to wait in waiting rooms." But do these really work? Is it worth the money you spend? Let's see what the truth is.
Home Cholesterol Tests
Home cholesterol tests have been on the market for some time now. They usually measure the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. But recently, some manufacturers have introduced tests that can measure all three : good cholesterol (HDL) , which protects the heart , bad cholesterol (LDL) , which deposits fat in the arteries, and triglycerides .
Using this test is very simple. You prick your finger with a small needle (lancet), and a drop of blood is placed on a piece of paper that has been coated with the appropriate chemicals. You then have to wait about 10 minutes. Some tests show the result by watching the color of the paper change. Other digital devices display the result on a small screen within about a minute.
These are said to be about 95% accurate. That's pretty close to the accuracy of a test done by a doctor in a lab. They range in price from a few thousand rupees to more. You might think this is a good investment, as it saves you the time it takes to see a doctor and go to a lab.
But are these really useful?
Simply put, not much. There are several reasons for that.
1. You get incomplete information: Often, easily available, inexpensive tests only measure your total cholesterol . But to get a complete picture of your heart health, you need to know everything in the table below.
| Cholesterol type | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Good cholesterol (HDL - High-Density Lipoprotein) | These are good for the body and protect the heart. |
| Bad cholesterol (LDL - Low-Density Lipoprotein) | These are harmful to the body. They accumulate in the blood vessels and cause blockages. |
| Triglycerides | These are another type of fat found in the blood. An increase in these is also harmful. |
2. A doctor's advice is essential: Imagine that you have taken an expensive test and checked everything. But that report alone is not enough. Your doctor compares that report with many other factors, such as your family history, your eating habits, age, and gender, to determine whether you are at risk for heart disease.
3. You don't need to measure it often: The important thing is that, unlike blood pressure, cholesterol doesn't change much from day to day or week to week. Doctors say that for a healthy adult, it's enough to check cholesterol once every five years . People with risk factors for heart disease may be told to check it a little earlier. But even then, it's not something you need to check at home frequently.
Simply put, while a home cholesterol test may whet your curiosity, it doesn't provide enough complete information to be truly useful.
Home Blood Pressure Monitors
But home blood pressure monitors are a different story. These can be very useful. They can measure your blood pressure day by day, even hour by hour. They can track how your blood pressure changes with the medications you take, the activities you do, the time of day, and even your emotions.
This is also very important for people with a condition called 'white coat hypertension' . This means that even though the blood pressure is normally normal, when you go to a doctor or hospital, your blood pressure is alarmingly high. This problem does not occur when you check your blood pressure at home.
Types of pressure machines
There are mainly two types of pressure machines.
| Type | Description and advantages/disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Manual Monitors (Sphygmomanometer) | This is the type that doctors usually use. It has a strap, a bulb that blows air, a meter with a needle, and a stethoscope. These are inexpensive, but they are a bit difficult to use. This is not suitable for people who are not used to using a stethoscope, or for people who have poor eyesight or hearing. |
| Automatic/Digital Monitors | These are battery-operated. The cuff can be attached to the wrist or arm. At the touch of a button, the cuff is automatically inflated and deflated, and the readings appear on the screen. These are very easy to use. But they are a bit expensive. Also, because they are sensitive, the readings can vary slightly depending on your position. Doctors recommend having the device calibrated at least once a year . |
Keep these things in mind when using a pressure washer.
Many doctors encourage their patients to check their blood pressure at home. This gives patients a better understanding of their condition. If you decide to check your blood pressure at home, keep these points in mind:
- To avoid falling victim to scams, only purchase these from a trusted pharmacy or medical equipment store .
- Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and use them accordingly . Only then will you be able to get the most accurate reading possible.
- The most important thing is to discuss your results with your doctor . He or she will advise you on what to do next. Never start or stop medication on your own.
Take-Home Message
- A home cholesterol test doesn't give a complete picture. So there's little point in spending money on it. The best way to know your cholesterol level is to see a doctor and get a blood test (Lipid Profile) .
- Home blood pressure monitors can be very helpful for people with high blood pressure. They can help you gain a better understanding of your condition.
- If you use a pressure washer at home, it's easier to use a digital (automatic) one . But it's important to have it calibrated at least once a year.
- Most importantly: Always discuss the results of any at-home tests with your doctor . Avoid making decisions based on the internet or hearsay.
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