Contents:
- Medical Video: How to Use the Park Tool Wheel Tension App
- 1. Determine the type and model
- 2. Look for the right cuff size
- 3. Check the accuracy and standardization of tools
- 4. Choose a tool at a reasonable price
- 5. Choose easy to use
- 6. Do you need additional features?
- 7. Make sure the tensimeter is suitable for you
- 8. Check and read the warranty card
Medical Video: How to Use the Park Tool Wheel Tension App
Having your own tensimeter at home is very important so that you can routinely monitor blood pressure from time to time.
Regularly measuring tension in the comfort of your own home can also produce more accurate blood pressure numbers, without being affected by stress and anxiety when your blood pressure is measured in the medical environment (instantaneous increase in blood pressure also known as Hypertention White-coat or white coat syndrome). This method can also help doctors provide the right care for your condition.
Studies show that when patients are trained to routinely check their own blood pressure at home, they can better control their blood pressure because they feel actively involved in their care. In addition, the use of blood pressure measuring devices at home reduces the cost of care by reducing the frequency of their commute to a doctor.
Monitor blood pressure at home is also useful to see the results of treatment of hypertension patients, as well as detecting masked hypertension aka high blood pressure that is veiled because the symptoms are hard to find. For this reason, medical organizations throughout the world emphasize the importance of conducting a blood pressure monitor at home.
Well, if you are looking for tensimeter to use at home, here are some criteria that you should consider before buying:
1. Determine the type and model
There are many tensimeter models on the market. To find out which one is right for you, it never hurts to consult with the doctor who handles you. Your doctor can help you choose the best tensimeter model for you.
Type Tensimeter wrist (used on the wrist) is preferred for those who travel frequently but must regularly monitor blood pressure.
We recommend that you choose the balloon pumping automatically rather than manually. Manual blood pressure cuffs must be pumped using a rubber balloon at the end of the cuff. The semi-automatic monitor also needs to be wrapped around the arm, but can expand automatically by pressing a button, it also automatically records blood pressure and displays it digitally on the monitor screen.
The difference, digital tensimeter has a cuff model that can be inserted into the arm without wrapping it. The method is simply by pressing a button so that the cuffs expand to the required limit, then the tool will automatically read your blood pressure, display on the screen, and then save the data digitally.
Nowadays digital tensimeter is an option for many people because the results are more accurate than manual tensimeter. Digital tensimeters are also safer because they don't use mercury, and their use is more practical because you can measure your own blood pressure easily without the need for someone else's help.
2. Look for the right cuff size
Incorrect cuff size is the most common mistake in blood pressure measurement. Incorrect cuff size, whether small or oversized, can affect the results of your tension reading.
Most tensimeter models have two sizes or a cuff that can be adjusted for. But to be safe, make sure your choice matches your upper arm circumference.
To find the right cuff size, measure the circumference of your arm between your shoulder and elbow using a measuring tape. The right cuffs have a length of 80% and width of at least 40% of the circumference of your arm. If you are unsure, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about the size you need.
Children and adults with arms smaller or larger than the average size may need special-sized cuffs. This special cuff is available from medical equipment suppliers, can be ordered from companies that sell blood pressure cuffs, and at certain pharmacies.
3. Check the accuracy and standardization of tools
Each pressure gauge must go through a series of standardized protocols to ensure accuracy. So, make sure the device you choose has been tested, validated, and approved for accuracy by accredited bodies such as the European Society of Hypertension, the dabl Educational Trust, or the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
A good tensimeter manufacturer will state whether their products comply with accredited standards in the product label. However, if not, be sure to check on the organization's website yourself. Each organization above has a list of approved devices on each of its websites.
You must also ensure the accuracy of the device by checking the calibration of the monitor and checking the battery periodically.
4. Choose a tool at a reasonable price
Each tensimeter sold on the market has a different price, depending on the features and brand. Determine the range of your estimated costs before shopping. This will help you focus on selecting monitors that meet your budget.
Some of the more expensive models may include features that you don't even need. Therefore, it would be wise to choose a cheaper blood pressure monitor as long as it is equipped with features that suit your needs. Or, it's better to incur additional costs on tools that you will use regularly.
5. Choose easy to use
Buy an easy-to-use blood pressure measuring device at home to make it easy for you to monitor blood pressure at home regularly. The more complicated the way it is used, the less you will use it to check tension.
Make sure the monitor screen is easy to read and understand, and the buttons are large and easy to understand. The instructions for applying cuffs and operating the monitor must be clear.
You should also consider whether the device is easy to carry around, especially if you travel frequently or are advised to measure blood pressure several times a day. Look for a practical and easy to carry everywhere.
6. Do you need additional features?
So that you can routinely check your own blood pressure at home, most manufacturers have released products with various additional features that might be useful for you.
Some additional features that you can consider include:
- Heart-related measurements: Measure your pulse, irregular heartbeat detection, and track changes per second in your systolic or diastolic level. Users who want to measure blood pressure to simultaneously monitor heart conditions can benefit from this feature, but may not be needed for others.
- Connectivity: Some tension monitor can be connected to a computer or laptop so you can download and save the reading results. Some other monitors can be connected to the smartphone passing Bluetooth. Some are even equipped with a smart application for you to download on your cellphone to help monitor your blood pressure reading anytime and anywhere.
- Risk category indicator which tells you whether your blood pressure is in a high range;
- Average data function which allows you to take a lot of reading and get the overall average.
- Memory storage: Determine the memory storage capacity needed based on how many times per day you need to check blood pressure. You should also consider the features of some users if you and other family members alike must regularly test blood pressure. Also make sure the tool allows you to download stored data.
- Wireless monitor (wireless)
- Package with a number of cuffs
- Large digit screen
All these additional features can make tensimeter prices more expensive than your estimated budget. So, consider carefully whether you really need it. Write a list of features and qualities that are suitable for you before buying them.
7. Make sure the tensimeter is suitable for you
Choose a device that is made to fit your condition. Many devices have adjusted their adjustments carefully in their specifications and operating modes to provide the most useful information for your body and physical type. This is important because blood pressure cannot be read accurately if the monitor you are using is not right for you.
If you buy a blood pressure monitor for parents, pregnant women, or children, make sure it is suitable for all the conditions mentioned.
Choose a monitor that meets the standards for your age and health conditions according to an accredited organization.
8. Check and read the warranty card
Most monitors and blood pressure cuffs have guarantees that range from 1 to 5 years to ensure the proper functioning of the device. Read the warranty card to find out whether it covers the entire device or just the digital display, or just the monitor but does not include the cuff.
Be aware that some brands will charge additional fees for activation of the warranty, while other brands offer free guarantees with the purchase of a monitor.
