Pulse Monitoring & Temp. Equipment

[NadeNud]

Hi

I would be very grateful for information on some good products that seem effective and accurate.

At the moment, I'm taking my blood pressure and pulse with a Boots machine but I'm doubtful about its accuracy.

Many thanks

[shaws Administrator]

I would imagine that if it's a boots product it should be more or less 'accurate'.

Roughly, a blood pressure monitor may be slightly 'out' but it will still give a reasonable result and enable you to track pulse/blood pressure.

[acc1]

You could take your pulse manually a few times as you do the blood pressure reading, and compare to see if the Boots machine is accurate.

For blood pressure you could always take the monitor with you next time you have a GP / nurse appointment, and see if they'll compare your machine with theirs?

I use a BabyMad basal body temperature thermometer for tracking temps, I'd seen it recommended a few times for tracking fertility, for which need to get accurate and precise readings. Seems to work well for me.

[acc1 in reply to acc1]

If you are looking for a new BP machine, Omron are supposed to be a reputable brand. Think I've seen them in GPs / hospital. I got one recently on offer online, seems to be good although I guess it's hard to tell unless you actually have someone take your BP manually to compare it to!

[silverfox7 in reply to acc1]

I bought an OMRON. Can't remember the model number now but I chosed the one that detects uneven beats and also automatically can be set to average 3 readings and I've been very happy with it. Can't remember now where bought it online in Boots or Amazon or may have chosen on the Boots site and found it slightly cheaper on Amazon.

I always used to take my temp with a Mercury thermometer but lost it! I've looked at fertility ones but my temperature is often lower than their limits so have bought a Boots digital. I know they say digital not as accurate but found I had no choice.

[Jackie]

HI BP monitor needs to be approved and cuff. Pulse all are unreliable, best do it yourself. Try carotid artery, easier. 60-80 normal.... After sitting 10 mins.Do not use thumb as a pulse in there, flat fingers.

Jackie

[helvella Administrator]

Check the size of your upper-arm against the size of cuff they supply. You might need a larger or smaller cuff than they supply as standard - and such cuffs might be highly machine-specific. I suspect that at least some inaccurate results could be due to using inappropriate cuffs.

And re-read the instructions. Things like not talking while taking a reading. Very easy to forget the details over time.

We got an Omron many years ago (so a thoroughly out-of-date model now) and it appears to have been fine. Batteries last amazingly well.

Rod