Hypertension affects approximately 60 million Americans, and probably several more million suffer from the disease but remain undiagnosed. If left untreated, high blood pressure can result in stroke, heart disease, or kidney disease, all of which may be fatal. Through early diagnosis and treatment, long term complications can be avoided.
Blood pressure has two components: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure refers to the pressure exerted by the blood against the arterial wall when the heart beats. Diastolic pressure is the resting pressure between beats. Mercury and aneroid meters involve the use of a stethoscope to detect the Kortkoff's sounds produced by the arterial wall in response to arterial pressure. As the cuff pressure increases, the artery is compressed and blood flow is restricted. As the cuff pressure is gradually released, blood flow is reestablished and the sounds can be heard in different phases. The systolic pressure can be identified when at least two "taps" are heard as the cuff pressure decreases, and the diastolic pressure is identified by the disappearance of the "taps." Oscillometric cuffs measures blood pressure from changes in the force of the surges.
There are different types of blood pressure meters. The mercury sphygmomanometer is the most accurate and reliable type available. However, it requires good eyesight and hearing. The aneroid blood pressure meter consist of a cuff with an attached circular dial that displays the pressure readings, and also requires the use of a stethoscope. These are relatively inexpensive, but require calibration at least once a year by an expert. The automated elctronic or digital meters do not require a stethoscope and good hearing are not required. Although these meters also require yearly calibrations, they are more convenient for patients and require less skill, but these may be less accurate than the aneroid devices. However, these are a good alternative and allow patients the opportunity to actively participate in his or her health.
Monitoring and reporting blood pressures can allow patients avoid long-term complications and help the physician evaluate the effectiveness of therapy. However, a patient should not adjust his or her own medication on the basis of in-home blood pressure readings.