I have a wrist cuff that cost me less than 20 dollars and I use it whenever I am curious about my blood pressure and/or pulse.

I like having it. Between my husband and myself, we probably use it 6-8 times a year. Neither of us are on any medications though.

This is the one I use. It is identical to the one my Dr has & recommended.

Got my Mom's at Costco. It's very similar to the one posted above. It was maybe 40.00?

Yes, but I bought it long ago and it was on discount. CVS wouldn't be my first choice source; they are widely available. I have to check my blood pressure often, due to fluctuations. But I can often tell what the reading will be, within a few digits, before taking it. Over the past year, my body has slowly adapted to lower pressure, so the low pressure symptoms do not materialize until about minus 5-8 from when they used to start.

Yes, I use mine quite a bit. Every time I went to the doctors' he kept saying my pressure was high. So I finally said ok, lets do something about it. He started me on meds and after a while I was really miserable. I was in the ER a lot last year, with a racing heart and lightheadness. At one time I couldn't get the pressure down. It went over 235/112. and I was really panicking. Now, he took me off those and started me on another pill, which seems to be ok. I bought a BP machine. I don't use the batteries, I plug my in so I get a true reading. I really wish I would have bought it before getting on the meds, because I think I didn't really have high BP. I have white coat syndrome. and he was overdosing me on those pills. I wish I could get off these pills for good and see what happens. I've never been the same since I started taking these meds. Right now, I could tell when the BP is up, because I hear my heartbeat in my ears and sometimes it drives me absolutely nuts. It's like a hard pounding at times. So again, I think I'm overdosing. I go for my checkup at the end of the month and I'll see what he has to say. He did have me on lexipro and I took that for a little over a month. Then all of a sudden my lower back starting killing me. I could stand for a little bit and then I would have to sit. I took myself off of those and now I'm fine there. What a drag it is getting old. LOL

My blood pressure is consistently 90/55. Makes for fun times with new medical professionals. My husband's, though, is high and it scares me. He has a wrist-type BP monitor.

You reminded me that I forgot to tell the doctor about my ringing ears. I always thought that was also a sign of high bp. High, low, I don't know. I'm not used to going to the doctor and all that it entails. lol

This the one I bought, looks like it gets poor reviews: Blood pressure monitor

Seems like it might be a good idea to return that cuff, Schoolhouse, and get a different one. Those reviews are very discouraging.

I have an Omron wrist monitor, which I like a lot, easy to use, and pretty accurate. I usually take it with me when I have my check-ups, to check it against theirs. It's always within about 2 points of their reading, which he says is perfectly acceptable.

To answer your question, yes, I use mine often, sometimes as often as 3 times a day. Almost always at least once a day. No, I am not a hypochondriac, nor am I OCD about it. I have been on BP meds since 1970. It's a pretty long story, so I'm not going to tell it. Just let me say, I'm very fortunate to be alive. Many MANY tests were done, and the cause was found. Various forms of treatment were used. But I have been under the care of a Nephrologist for the last 40 years or so. Appointments every 3 months and daily (almost) monitoring of BP.

My case is unusual, but I think that if your doctor suggested you get a cuff and monitor your pressure at home, do it. And keep a written record of the reading with date and time noted. Take that record with you to your appointments. It can be a big help to your doctor in treating you. It will also help you to know if the BP is causing dizzy spells, headaches, etc.

Good luck,

Rusty

I took the BP monitor back today. A friend also suggested the cuff monitor instead. She said it isn't exactly accurate but easier and more comfortable to use. I'll keep looking.

This morning is the first day I didn't take the water pill, per doctor, I hope I don't start retaining water and get all puffy. The Coricidon is helping the allergies. Nose is still feels stuffed up, but nothing like it had been and sinus are draining down my throat.

Your allergy medicine might be affecting your bp. Do check the side-effects on the side of the box.

I had asked the doctor to recommend an allergy med and he wrote down "Coricidon". When I went to the pharmacy I couldn't find it in the allergy medicine aisle. An employee got it for me from the shelf of cold medicine. It says right on the box "Cold Symptom Relief for people with High Blood Pressure". It's for cough, runny nose and sneezing; don't have the cough (yet). I do feel better since I've been taking it.

This morning when I turned over in bed, I got slightly dizzy - lasted only a second. Now do you suppose it's my ears after all?

Not all BP devices are accurate, Omron seems to be a good brand. If you are making medication changes based on your BP, it is worth monitoring it closely. If ordered by your healthcare provider, the cost may be covered by your insurance.

Have you considered taking allergy medication for allergies (e.g., Allegra, Claritn, Zyrtec, Flonase, Nasacort), instead of a medication for colds/viral infections?

Omron is the brand my doctor recommended. I saw some at Walmart for under $30 for good brands. I have the Omron arm cuff but will be getting a wrist type because it's too difficult to use the cuff now.

Check amazon. I got an omron cuff monitor for around 25 bucks.

@ raven, the wrist type is not as accurate, tends to give a lower BP reading. If you use a wrist cuff, arm position makes a difference, if seated - rest your arm on a table ("desk position").