A Guide to Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors for Seniors

Understanding and managing your health as you age is crucial to living a long and active life. One of the key health metrics that seniors should regularly monitor is blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, there are many tools available to help you track your blood pressure at home, including wrist blood pressure monitors. Let’s explore wrist monitors and why they are so important for seniors.

Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor Overview

A wrist blood pressure monitor is a small, portable device designed to measure your blood pressure. It operates similarly to the more familiar upper-arm blood pressure monitors, but it's placed around the wrist instead of the upper arm. These monitors have grown in popularity due to their convenience and ease of use. They're lightweight, compact, and often come with large, clear displays, making them especially useful for seniors.

Like all blood pressure monitors, wrist monitors measure two aspects of your blood pressure: systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure indicates the pressure between heartbeats.

The Importance of Tracking and Knowing Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, leading to its nickname, "the silent killer." Without regular monitoring, high blood pressure can go unnoticed and untreated for years, which can lead to serious health complications. For seniors, these risks are even higher.

By regularly monitoring your blood pressure, you can track your health over time and notice any worrying trends. This information can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about lifestyle adjustments or medication changes. Regular at-home monitoring also provides a more comprehensive picture of your blood pressure than occasional readings at the doctor's office.

How to Take a Blood Pressure Reading with a Wrist Monitor or Arm Monitor

Both wrist and arm monitors provide accurate readings when used correctly. Here are some general steps for both types of monitors:

Relax and Sit Comfortably

Find a quiet, comfortable space to take your blood pressure. Try to relax and sit up straight, placing your feet flat on the floor.

Position the Monitor Correctly

For a wrist monitor, secure the cuff around your wrist, leaving a small space between the cuff and your skin. The monitor should be on the inside of your wrist. For an arm monitor, the cuff should be wrapped around your upper arm, level with your heart.

Rest Your Arm

Rest your arm on a flat surface, ensuring it's at the same level as your heart.

Take Your Reading: Press the start button to begin the reading. Stay still and quiet while the monitor takes its measurement.

Record the Results

Once the reading is complete, note down the systolic and diastolic pressure. Some monitors automatically store readings, making it easy to track your blood pressure over time.

Steps for Using a Wrist Monitor

Now that we've gone over the general steps, let's focus specifically on wrist blood pressure monitors:

1. Wrap the Cuff: Wrap the cuff around your wrist, leaving a small space between the cuff and your skin.
2. Position Your Arm: Rest your wrist on a flat surface, ensuring it's at the same level as your heart. Your palm should be facing upwards. Use a rolled up towel, or the carrying case if elevation is necessary to meet heart level.
3. Start the Reading: Press the start button to begin the reading. Stay still and avoid talking while the monitor takes its measurement.
4. Record the Results: Write down the systolic and diastolic readings or ensure your monitor stores them for future reference.

How Accurate are Wrist Monitors?

When used correctly, wrist blood pressure monitors can provide accurate readings. They can tend to be more sensitive to position and movement compared to upper-arm monitors. If not held at heart level, wrist monitors can give false readings. This sensitivity can make it a little more challenging to get a reliable reading, particularly for those with certain medical conditions such as arrhythmia.

That said, the accuracy of wrist monitors has improved significantly in recent years. Many modern wrist monitors come with indicators or sensors that alert users if their wrist is not in the optimal position. 

What to Look for When Buying a Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

Accuracy

Look for devices that have been clinically validated for accuracy.

Ease of Use

The monitor should be easy to put on and take off, have a simple interface, and easy-to-read display.

Fit

The cuff should be adjustable to fit your wrist size. A poorly fitting monitor can give inaccurate readings.

Memory Function

Some devices can store multiple readings, making it easier to track your blood pressure over time.

Irregular Heartbeat Detector

Some wrist monitors can detect irregular heartbeats, providing an extra layer of health tracking.

Battery Life & Power Options

Consider how long the device can last on a set of batteries and whether it has the option for AC power.

Price

Wrist monitors come in a wide range of prices. Decide on your budget before you start shopping.

Shop for Wrist Monitors and Blood Pressure Monitors for Home Monitoring at BIOS Medical

When it comes to buying a wrist blood pressure monitor, BIOS Medical manufactures and carries a variety of high-quality, clinically validated options that can meet your needs. We offer monitors that are user-friendly and come with features such as memory function, irregular heartbeat detection, and more.

Browse through BIOS Medical's selection of wrist monitors to find one that fits your needs and lifestyle. Invest in a wrist monitor today and take a proactive step towards better health and well-being.