blood pressure measurer

[susandennis]

Ok LJ peops.   Is there a blood pressure measurer suitable for using at home to check ones own blood pressure by ones own self that doesn't cost the arm that I need to use to check it?  I really only need a relative reading - not so much digital precision.

What say you? 

I know, I can ask the doctor but I thought I'd ask you guys first.

Comments

[lordjim.livejournal.com]

Mom has this one (Omron HEM-432C (http://www.omrononlinestore.com/JHI/productID.6495/US/details.html)). There was nothing wrong with it, but she doesn't have the grip strength to pump it up. It seems to run around $30 or less up to about $50. Elderly Services gave her this one (LifeSource UA-767 (http://www.bodytronics.com/page/bodytronics/PROD/LIFESOURCE_BP/AD767P)). It was just delivered. It seems to work good. It has an electric pump. Costs about $60 up to $90.

[susandennis]

And she can operate the LifeSource one on her own without help?

[lordjim.livejournal.com]

Yes. She has already tried it out.

The trouble with the other one was that she couldn't pump it up high enough for an accurate reading. You probably wouldn't have that trouble anyway.

[susandennis]

cool! Thanks so much for the info. Very helpful.

[lordjim.livejournal.com]

No problem, glad to help.

[vasilatos]

I'm reading off the one we got from Walgreens:

Deluxe Digital Wrist Blood Pressure/Pulse Monitor
with heart sense technology

$69.99

Model HD303

You have to learn to sit still and hold your arm to make it do the reading, but aside from that, it's pretty useful. You can totally tell if your blood pressure is way out of control (because you're misbehaving temporarily, or whatever).

I got a blood sugar monitor too.

[susandennis]

cool! thanks.

[vasilatos]

No prob. I just tried it and had to replace the (2 AAA batteries), then it popped out that I had 115/85 with 73 pulse. The housemate had 125/85 with 88.

It pumps itself up, and it has a nice little box.

[jwg.livejournal.com]

Does your gym have one that you an use? Some do.

[susandennis]

Th trainers will take my blood pressure if I ask them but they don't have the do it yourself kind. And I hate to bother them for that kind of thing.

[davmoo.livejournal.com]

I use one of the Lifesource "around the wrist" type meters...put it on, push a button, wait for the reading to display. When I bought it, it was on sale at Fry's for like $40, and they offered a $35 mail in rebate. Its so much easier to use I also bought one for my mother.

[porcinea.livejournal.com]

Yes, we got one when my blood pressure went way up when I was pregnant. It's a Mabis SmartRead with an extra cuff for fatties like me.

Like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Mabis-04-342-000-Automatic-SmartRead-Technology/dp/B000AYYK9I/ref=sr_1_3/102-5227625-4123359?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1177858534&sr=8-3

which is currently $40.

You put on the armband, push the button -- it blows up the cuff and displays your numbers. (Like most home monitors?) it's a bit high -- about +10 -- on the top number. (I checked by taking it to the doctor and checking it there, then having them check my pressure their way.)