The American Heart Association recommends that people who are at risk of high blood pressure and those with hypertension must monitor their blood pressure levels at home. However, many are curious to know how accurate the home blood pressure monitors are.
A study published in the journal Hypertension reports that only 6 percent of devices sold for home blood pressure monitoring are tested for accuracy. The data is gathered from Australia’s online marketplace that serves worldwide markets.
Inaccurate Blood Pressure Readings at Home
Experts in the United States say that they are more worried about how people use these devices. According to Dr. Javier Morales, a primary care physician and associate clinical professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York, blood pressure levels were taken at the doctor’s office are the most reliable, and no home monitoring system can match it.
“With virtual health and at-home monitoring becoming more common now, my biggest concern is the patient’s ability to use the device correctly,” says Dr. Morales.
Additionally, Dr. Michael Rakotz, a family physician, a clinical assistant professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Illinois, and the VP of Health Outcomes at the American Medical Association has also said that the inaccurate readings are worse than the accuracy of the device.
“If blood pressure isn’t measured correctly, whether it’s in a physician’s office or at home, the potential risks can be serious,” he said.
Experts add that inaccurate blood pressure readings, which are common when done at home, can lead to more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, heart failure, and an increased risk of stroke.
That said, due to the accessibility of home blood pressure monitoring devices today, the chances of inaccurate blood pressure readings are higher than ever. It could mean that someone who doesn’t have high blood pressure may get diagnosed with such, or someone who does have high blood pressure may not get the treatment that they need.
As such, experts encourage people who will purchase a blood pressure device to undergo proper training to ensure that the measurements are done correctly.
How to Get a More Accurate Reading
To get more accurate blood pressure readings at home, experts say that it’s best to compare the home device readings with in-clinic readings. In doing so, individuals can ensure that the device they use at home is getting similar results as the one at the doctor’s office.
In case you can’t visit a doctor’s clinic, it’s best to get a home blood pressure monitoring device that is the same as the one at your doctor’s office. You can also ask for your doctor’s recommendations over the phone.
Experts also suggest that cuff-style monitors are better than the wrist ones. “Central blood pressure monitoring, which measures the blood pressure in the aorta (the large artery that sends blood from the heart throughout the body), is considered the most accurate,” Morales said.
Conclusion
There is nothing wrong with getting a blood pressure device for the home, but the person who will use it must be trained to get the right readings for the most accurate results.
To catch up on the latest medical news, visit our site at Dose of Healthcare today. We keep you updated in the healthcare industry!
