Is a wrist blood pressure monitor accurate?

With the development of social economy, people's living standards are gradually improving. At the same time, the incidence of diseases is also increasing, such as hypertension. China is a country with a high incidence of hypertension. Whether young or old, irregular lifestyles or eating habits have become the cause of hypertension. Hypertension is very dangerous when it occurs, so it is very important for patients with hypertension to test their blood pressure on a daily basis. Today let’s take a look at whether the easy-to-carry wrist blood pressure monitor is accurate?

Since the pressure value measured by the wrist blood pressure monitor is the "pulse pressure value" of the wrist artery, for most middle-aged and elderly people, especially those with high blood viscosity, poor microcirculation, and arteriosclerosis, there will be a large difference between the average value of multiple measurements using a wrist blood pressure monitor and that using an upper arm blood pressure monitor - a difference of more than ±1.3kPa (10mmHg) is very common. Therefore, for individuals who have purchased a wrist blood pressure monitor, it is recommended that you use it for personal monitoring - you can keep track of changes in your "blood pressure" at any time, but it should be clearly pointed out that it does not measure the "blood pressure value" as it is customary, but the "wrist pulse pressure value."

Wrist-type electronic blood pressure monitors are extremely sensitive. Slight changes in body position, mood, movement, etc. will cause large changes in the measured value. Therefore, there will be some errors in the measurement. However, you can reduce measurement errors by paying attention to the measurement method when measuring. However, the electronic wrist blood pressure monitor is produced based on the oscillometric principle, and the measurement accuracy can be guaranteed for friends who are suitable for using the wrist electronic blood pressure monitor. It should also be noted that electronic blood pressure monitors are mainly suitable for people with hypertension below level three, and are mainly used for daily blood pressure monitoring. If your blood pressure is not within the range of the electronic blood pressure monitor, please seek medical attention immediately.

So, why are wrist blood pressure monitors frequently reported to provide inaccurate measurement data? It mainly depends on the method of use and the posture when using it.

Before using a wrist blood pressure monitor, be sure to keep your body calm and relaxed. It is best to be in a relatively quiet environment, especially away from an environment with loud noises that will affect your heart rate and blood pressure.

1. Remove all clothing from your wrist so that the blood pressure monitor can directly contact the skin of your wrist without any obstruction.

2. The wrist blood pressure monitor should be worn about 1-1.5CM below the palm. That is to say, the blood pressure monitor should be 1-1.5CM away from the wrist after being worn, avoiding the ulna of the wrist to avoid inaccurate measurement.

3. When wearing it, the wristband of the blood pressure monitor should fit tightly against the arm, and try not to leave any gaps, so as to avoid the blood pressure monitor moving due to the wristband not being tied tightly, resulting in inaccurate measurement.

4. When wearing the blood pressure monitor, you should straighten your arms and palms with your palms facing up, and make sure the blood pressure monitor screen is facing up. Some wrist blood pressure monitors have positioning marks. Make sure the positioning marks correspond to the middle of your wrist.

5. The most important point is that when measuring blood pressure, the wrist with the blood pressure monitor should be raised to the same level as the heart, not higher or lower than the heart. Studies have shown that if the height of a wrist blood pressure monitor deviates by 10 cm from the heart during measurement, it may cause a blood pressure value deviation of 8 mmHg. After raising your wrist to the corresponding position, press the start button to start measuring.

6. When measuring blood pressure, whether you are sitting or standing, be sure to keep your back straight. During measurement, it is best not to change your body posture or make obvious movements to avoid affecting blood pressure measurement.

The biggest difference between the upper arm type and the wrist type is that they are used in different ways. The upper arm type electronic blood pressure monitor is tied to the arm and is fixed in position.