anneh
09-28-2006, 06:00 PM
Hi, just curious which monitors you all find best. I had an Omron for several years and it was working fine but to be safe I bought a new one a few months ago but didn't really start using it regularly until this week. Thought a miracle had happened and that I had low blood pressure;) but then realised that was not possible to went out today and bought another (exact same model HEM 712C) altho it looks abit different. The one today says Intellisense on it and the previous one says digital (they are both auto inflate arm cuff). I had my husband try the new one vs previous one and his systolic bp was 10mmHG higher than on the previous one:eek: Now I am really mad because how is one supposed to rely on any of these machines:dizzy: I can't take it to the Dr office and compare their reading to my machine because I hve a phobia about them taking it and systolic goes up to 160 in their office (altho diastolic remains 70) and I refuse to let them take it anymore which is why I wanted to get accurate readings at home.
anneh
anneh
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Canyondweller
09-28-2006, 06:17 PM
This is really puzzling to me also. I have one where the cuff is on the wrist but the machine itself sits on the counter. I have been going thru high BP spikes and my drs as well as the ER and paramedica look very suspiciously at all home monitors. You can almost hear them sneer when they say "this is what she said it was on her home monitor" This is the one I was told to get a long time ago then all 4 of my Drs said don't get the one that goes on the wrist. Gee thanks, you guys told me that was the one to get one time. Anyway, the cardiologist said if you are going to use the wrist one you MUST hold it over the heart with your other arm supporting it. I know the cuff is always supposed to be heart high. Other than that I am not much help. Frankly I don't always trust the doctors office either.
pulltab
09-28-2006, 06:20 PM
I feel your frustration on this topic. I am not sure if I can believe that my at home moniter is truly accurate.
WYSIWYG
09-28-2006, 06:20 PM
I have the fiingerstyle. Calibrated when new, in doc's office. It may not be perfect but it's consistent-- up is up and down is down. I'll recalibrate tomorrow with new doc.
~S~
~S~
Lenin
09-29-2006, 08:01 AM
anneh,
Take it into the doctor's office a couple times. As long as BOTH readings are 160, at least you have your machine calibrated. It's what I did in spite of both of us getting a 165 systolic reading...at least we BOTH read the white coat reading accurately.
I FINALLY tossed my old LUMISCOPE after dropping it once too often and irretrievably damaging the LCD readout plate...the velcro on the cuff was getting dreary too. I seved me for nearly a decade and I used it daily...good enough.
I replaced it with a new LUMISCOPE Model 1130 which I like a lot ($39.95 on sale at Duane Reade.) It also has a 90 reading playback so I can just hand it to my doctor and he can play them back for himself if he doesn't believe my written record:blob_fire !
I noticed Rite-Aide was selling an OMRON for $29.95 this week, but they are the bulb-inflate models and I have grown used to the relaxing hum of MOTORIZED inflation...talk about lazy. Actually I've like the hands free approach which I think is more relaxing....I think pumpiing might actually raise BP a bit.
Take it into the doctor's office a couple times. As long as BOTH readings are 160, at least you have your machine calibrated. It's what I did in spite of both of us getting a 165 systolic reading...at least we BOTH read the white coat reading accurately.
I FINALLY tossed my old LUMISCOPE after dropping it once too often and irretrievably damaging the LCD readout plate...the velcro on the cuff was getting dreary too. I seved me for nearly a decade and I used it daily...good enough.
I replaced it with a new LUMISCOPE Model 1130 which I like a lot ($39.95 on sale at Duane Reade.) It also has a 90 reading playback so I can just hand it to my doctor and he can play them back for himself if he doesn't believe my written record:blob_fire !
I noticed Rite-Aide was selling an OMRON for $29.95 this week, but they are the bulb-inflate models and I have grown used to the relaxing hum of MOTORIZED inflation...talk about lazy. Actually I've like the hands free approach which I think is more relaxing....I think pumpiing might actually raise BP a bit.
pulltab
09-29-2006, 09:02 AM
anneh,
Take it into the doctor's office a couple times. As long as BOTH readings are 160, at least you have your machine calibrated. It's what I did in spite of both of us getting a 165 systolic reading...at least we BOTH read the white coat reading accurately.
I understand the significance of comparing self moniters with doctor's readings, but even when I'm in my doctor's office if she takes my bp and then does it again right after, it will ususally be anywhere from 5 to 10 points decrease immediately. So that means when she checks it with one and than the other there will likely be two completely different readings. :confused:
Take it into the doctor's office a couple times. As long as BOTH readings are 160, at least you have your machine calibrated. It's what I did in spite of both of us getting a 165 systolic reading...at least we BOTH read the white coat reading accurately.
I understand the significance of comparing self moniters with doctor's readings, but even when I'm in my doctor's office if she takes my bp and then does it again right after, it will ususally be anywhere from 5 to 10 points decrease immediately. So that means when she checks it with one and than the other there will likely be two completely different readings. :confused:
anneh
09-29-2006, 09:54 AM
I guess in that case you could have them use your monitor first, at least that would help with comparison. I don't think I could do this though, the phobia is so bad now. I am going to re-take with both machines today and just keep the one that shows a higher reading as i am sure the lower readings are incorrect. Altho my husband now hates the one I bought yesterday because it means his bp is higher than it should be :eek: No seriosly he is not worried, he is 83 yo and in perfect health no meds and occasionally gets a somewhat higher than normal reading (140something/70) and just ignores it. Same with his cholesterol, they keep saying he should go on meds because it is higher than normal but his diet is good and he is not overweight plus main consideration NO build up in his arteries so he has not taken that advice either for 50 years. Sometimes he gets the impression that drs are annoyed he is not any meds and in perfect health ;) He just loaded a truck full of wood and delivered it to a neighbor:jester:
anneh
I understand the significance of comparing self moniters with doctor's readings, but even when I'm in my doctor's office if she takes my bp and then does it again right after, it will ususally be anywhere from 5 to 10 points decrease immediately. So that means when she checks it with one and than the other there will likely be two completely different readings. :confused:
anneh
I understand the significance of comparing self moniters with doctor's readings, but even when I'm in my doctor's office if she takes my bp and then does it again right after, it will ususally be anywhere from 5 to 10 points decrease immediately. So that means when she checks it with one and than the other there will likely be two completely different readings. :confused:
Toneman
09-29-2006, 11:45 PM
I had previously used a wrist monitor but switched to an arm cuff as they were supposedly more accurate. I too have white coat syndrome and could never get my arm cuff unit to match the doctor's unit.
The problem with wrist monitors is that they depend on the unit being in the proper position when the reading is being taken, it must be at the same level as your heart. Omron has come out with a line of wrist monitors with a feature called an Automatic Position Sensor. It will not take your blood pressure until the monitor is in the absolute correct position. My unit is the HEM637 and cost about $80.00. Like most, it will keep 90 readings and has a data port to download your information so you can keep an extended record.
I took it to my last doctor visit and it matched his readings exactly. Although there is not any list of reccommended blood pressure monitors here in the states, the British Hypertension Society puts out a list and this is the only wrist monitor to ever make the list.
I am very confident in my unit.
Good Luck,
Tony
The problem with wrist monitors is that they depend on the unit being in the proper position when the reading is being taken, it must be at the same level as your heart. Omron has come out with a line of wrist monitors with a feature called an Automatic Position Sensor. It will not take your blood pressure until the monitor is in the absolute correct position. My unit is the HEM637 and cost about $80.00. Like most, it will keep 90 readings and has a data port to download your information so you can keep an extended record.
I took it to my last doctor visit and it matched his readings exactly. Although there is not any list of reccommended blood pressure monitors here in the states, the British Hypertension Society puts out a list and this is the only wrist monitor to ever make the list.
I am very confident in my unit.
Good Luck,
Tony
anneh
09-30-2006, 02:09 PM
Thanks for the heads up on the Omron wrist monitor. Well in the meantime I have been taking my bp with both monitors and it appears that for some wierd reason I now have normal blood pressure:dizzy: I can only think that the special breathing that I have been doing prior to taking it has helped. I sit with both feet flat on floor and breathe in to the count of 4 but I breathe in from the abdomen instead of the chest. I don't hold the breath but I exhale very slowly to the count of 8 starting from the chest down and finally drawing my abdomen in. Perhaps this has worked some magic or maybe both Omrons are nuts :mad: but in the meantime I am going to accept that my bp IS normal at least at home:blob_fire Today the first reading was only 132/70 which is phenomenol as usually I get over 140 even at home on first reading and used to start out at 150+. Oh and another thing is I look at the newspaper crossword puzzle while taking it and work out answers in my mind, this is the only way I can keep my adrenaline from taking off with fear. I have tried doing some breathing at the dr office and one time even took in a crossword puzzle but it was useless, we got the usual 160+ systolic altho diastolic is usually always ok. Anyway, will keep taking it. I know some people feel that possibly people like me spike bp for other reasons during the day and perhaps its true but I am going to assume otherwise for now and keep taking my supplements (inc magnesium) etc that I know will help keep my heart and arteries strong and hopefully offset any harm from any spikes.
anneh:wave:
anneh:wave:
Canyondweller
09-30-2006, 07:37 PM
The only problem with that Anneh is that that is not the way you are breathing normally so you may be low with the breathing but that is not the norm. I can bring mine down by breathing called pursed lip breathing, inhale slowly and exhale slowly but I don't consider that my normal BP. I think that would be a false reading. Will see what others say.
anneh
10-01-2006, 11:44 AM
I see your point but just wanted to say I do it because otherwise adrenalin goes crazy and I am overcome with anxiety so am doing it to prevent that. But if I can get more comfortable taking it and be more normal in my breathing (not panicking) then I will just breathe normally. Btw I only do the breathing prior to taking first one, after that I take a few more (waiting between) and am breathing normally.
annehThe only problem with that Anneh is that that is not the way you are breathing normally so you may be low with the breathing but that is not the norm. I can bring mine down by breathing called pursed lip breathing, inhale slowly and exhale slowly but I don't consider that my normal BP. I think that would be a false reading. Will see what others say.
annehThe only problem with that Anneh is that that is not the way you are breathing normally so you may be low with the breathing but that is not the norm. I can bring mine down by breathing called pursed lip breathing, inhale slowly and exhale slowly but I don't consider that my normal BP. I think that would be a false reading. Will see what others say.
WYSIWYG
10-01-2006, 12:52 PM
To avoid freaking myself out with home readings, for whatever reason, I just don't look at the readings until later.
And yes, position while taking it does matter. I pay careful attention to that whether at home or in the doc's office.
~Susan
And yes, position while taking it does matter. I pay careful attention to that whether at home or in the doc's office.
~Susan
dasw
10-01-2006, 04:34 PM
To avoid freaking myself out with home readings, for whatever reason, I just don't look at the readings until later.
Hi, I have a similar problem and I have been reading this thread with much interest. I thought I would do what Susan suggested but then I am so aware of how far the cuff is inflating that I can tell when my bp is higher than it should be and the adrenalin surge kicks in during the reading.:dizzy:
anneh, I completely understand what you are going through with the BP phobia. I struggled with White Coat Syndrome for 30 years. I finally gave in when my home readings were getting higher and I just started Atenolol. Now I am freaking out over side effects. :rolleyes: I make sure I'm wearing good underware in case I have to go to the ER. :eek:
I'm getting so tired of all this crap (pardon my language). I was doing so well the last few years with diet, exercise, suppliments...and then the stress and anxiety reared its ugly head again despite antianxiety medication, meditation, etc.. I keep telling myself that all I need is one good reading but I am scared to take that reading. I always find an excuse not to take it...not feeling well, got bad family news, what if this and what if that. Short of being in a coma or walking around like a Zombie I now have to re-learn how to live with these irrational fears.
Hi, I have a similar problem and I have been reading this thread with much interest. I thought I would do what Susan suggested but then I am so aware of how far the cuff is inflating that I can tell when my bp is higher than it should be and the adrenalin surge kicks in during the reading.:dizzy:
anneh, I completely understand what you are going through with the BP phobia. I struggled with White Coat Syndrome for 30 years. I finally gave in when my home readings were getting higher and I just started Atenolol. Now I am freaking out over side effects. :rolleyes: I make sure I'm wearing good underware in case I have to go to the ER. :eek:
I'm getting so tired of all this crap (pardon my language). I was doing so well the last few years with diet, exercise, suppliments...and then the stress and anxiety reared its ugly head again despite antianxiety medication, meditation, etc.. I keep telling myself that all I need is one good reading but I am scared to take that reading. I always find an excuse not to take it...not feeling well, got bad family news, what if this and what if that. Short of being in a coma or walking around like a Zombie I now have to re-learn how to live with these irrational fears.
anneh
10-01-2006, 06:23 PM
Oh I understand how you feel and my heart goes out to you. I can only tell that I had to force myself to start taking at home and first few times it was a nightmare. A friend challenged me to take it every day and not even look at the results (of course I did) so that I would become more used to it. It does work, try doing it and looking at the newspaper crossword puzzle at the same time, its hard for the brain to be in two places at once. Also don't take if you have just eaten. Frankly I have an even bigger phobia about the meds so that is what has made me determined. Now, if I had to take bp meds I would of course do so BUT if I don't really have high bp why should I. If I can get normal readings at home (or at least within 140/80) I am happy with that. I am not foolish so I do keep my weight normal and walk 2 miles daily and take suitable supplements etc etc. The newer Omrons I have now are much better, altho you feel the inflation they have eliminated that count down noise that they used to make that struck fear in my heart =:0 I know you can do it, give it a try :)
anneh
it[QUOTE=dasw]Hi, I have a similar problem and I have been reading this thread with much interest. I thought I would do what Susan suggested but then I am so aware of how far the cuff is inflating that I can tell when my bp is higher than it should be and the adrenalin surge kicks in during the reading.:dizzy:
anneh
it[QUOTE=dasw]Hi, I have a similar problem and I have been reading this thread with much interest. I thought I would do what Susan suggested but then I am so aware of how far the cuff is inflating that I can tell when my bp is higher than it should be and the adrenalin surge kicks in during the reading.:dizzy:
dasw
10-01-2006, 07:05 PM
Hi anneh,
Thanks for your input. I have been taking my BP at home for many years without a problem. It's just that I've been going through a bunch of stressors lately and my fears have gotten the best of me. I have the Intelli-Sense Omron and it has been reliable. I will try the "crossword solution" and see if I can distract myself. :D
Thanks for your input. I have been taking my BP at home for many years without a problem. It's just that I've been going through a bunch of stressors lately and my fears have gotten the best of me. I have the Intelli-Sense Omron and it has been reliable. I will try the "crossword solution" and see if I can distract myself. :D