There are two basic kinds of home blood pressure monitors, manual and digital. While both work in much the same way, the readout for a digital version will likely be easier for some people to determine when compared to a manual version. Otherwise, there is not much difference between home blood pressure monitors as they all provide the same basic function and do it very much the same way.
Before getting into how the types of home blood pressure monitors are different, first it is important to understand how they are the same. In most cases a cuff is placed around a person's upper arm. That cuff contracts, thus causing a reading on the gauge, another important component to the blood pressure device. Some may even come with a stethoscope for listening to the sound the blood makes. However, for most people, this will make very little difference as the sounds take a trained ear to distinguish what is really going on, in most cases.
Home blood pressure monitors of the manual variety are very much like the traditional monitors seen at a doctor's office. These devices work in very much the same way. Without a stethoscope, they are useless. There are certain sounds a nurse or doctor is looking to hear to determine what the blood pressure is. Without hearing these sounds, it is impossible to tell. Therefore, those who have no understanding of what they are listening for are at a disadvantage when it comes to buying these types of home blood pressure monitors.
Rather, the most common type of home blood pressure monitors in use today are those which use higher technology and help take the expertise out of monitoring blood pressure at home. This is because the digital monitor measures heart rate and blood flow all by itself. These home blood pressure monitors also inflate and deflate on their own, adding to their overall value, especially for those who do not want to be bothered with those aspects.
It is possible to spend $100 US Dollars (USD) or more for a digital home blood pressure monitor of high quality and accuracy. However, a manual one may cost as much as 75 percent less, making it an ideal choice for some. No matter which type is chosen, it does no good if it is never used. Therefore, finding one that is easy and user friendly is often a very high priority.