The Silent Killer

It may sound like the title of a horror movie, but the condition dubbed “the silent killer” is all too real. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, accounts for an astonishing 40.6% of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths, more than smoking, poor diet, insufficient activity, and abnormal glucose levels, according to the American Heart Association. Being that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention asserts that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States – killing approximately 600,000 men and women of all ethnicities annually – hypertension is indeed a cause for tremendous concern and action. It affects roughly 76.4 million Americans over age twenty; put simply, one in every three United States residents has high blood pressure.

Hypertension is known as the silent killer due to the fact that it often goes undetected until it manifests itself in other serious health conditions. Left untreated, hypertension can and frequently does lead to stroke, heart attack, angina, heart and/or kidney failure, and peripheral artery disease, among other life-threatening illnesses. While it is regularly – and often correctly – blamed on and linked to a range of factors such as stress, anxiety, obesity, smoking, drinking, and family history, essential (or primary) hypertension most often occurs without a clear cause. Secondary hypertension, which is far less common than its primary counterpart, is directly linked to various medications and ailments such as kidney disease, diabetes, pregnancy (when it is known as preeclampsia), endocrine disease, and cancer.


How can hypertension be prevented and/or controlled? Who is at risk?

Fortunately, the common occurrence of hypertension means that there are many treatment options to keep it in check or avoid it entirely. For some, regular yearly or semi-annual checkups with their primary care physician are enough to properly monitor their blood pressure. But for many others, more regular and vigilant monitoring is necessary to keep their blood pressure in check. Those with high risk factors (which include being overweight, pregnant, over age 35, and/or African American, a diagnosis of diabetes, gout, or kidney disease, consuming too much salt or alcohol, and having a personal or family history of hypertension) should be monitored closely to stave off hypertension.

Approximately 30% of adult Americans have what is classified as prehypertension: blood pressure measurements that are higher than what is considered “normal” but outside the range of actual high blood pressure. Those with prehypertension must be exceedingly cautious if they do not wish to develop full-blown hypertension; to control their condition, they must be monitored frequently. Many doctors require their hypertensive or at-risk patients to check their own blood pressure regularly.

Home blood pressure monitoring

Clinical studies have shown improved detection and treatment of hypertension when regular home blood pressure monitoring is done in consultation with a physician. Blood pressure measured in a doctor's office or hospital setting may cause anxiety and lead to an elevated reading, a phenomenon known as “white coat hypertension”; patients with this condition also benefit greatly from monitoring in a comfortable, familiar, stress-free environment. Home measurements generally reduce the outside influences on blood pressure readings, and can provide a more comprehensive and meaningful blood pressure workup in patients with hypertension, prehypertension, and white coat hypertension. Elderly patients or those with mobility challenges are often good candidates for a home blood pressure regimen as they are not required to undertake the arduous task of regular monitoring in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.

Manual monitors

A manual blood pressure monitor is the most affordable option, due to its characteristically simple operation. Manual monitors are often recommended for those with better eyesight or home health aides who can read manual gauges properly. The self-adjusting cuff must be inflated and deflated manually, which may be difficult to perform single-handedly. Some models, such as ADC’s Prosphyg™ 780 and 790 Series and their complete manual kit, include an attached or detached stethoscope for a total monitoring package; for a simpler device, the Prosphyg™ 785 does not include a scope.

Automatic monitors

Automatic blood pressure monitors are the easiest models to learn and use. Their cuffs inflate and deflate automatically, often with calculation of ideal inflation rate and other intuitive features.

ADC’s line of Advantage™ home blood pressure monitors, with both wrist and arm models, are sophisticated yet simple devices intended to make home blood pressure monitoring as simple and accurate as possible. They offer three models of upper-arm monitors: the Advantage™, Advantage™ Plus, and Advantage™ Ultra, each with myriad attributes for differing levels of need. All three feature a self-adjustable, latex-free cuff for effortless application, a large, clear LCD screen, Smart Logic™ technology, which automatically determines the individual’s ideal inflation level for ultimate comfort and accuracy, and patented Advanced Irregular Heartbeat Detection, which can alert the user – and his or her practitioner – to possible arrhythmias at an early stage. The basic Advantage™ monitor features a large-capacity memory and is the most economical choice; Advantage™ Plus includes average mode for a comprehensive overview of readings, an advanced two-zone memory, a storage case, and optional PC software; and the Advantage™ Ultra, the most progressive model, adds a Traffic Light Indicator for comparison to national standards, standard software and AC adapter, and a deluxe case.

The Advantage™ wrist monitors incorporate Smart Logic™ inflation technology as well. Their lightweight, compact size allows for simple, comfortable monitoring on the wrist rather than the upper arm. Both models are reliable and portable with a compact storage case. The Advantage™ basic wrist model includes an auto-off feature, high-capacity memory, and exceptionally high accuracy; the advanced model is further enhanced by two-zone memory, 8-bit microprocessor and advanced algorithm, and average mode.

Omron offers five monitors in varying degrees of sophistication, corresponding to the numbers that they carry: 3, 5, 7, 10, and 10+ Series, with each building on the features of that of the lower tier. The most basic – the 3 Series – features superior accuracy, one-touch operation, irregular heartbeat detection, memory, and long battery life. The 5 Series adds automatic averaging, expanded two-user memory, and Hypertension Alert; 7 Series is improved by a patented Comfit™ cuff, advanced averaging, BP level indicator, and AC adapter; the 10 Series boasts automatic calibration checks, two-user mode, TruRead™ automatic averaging tool, increased memory capacity, and 8-week AM/PM averaging. The ultimate monitor, the 10+ Series, includes every feature of its lesser counterparts with the addition of software compatibility and extended warranty.

Welch Allyn’s digital home blood pressure monitors include wrist and upper arm monitors equipped with “Fuzzy Logic,” a “smart” inflation system that makes them faster and more comfortable than most devices. Both feature an oversized LCD, easy-access battery door, and universal wrist or arm cuff.

Semi-automatic monitors

With a less sophisticated inflation system, semi-automatic monitors are often more economical but just as reliable and easy to use as automatic models. For example, ADC’s Advantage™ semi-automatic monitor, like its automatic equivalents, includes a self-adjusting, comfortable cuff, large LCD screen, and automatic shut-off. It inflates manually and deflates automatically, making it more cost-effective than the fully automatic models without compromising on accuracy or convenience. Individuals with in-home help or enough dexterity to perform the inflation independently, a semi-automatic monitor may be the right solution.

How do I check my blood pressure at home?

Every doctor will instruct his or her patient in the administration of blood pressure tests. Some may be required to test several times a day; some may need to test weekly, daily, or somewhere in between. Normal blood pressure is considered to be under 120 mmHg systolic (the top number, which measures arterial pressure during beats of the heart) and 80 mmHg diastolic (the bottom number, or the pressure during the resting period between beats).

When preparing for a measurement, it is vital that you find a quiet spot to test, remove tight clothing and/or roll up your sleeve, make yourself comfortable, and rest for five to ten minutes with your arm at heart level (it is best to rest your arm on a table or chair). This will ensure an accurate reading uninfluenced by stress, exercise, or other factors. Then, press your index and middle fingers inside the crook of the arm that you will use for the measurement to locate a pulse. If you are using a manual monitor, place the stethoscope head on that spot; if using an automatic or semi-automatic model, line up the cuff’s artery marker to it.

Next, wrap the cuff snugly – but not too tightly – around your arm. Relax; extra tension will affect the reading. If using a stethoscope, place the earpieces in your ears. When inflating manually, close the airflow valve and pump the bulb until the gauge reads approximately 30 mmHg above your expected reading and you do not hear your pulse. Slowly release the valve while watching the gauge. When you hear the first beat of your pulse, record the number on the gauge as the systolic reading; slowly deflate the cuff until pulse sounds fade entirely, then mark that number as the diastolic pressure. Deflate the cuff completely.

Automatic models will inflate and deflate automatically when you push the start button, then display the reading on its screen. If a reading attempt is unsuccessful – on manual or automatic models – wait one minute before starting the process again. Record your measurements (if your monitor is not equipped with memory) for review.

Make sure that your monitor is in reliable, working condition at all times. Bring it along to your doctor at least once yearly for a calibration check, which ensures that it is accurate. Refer to your user’s manual and/or warranty card; manufacturers often provide calibration checks on their units.

Where can I get home blood pressure monitoring equipment?

Now that you’ve made the responsible decision to take charge of your blood pressure and fight the silent killer, whether you have hypertension, prehypertension, or other medical conditions, you are likely to be inundated with dizzying options and extravagant costs. At Tiger Medical Supplies, we pride ourselves on providing the very best blood pressure equipment to people just like you. We carry a full line of home blood pressure equipment and accessories, with clear descriptions, comprehensive product pages, and unbeatable prices. Our capable, friendly sales staff is ready and eager to help you maintain your health with the appropriate monitor to fit your lifestyle and budget.