Accurate or Not? At-Home Cholesterol Tests and Blood Pressure Monitors

Home Blood Pressure Monitors

Home blood pressure monitors are a different story. They allow you to measure your blood pressure on a daily or even hourly basis, so you can gauge the effect of medication, activities, time of day, or even emotions on your blood pressure. They can be crucial if you tend toward high blood pressure, or if you have normal blood pressure, but get high readings at the doctor's office, a condition called "white coat hypertension."

Like blood pressure monitors in a doctor's office, the at-home monitors measure the force of blood inside an artery in your arm. During the test, a cuff that is wrapped around your arm inflates, temporarily stopping the flow of blood in your arm. When the cuff is released, you (or the nurse or the device) will listen for the sound of blood flowing back into the artery.

You can choose from three different types of blood pressure monitors.

Manual Blood Pressure Monitors

Technically called "sphygmomanometers," manual blood pressure monitors consist of an arm cuff, a squeeze bulb, a gauge (or digital display), and a stethoscope or microphone. To use them, you strap the cuff onto your arm, squeeze the bulb, and listen for the sound of your pulse starting and then fading away again.

Manual blood pressure monitors cost between $20 and $30 and can be difficult to use, especially if you're not used to using a stethoscope, if you have impaired vision or hearing, or if you have trouble with manual dexterity.

Automatic (or Digital) Blood Pressure Monitors

Powered by batteries, automatic blood pressure monitors have a cuff that is attached to your wrist or upper arm. An electronic monitor inflates and deflates the cuff, making this kind of device far easier to use than the manual ones. The monitor then displays your blood pressure. These blood pressure monitors generally cost between $40 and $100. Although they're easier to use, they're also sensitive and the readings can be influenced by your body position. Health professionals generally recommend having these devices adjusted at least once a year to make sure they're still accurate.

Despite the problems with both kinds of blood pressure monitors, many doctors encourage their patients to use them, so that they can be aware of dangerous spikes in their blood pressure and take a more active role in their home care. But if you do decide to monitor your own blood pressure, remember:

• To avoid fraud, buy monitors only from reputable pharmacies or medical supply stores and be sure they are FDA approved.
• Follow the manufacturer's directions to make sure you're getting the most accurate readings.
• Share the results with your doctor, so that he or she can advise you on the next step.