Omron Health Care BP785 Series 10 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor

Q: What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. The heart functions as a pump to the body, therefore, when it contracts with its beat it sends a surge of blood through the blood vessels and the pressure increases. This surge in pressure is also known as systolic pressure. The subsequent decrease in blood pressure between contractions is known as diastolic pressure. These two readings provide important indicators about one's health. Blood pressure which is consistently above average is referred to as hypertension.

Q: What is White Coat Hypertension?

White Coat Hypertension refers to high blood pressure which is acute, for instance, an inconsistent measurement as a result of various factors such as stress, anxiety or other environmental factors.

Q: What should I do before checking my blood pressure?

Always test your left arm. It is best if your legs are supported as opposed to dangling. Relax in this position 15 minutes before your measurement for the most precise results.

It is also important to note that your posture during a blood pressure measurement is a crucial factor. Sit in a location where you may comfortably support your back. If possible, rest your left arm on a platform which allows your elbow to remain on the same level as your heart for the duration of the measurement.

Before monitoring your blood pressure it is important to realize that several factors in everyday life may influence your blood pressure reading.

The most important period of time to be aware of is 30 minutes before a blood pressure measurement is attempted. During this period of time it is important to avoid eating, drinking alcohol, drinking caffeinated beverages, exercising or smoking. These factors trigger variations in an individual's heart rate which will yield inaccurate results.

If possible, relax in a comfortable, quiet environment at least 15 minutes prior to attempting a blood pressure measurement. Small details have the ability to influence blood pressure measurements; for instance, do not talk while attempting a blood pressure measurement.

Avoid measuring your blood pressure during times of mental or physical stress; these factors will cause a change in your natural heart rate.

Q: What factors cause blood pressure readings to vary?

Several different factors can be attributed to variations in blood pressure measurement. The most notable factors include the time of day a measurement is taken, amount of physical activity before the test, levels of stress in the subject, body position while test is in progress and even which arm the measurement is taken on. The user must avoid drinking alcohol, drinking caffeinated beverages, smoking, and exercise at least 30 minutes before the test is performed. It is important to note that the readouts given by a digital monitor may vary from those given by a healthcare provider. These differences arise from comparative levels in anxiety, noise, bodily movement and also the methods by which blood pressure readings are recorded. The Omron Home Blood Pressure Monitor measures the vibration or movement of blood through the arteries and converts that movement into a digital readout. This digital monitor constricts the artery and does not allow it to return to its condition prior to the measurement, in turn causing a variation in readings between the Omron Blood Pressure Unit and the device used by the healthcare provider. This is why a wait time of five to ten minutes between tests provides the most accurate results.

Q: How do I select an Omron Blood Pressure Monitor which is most suitable for my needs?

The wide variety of blood pressure monitors offered by Omron allows for convenience in virtually all applications. The most cost-effective type of blood pressure monitor offered by Omron is the Digital Manual Inflation system. These monitors require the user to manually inflate the cuff with a rubber bulb until the correct inflation level is reached. The cuff deflates automatically and a digital readout is provided on the monitor's screen. For individuals with arthritis or weakness of the hands, a fully automatic blood pressure monitor may be recommended. These monitors inflate with the touch of a button and in seconds your blood pressure and pulse readings will be displayed in front of you. The list of available features with Omron Automatic Inflation Blood Pressure Monitors includes models with printers, memory functions, high-speed measurement and compact designs such as the portable "wristwatch" style, allowing for on-the-go measurements. Omron's exclusive Intellisense Technology offers the advantage of personalized inflation levels making routine blood pressure tests convenient and comfortable.

Q: How can I tell if the arm cuff is too tight or too loose?

A proper cuff fitting is necessary for an accurate blood pressure reading. To ensure a proper fit the user must first select a properly sized cuff. In order to properly select a cuff you must measure the circumference of your arm with a cloth tape. Be sure to measure the circumference of your arm halfway in between your elbow and shoulder. Do not pull the tape tight and be sure to note the precise measurement in inches. The D-Ring cuff sizing is as follows: Small adult cuff fits arm sizes 7.0 to 9.0 inches. Standard adult cuff fits arm sizes 9.0 to 13 inches. Large adult cuff fits arm sizes 13.0 to 17.0 inches. An additional cuff is offered to accomodate arm sizes 9.0 to 17.0 inches and is known as the Comfit Cuff. When the correct cuff has been selected it is recommended that the following directions be followed in placing the cuff. 1. Make sure you have removed any tight fitting clothing from your left arm. 2. Put your left arm through the cuff loop. The bottom of the cuff should be about one-half inch above your elbow. 3. Turn your arm so your palm is facing upward. 4. Adjust the cuff around your arm so that the tubing runs down the center of your arm. 5. Secure the cuff so that it stays in place. You should be able to place one finger in between the cuff and your arm; a crucial detail to an accurate reading. It is important to note that the periodic replacement of the cuff will be necessary when indicated by the monitor, however, the warranty coverage for the wrist or arm cuff on most models is one year after the date of purchase.

Q: What method of blood pressure measurement is used in Omron Blood Pressure Monitors?

Omron's Digital Blood Pressure Monitors use the oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement which detects your blood's movement through your brachial artery and converts the movement into a digital reading. This method differs from a healthcare provider's approach which is known as auscultation where a stethoscope is used to record blood pressure by listening to the Korotkoff sounds which correspond to systolic and diastolic pressures. Oscillometric technology measures the vibration of the blood traveling through the arteries and converts the movement into digital readings. Taking a blood pressure measurement constricts the arteries which is why a wait time of five to ten minutes is necessary in allowing the arteries to return to their condition before the blood pressure reading was taken. The oscillometric method of recording blood pressure found in Omron Blood Pressure Monitors is simple to use and does not require a stethoscope.

Q: How accurate are Omron Blood Pressure Monitors?

All blood pressure monitors offered by Omron are clinically verified for accuracy. Blood pressure readings produced by Omron Monitors are proven to be within three millimeters of mercury or two percent of the reading. Digital readouts for pulse are accurate within five percent, plus or minus. These tolerances meet or exceed the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentations' standards for accuracy.

Q: How often do Omron Blood Pressure Monitors require calibration?

With normal use, it is recommended that all Omron Blood Pressure Monitors be checked for calibration five years after the date of calibration. If your Omron Blood Pressure Monitor is used five times a day or more it is necessary to have the calibration checked annually. To maintain your blood pressure monitor's accurate calibration you must send your unit to the repair department at Omron Healthcare for this service.

Q: What is the cause of the EE Error indicator on my blood pressure monitor?

The most common error message displayed by Omron Blood Pressure Monitors appears on the display panel as an "EE with a down arrow and two numerals." This indicator typically appears because the cuff has been wrapped too loose. As a result, the cuff has been under-inflated during the test and will not produce a useful measurement. The error message is also capable of indicating a worn cuff which needs to be replaced. If the Omron Blood Pressure Monitor displays "EE with a down arrow" this means that the cuff has been over-inflated. Under most circumstances this indicates a cuff which has been wrapped too tightly or is an improper fit. If an error message has been indicated, turn off the blood pressure monitor, read the instructions to properly fit and wrap the cuff, then wait five to ten minutes before taking another measurement. Error messages will vary with model number. Symbols displayed by your Omron Monitor are printed in the instruction manual with proper steps to correct the problems.

Q: What can I do to keep my Omron Blood pressure Monitor clean and in proper working order?

Proper maintenance and protection are essential to the longevity of your Omron Blood Pressure Monitor. To clean your unit, wipe the casing of the monitor with a clean, dry cloth. It is important to avoid any abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals during this process. Do not submerge your digital blood pressure monitor or any of its components in water. The cuff cannot be cleaned, therefore it is critical to keep this item in a clean, dry location. The monitor must be stored in a clean and dry location as well, but it is also necessary to keep this unit from extreme temperatures and humidity as well as direct sunlight. Although Omron Blood Pressure Monitors are designed to withstand normal use, be careful to avoid shock and impacts such as dropping the unit on the floor. If, by chance, your Omron Blood Pressure Monitor is subjected to a harsh impact, water damage, or extreme temperatures it is important that the unit be inspected by the Omron Healthcare repair department.

Q: How can I locate replacement manuals and information regarding software for my Omron Blood Pressure Monitor?

You may visit Omron's Healthcare Software Support Center at www.software.omronhealthcare.com or order a manual by using the feedback form for any and all other requests. Instruction manuals will be sent via U.S. Mail. Please make sure to fill in your complete address on the feedback form. If the manual you have requested is no longer available Omron will contact you.

Q: How do I install the batteries in my Omron Blood Pressure Monitor?

In order to install or replace the batteries in your Omron Blood Pressure Monitor, first silde the battery cover off in the direction the arrow points. Install the batteries making sure the positive and negative polarities match the polarities shown in the battery compartment. When it is necessary to replace your batteries make sure to remove and replace all of the batteries in your unit at the same time. We always recommend long-life alkaline batteries for best performance.

Q: Is registering my Omron Blood Pressure Monitor neccesary to validate product warranty?

Yes, registering your Omron Blood Pressure Monitor is necessary for warranty validation. The warranty begins the day you purchased the unit. To register your product for warranty validation complete the warranty card enclosed in the box or register online with Omron's website. Registration cards are not provided with all Omron models. You must register your product within 10 days of the purchase date or provide proof of purchase with your unit for warranty services. Omron recommends retaining your proof of purchase to validate your warranty. It is best to keep the proof of purchase in a readily accessible spot, for instance, stapled to the inside cover of the manual.