The answer to this question is a resounding YES.  This is a wonderful way to keep tabs on how well one is progressing in their care, or necessary additions or deletions to their care.  Home monitoring equipment for blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose has been utilized for years with great success.  With any product it is imperative to purchase your home equipment from a reliable company that provides service if needed and will instruct on the proper usage of the equipment. Find out if your equipment comes with a warranty, if it can be traded, and if it can be returned.  Know what features you want before you shop.   After you have selected a manufacturer, pay attention to product features.  There are many different model features, which may not be necessary, and prices will vary by model and manufacturer.  Examine equipment for quality, noise, convenience, smoothness, and comfort. 

For patients with heart disease, high blood pressure or a family history of stroke would best be served by purchasing a blood pressure monitor for home use.. Daily measurements and documentation of the blood pressure readings will provide information to the physician that is instrumental in the treatment of their pressure.  I encourage patients to bring their home blood pressure monitoring equipment to their physician office to compare readings at each visit.  Prices will vary from $70.00 to greater than $200.00 per model. Models that have an arm cuff are more reliable than a finger cuff and compare closely to readings obtained in a healthcare physicality.

The heart rate is an index of the work of the heart.  Heart rate can be measured by palpating the pulse or with by wearing a Heart Rate Monitor.  For some people finding their pulse is very difficult, as well as counting when the heart is beating fast with exercise.  In addition, decrease sensation in the fingertips due to disease processes, like diabetes makes it difficult to palpate accurately.  Heart Rate Monitors are one way of calculating your heart rate without finding a pulse.  If you are beginning an exercise program or already engaged in a program, decide on what features you want or need. Some models will have features that have adjustable alarm limits, are water suitable, have detailed tracking of your exercise program and computer data bank of you exercise.  The most popular brand has a chest strap and  wrist watch without connecting wires.  Price range from $22.00 to $100.00.

Pedometers are an easy and economical way to start a walking programs.  These devices are clipped onto the waistband and count each step in an upward fashion.  Individual goals can be set daily, weekly and increased as exercise tolerance develops.   There is a 10,000-step program which walkers work up to 10,000 steps daily equally 5 miles per day.  This is a great form of motivation for any exerciser.  Price range from $15.00 to $30.00.

For more information, call the Baptist Heart and Vascular Institute at 859-260-5500.