Knowing your numbers (Blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol and body weight) is very important but even more so as we age. Especially if you have underlying health issues or conditions that run in your family. According to the American Heart Association, a blood pressure screening at your regular health care visit or once every 2 years, if your blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg is recommend for every adult starting at the age of 20. About one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure.
As we strive to live healthier lives it is essential that we do what we can to make sure we stay healthy. Keeping track of your numbers can help prevent heart attack and stroke, by alerting you (and your doctor) when you need to make lifestyle adjustments. While there aren't many ways to check your blood out side of a doctor's office, companies have made easier for people to keep track of their weight with digital scales that calculate BMI and home blood pressure monitors.
The newest blood pressure monitors are sold in drug stores, big box stores and at many different online retailers. They are super easy to find and affordable. I have been monitoring my blood pressure at home for over a year now. I take my blood pressure and keep a record, to present to my doctor at checkups. My old monitor is clunky, takes long and is extremely loud, however it is very accurate, as I had my doctor check it out. I was recently sent the MeasuPro BPM-20A to test and review, so I had another monitor to compare this one to.
Upon opening the MeasuPro, the first thing I noticed was how big the display screen was! It measures approximately 3 inches by a little over 2 1/4 inches, which great for me because I can actually read it without my glasses! It came with it's own batteries included, so it was ready to set up and use straight out of the box. This monitor has many more features than my old one does and here is what I liked and didn't like about it.
Pros:
- This monitor is pretty accurate when compared to my old one. It can differ from 1-3 points but this is a MONITOR, not a doctor, so it can help you to keep track of your numbers.
- Unlike my old monitor, it works and gives the same reading on either arm. My old monitor can only give you an accurate read on the left arm. I have taken my blood pressure with the MeasuPro on both arms and the readings are EXTREMELY close.
- Has a brightly illuminated display that lights up in blue, a yellow-orange, and red after readings to show you were your numbers are good, elevated or high.
- The digital display has a huge, easy to read numbers.
- Has irregular heartbeat detection.
- Will take your last three readings and calculates and average automatically.
- Inflates quickly and quietly.
- Included instructions are clearly written and easy to understand.
Cons:
- This monitor has a time/date setting which is awesome, but there are no instructions included on how to set it.
- For me this cuff was ill fitting on me (it comes sized in medium-large) but fit fine on my hubby. However it is removable so I can easily change it to my old, smaller cuff.
I received this product for free, in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.