Products - FAQ / Blood Pressure
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Can
I take a measurement during exercise?
Omron Blood Pressure Monitors are not intended for use
during exercise or activity. We recommend you avoid
eating, smoking and exercising for at least 30 minutes
before taking a measurement. |
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How
do I clean and protect my Omron Blood Pressure monitor
from damage and keep it in the best working condition?
Wipe the casing of the monitor clean using a soft dry
cloth. Never use any abrasive type cleaners or submerge
the monitor or any of the components in water. The cuff
cannot be cleaned. After each use never fold the cuff
or the tubing tightly. Store the monitor in a safe,
dry location. Do not subject the unit to extreme hot
or cold temperatures, humidity or direct sunlight. Be
careful not to subject the monitor to any strong shocks
such as dropping the unit on the floor. You should remove
the batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended
period of time. Always operate the unit following the
directions provided in the instruction manual. Use only
authorized Omron parts and accessories. |
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How
do I know if the arm cuff is wrapped too tight or too
loose?
If the cuff is wrapped too loose or too tight, you may
get an inaccurate reading or error message. We recommend
you apply the cuff using the following directions. First,
make sure you have removed any tight-fitting clothing
from your left arm. Put your left arm through the cuff
loop. The bottom of the cuff should be about one-half
inch above your elbow. Turn your arm so your palm is
facing up. Adjust the cuff around your arm so that the
tubing runs down the center of your arm. Secure the
cuff so it stays in place. You should be able to fit
one finger between the cuff and your arm. This space
is imperative for an accurate reading. Omron's digital
blood pressure monitors use the oscillometric method
of blood pressure measurement that detects your blood’s
movement through your brachial artery and converts the
movements into a digital reading. |
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Recently
my readings seem different. How can I assure that my
monitor is still working correctly?
Determine if the cuff you are using with your monitor
is still the correct size you need. Take an average
reading of three measurements. Wait a minimum of five
minutes between each measurement. You may need to increase
the wait time depending on your individual physical
characteristics. Your doctor can check the reading by
taking a comparison reading. Make sure the first reading
is taken with your home monitor because of the different
measurement methods used. Send your unit to the repair
department at Omron Healthcare for service. Please make
sure you review your warranty information and enclose
a note with your unit. |
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Why is blood pressure measured
in the hospital different from that at home?
Blood pressure can fluctuate widely depending on your
mental condition during measurement. Blood pressure
may become higher in the hospital because of mental
stress (usually 25 - 30 mmHg or, in the extreme, 50
mmHg higher), while at home, where you can relax, measured
blood pressure may become closer to your natural pressure. |
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Why
does my blood pressure change with every measurement?
Blood pressure fluctuates all the time. It is continuously
changing with every pulse according to the heart movement
and influenced by various environmental and mental factors.
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day and the
month, and is influenced by season and temperature.
As shown in the diagram below, a measurement taken in
the morning differs from that in the evening and fluctuates
throughout the day. You should not be overly concerned
or elated by each measured value. However, it is recommended
that you measure your blood pressure at the same time
and record it every day. Consult your doctor for further
information about the record. |
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What are the standard
Blood Pressure Classifications?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International
Society of Hypertension (ISH) jointly developed the
following blood pressure classification. This classification,
however, this is only a general guideline because your
optimum blood pressure depends on your age, morbidity,
and treatment strategy by a doctor. Consult your doctor
to determine your optimum blood pressure.
| Range |
Systolic
blood pressure |
Diastolic
blood pressure |
| Normal |
between 100 and 140 |
between 60 and 90 |
| Mild hypertension |
between 140 and 160 |
between 90 and 100 |
| Moderate hypertension |
between 180 and 180 |
between 100 and 110 |
Severe hypertension
|
higher than 180 |
higher than 110 |
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What is the
most important blood pressure value, the systolic
(top) or the diastolic (bottom) reading?
It's always best to discuss these questions with
your doctor. A general rule is that both the systolic
and diastolic blood pressure measurements are equally
important as they reflect your heart during a contraction
and during relaxation. |
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What
is the accuracy of Omron’s Blood Pressure Monitors?
All models of Omron’s blood pressure monitors
are clinically proven accurate. Pressure is plus or
minus three millimeters of mercury or two percent of
reading. Pulse is plus or minus five percent of reading.
This meets or exceeds the AAMI standards. AAMI is the
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.
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What
is the cause of the EE Error Indicator?
The most common error symbol that appears on the display
panel is a EE with a down arrow and two numerals. The
reason for the EE Error Indicator is generally caused
because the cuff has been wrapped too loose. The cuff
was under-inflated during the measurement. This error
will also display if the cuff is worn and needs to be
replaced. The EE symbol with a down arrow indicates
the cuff is over-inflated. In most instances the cuff
has been wrapped too tight or you are using the incorrect
cuff size. Turn the monitor off. Read the instructions
to correctly apply the cuff. Wait five to ten minutes
then take another measurement. Error indicators vary
by model number. Symbols that display on your model
are printed in the instruction manual with the steps
to correct the problem. |
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What
method of blood pressure measurement is used in Omron
Blood Pressure Monitors?
Omron digital blood pressure monitors use the oscillometric
method of blood pressure measurement. This means the
monitor detects your blood’s movement through
your brachial artery and converts the movements into
a digital reading. An oscillometric monitor does not
need a stethoscope so the monitor is simple to use. |
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What
should I do before taking a measurement?
Make sure you always follow these steps before taking
a measurement. For at least 30 minutes prior to taking
your measurement do not eat, smoke or exercise. Rest
comfortably in a relaxed environment for at least 15
minutes prior to taking your measurement. Don't take
a measurement after physical activities or during stressful
times. Take the measurement in a quiet place. |
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Which type of Omron
Blood Pressure Monitor should I purchase?
Before purchasing your home blood pressure monitor ensure
your satisfaction by selecting the right monitor for
you. The digital Manual Inflation Monitors are the most
affordable among the digital blood pressure monitors.
This type of monitor requires the user to squeeze the
inflation bulb to fill the cuff with air until you reach
your correct inflation level. The cuff deflates automatically
and your measurements appear on a clear digital display.
If you have arthritis or any weakness in the hands you
may find it difficult to inflate the cuff. For greater
convenience choose an Automatic Inflation Blood Pressure
Monitor. This type of monitor inflates at the touch
of a button. In seconds your blood pressure and pulse
are alternately displayed. Omron Automatic Inflation
Blood Pressure Monitors have a wide variety of features
that include models with printers, memory functions,
high-speed measurement, and compact design. IntelliSense
Technology offers the advantage of personalized inflation.
Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors give you the portability
of a “wristwatch” style blood pressure monitor.
Considering what type of monitor meets your needs is
an important decision. You may wish to consult with
your doctor regarding what type of monitor is best for
you. We recommend those persons with severe hypertension,
severe diabetes or severe arteriosclerosis consult their
doctor prior to measure blood pressure at the wrist. |
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