I often see folks in my clinic who get a bit anxious when it’s time for a blood pressure check. The numbers shoot up, but they swear it’s lower at home. Or sometimes, a patient might have a larger arm, or find the traditional upper arm cuff really uncomfortable. That’s when the conversation sometimes turns to other options, like a wrist blood pressure monitor. These devices can seem super convenient, especially for keeping an eye on your numbers day-to-day.
So, What Exactly is a Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor?
Think of a wrist blood pressure monitor as a compact, personal gadget for checking your blood pressure (BP). Most of them have a cuff that you just wrap around your wrist. This cuff is connected to a little digital screen that pops up with your BP readings.
You might even see some that look just like a smartwatch – these wearable types can track other things too, like your steps or how well you’re sleeping.
The idea is that a wrist blood pressure monitor lets you see what your BP is doing during your regular daily life. It gives us a much broader picture than just a single reading in the clinic. But, and this is a big “but,” they’re not always as spot-on as the upper arm monitors. So, we usually only suggest them in specific situations. The key to getting a good reading? Make sure your hand is on your chest, so your wrist is right at heart level.
Wrist vs. Arm Monitors: What’s the Difference?
Both arm and most wrist monitors use a cuff that inflates. They both measure the pressure of blood flowing through your arteries. The main difference is where they take that measurement.
- A wrist blood pressure monitor checks the pressure at your radial artery, which is near where your wrist bends.
- An arm blood pressure monitor (the kind we usually use in the office) measures it higher up, at your brachial artery in your upper arm.
Now, here’s something interesting: your blood pressure can actually be a bit different at these two spots. It changes as blood moves through different arteries. Some studies show that systolic blood pressure (that’s the top number) can be higher in the radial artery than the brachial. Weird, right? That’s why it’s so important to use any home device with our guidance. We can help you make sense of the numbers.
When Would You Need a Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor?
We might suggest you monitor your BP at home if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension).
- You have things that put you at risk for high BP.
- You’re starting a new medication for blood pressure, and we want to see how it’s working.
- You’re pregnant, as BP can be a bit tricky then.
- We suspect white coat hypertension (your BP is high in the clinic but normal at home) or masked hypertension (it’s normal in the clinic but high at home).
If home monitoring is the way to go, we generally lean towards an upper arm cuff-style monitor. It’s most like what we use. However, for some people, a wrist blood pressure monitor is genuinely a better fit.
Is a Wrist Monitor the Best Choice for Me?
Before you run out and buy any monitor, please chat with us. The American Heart Association (AHA) usually recommends upper arm monitors because they tend to be more reliable.
But a wrist blood pressure monitor might be okay for you if:
- An upper arm cuff just doesn’t fit you properly.
- You have a medical reason that makes using an upper arm device painful or unsafe.
We’re the best ones to help you figure this out. We know your medical history and can advise if a wrist monitor is a good option and, crucially, how to use it properly.
How Accurate Are Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors, Really?
Okay, let’s be honest. Upper arm monitors are generally considered the gold standard for accuracy. But, wrist monitors can give you good readings if:
- You follow the instructions to the letter, especially getting your arm in the right position (more on that in a sec).
- You choose a device that’s been validated. The American Medical Association has a list you can check.
One thing’s for sure: wrist monitors are much better than those fingertip ones. Please avoid those! A great idea is to bring your new wrist cuff to your next appointment. We can check its readings against our office machine.
Getting the Hang of Your Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
When you get your device, your first stop should be our clinic. Let us check it against our equipment. We can also show you exactly how to use it. Seeing it done and practicing a bit makes all the difference.
Here’s how to get the best readings at home:
- Prep Time: For about 30 minutes before, try to avoid coffee, smoking, and exercise. Pop to the loo if you need to, then just sit quietly for about five minutes.
- Pick an Arm: Decide which arm you’ll use. Your other arm can just relax.
- Get Comfy: Sit in a chair, feet flat on the floor.
- Table Support: Make sure you have a flat surface, like a table, in front of you.
- Cuff On: Put the cuff on your chosen wrist and secure it.
- Elbow Rest: Rest your elbow on the table.
- Heart Level is Key: Gently bring your cuffed hand to your chest, so your wrist is at the same level as your heart. This is super important.
- Relax: Take a moment to just chill in this position.
- Measure: Start the measurement. Try not to move or talk while it’s working.
Things to avoid for an accurate reading:
- Having your wrist higher or lower than your heart.
- Resting your wrist on the table or your lap (it needs to be supported at heart level).
- Letting your arm hang down by your side.
Keep a Blood Pressure Log
Your monitor might store readings, but it’s a really good idea to jot them down in a notebook. Or you can find printable logs online. Bring this log to your appointments!
Ask us what to include, but generally:
- Date and time for each reading.
- We often suggest checking twice a day – maybe before breakfast and before bed. Each time, take two readings about a minute apart. So, that’s four readings a day in your log. We’ll tell you how many days a week to do this.
- Make little notes if something unusual happened – a stressful day, poor sleep, feeling unwell. If you take medications, we might want you to note when you take them too.
Learn Your “Normal”
Everyone’s “normal” blood pressure can be a bit different. For some, 90/60 mmHg is perfectly fine; for others, that could be a sign of a problem. So, before you start using any home monitor, please ask us:
- What’s a healthy blood pressure range for me?
- What numbers would be too high for me?
- What numbers would be too low?
- When should I give you a call about my readings?
When to Call for Help with Your Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor Readings
This is really important. If your blood pressure suddenly jumps to 180/120 mmHg or higher, or if you’re having symptoms of very high blood pressure (like severe headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, or severe anxiety), or you just don’t feel right and are worried about your BP, this could be a hypertensive crisis. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
You should also call us if:
- Your BP readings are consistently higher or lower than what’s usual for you.
- You’re struggling to use your home monitor correctly.
- You have any questions about what your numbers mean.
Take-Home Message
Thinking about or using a wrist blood pressure monitor? Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Talk to Your Doctor First: We can help decide if it’s a good option for you compared to an upper arm monitor.
- Accuracy Matters: Upper arm monitors are usually more accurate, but wrist monitors can work if used correctly and validated.
- Proper Technique is Crucial: Always position your wrist at heart level for reliable readings.
- Log Your Readings: Keep a detailed record to share with us.
- Know Your Numbers: Understand your personal target range and when to seek help.
- Emergency Signs: A BP of 180/120 mmHg or higher, or severe symptoms, needs immediate medical attention.
Monitoring your blood pressure at home can be a really helpful tool in managing your health, especially when we work together on it.
You’re not alone in figuring this out. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way.