Blood Pressure in a simple can be defined as the pressure of blood moving through the arteries. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Here, systolic is the maximum pressure and diastolic is the minimum. The ideal blood pressure in our body should be 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure is more than 120/80 it means that you have a high blood pressure.

Blood pressure in our body fluctuates during the entire day. It increases with stress. When you have a high blood pressure it is advisable that you see your doctor regularly and monitor your blood pressure.

How to check your blood pressure?

Checking your blood pressure is not a difficult task. Many people who suffer from hypertension are being advised by doctors to check blood pressure everyday to find out the effect of Blood pressure medicines on them.

Here are some few easy steps to follow to check your blood pressure:

1. A soft cuff is placed just above your elbow.
2. There is a hand bulb through which you start pumping air into the cuff until the pressure gauge reaches the highest level where you record the pressure which is the systolic one.
3. Slowly deflate the cuff now and then the pressure gauge decreases. Record the pressure now. This is the diastolic pressure.

Voila! You just measured your blood pressure. Don’t forget to cross check the readings with a doctor.

Precautions to be taken while monitoring blood pressure:

Before measuring your blood pressure sit straight for about 5 to 10 minutes without moving or talking to anyone.
Don’t smoke or drink any caffeinated beverage 45 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
Place your palm flat on top of the table while taking blood pressure.
Place the cuffs just above your elbow in a comfortable position.
Try to take 2 or 3 readings to find the accuracy.
Check whether your cuffs are damaged or not.

Digital blood pressure monitors

Digital blood pressure monitoring device is getting more popular these days as you can monitor your blood pressure automatically. The price of Digital blood pressure is near about $100.
Digital blood pressure is hassle free to use as they have gauge and stethoscope in one. The deflation and inflation of cuff is automatic and some of digital blood pressure monitors comes with a print out option which you can keep as a record for your doctor.

The biggest disadvantage of these digital blood pressure monitors is that the reading changes with your body movement and your hear beats so at times the readings are not correct.

Things to consider while buying a blood pressure monitor:

Before buying any blood pressure monitoring device consult your doctor as he knows the best.
Don’t buy a cheap blood pressure monitor as it might not give you an accurate reading. Go for those which are expensive and of a reputed brand.
The size of the cuff is important .Consult your doctor to find out which cuff size will be better for you.