How reliable are home blood pressure monitors?

[lisajl]

The reason I ask is that my MIL just had back surgery at the beginning of last week. She is now home with two rods in her back. My SIL from Texas is there helping her mom and dad. Things are going well with MIL, but FIL's blood pressure is getting crazy and she said his pulse was 37 this morning!
I asked my DH if his father was still breathing!

Any ideas? I know they are trying to regulate FIL's blood pressure meds but come on! 37?

 

[kejoda]

that does sound odd. Maybe the next time he goes to the Doc he should take it with him and have them compare the two.

 

[Micca]

My doc said they are good, but don't get digital. Get the old style with the meter.

 

[pumba]

I have had mine for over three years and it has been checked side by side with the ones at the doctors office and it was right on....it is reli-on and got it at Walmart.....I take mine once or twice a month to make sure and my husband has to check more often....it is a plug in or can go with batteries

 

[BratTink]

If his pulse is really 37 call the doctor, especially if his pressure is all over the place. He needs to be checked.
OT, we give out BP machines and they are pretty accurate.

 

[sweet angel]

My doc said they are good, but don't get digital. Get the old style with the meter.

My mom's doc told her to go with the old type, but two of my docs said digital is more accurate.

 

[Kimberle]

Like the others have said, you take it with you to your next Dr's appt. They will take your pressure, and you will take it yourself to make sure you are doing it correctly and your machine is correctly calibrated.

 

[lisajl]

Thanks everyone! I will have my DH tell his sister to do that.
His folks live in Flint Michigan and we are about 3 1/2 hrs away.
My DH is sick, not to mention is having trouble with an old root canal today.
His sister asked him to come help, but then she heard his voice and said to forget about it.
I don't think my SIL knew how difficult it was going to be, taking care of her parents.

 

[mtemm]

when we bought ours 4.5 years ago, we were told both by my dr. and by the nurses at the hospital that they recommended particularly OMRON brand (I think that is spelled right). we have a digital one that so far has been very accurate.

I would definitely be double checking with his doctor. was his pulse double-checked manually?

 

[lisajl]

when we bought ours 4.5 years ago, we were told both by my dr. and by the nurses at the hospital that they recommended particularly OMRON brand (I think that is spelled right). we have a digital one that so far has been very accurate.

I would definitely be double checking with his doctor. was his pulse double-checked manually?

On that last question, I have no idea. My DH does not finish what his family says to him about anything! I hope it was manually checked, all I know is that his sister is in over her head! I knew this would happen! His folks really need to move to a retirement village that they can move then to assisted living. I know they won't but they need to.