Combination of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring & Doctor Visits Keeps the Numbers You Need to Know in Check

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent research review has concluded that home blood pressure monitors can help people keep their blood pressure in check and possibly cut down on medication – as long as patients and their doctors put those home readings to good use(1). For years, Omron Healthcare, Inc. has reminded Americans how important home blood pressure monitoring is when it comes to reducing their risk of a heart attack or stroke, and truly wants people to take the news to heart in 2011.

"Studies have proven that monitoring blood pressure not only in the doctor's office, but also at home, is vital to reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure," said Ranndy Kellogg, Omron Healthcare vice president of marketing and product development. "With February being American Heart Month, it's the perfect time to keep your heart health top-of-mind and take a step in monitoring your own health with a home blood pressure monitor."

In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends people with high blood pressure should purchase an accurate monitor and take regular readings at home(2).  With a home monitor, blood pressure readings are made easier and can be used in tandem with those from the doctor's office.  In short, a combination of proper readings at home and in the doctor's office can successfully manage high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Doesn't Affect Me, Right?

It is estimated that heart disease costs around $300 billion in the United States when you factor in medicines, surgeries, health care services and loss in productivity(3). Once more, high blood pressure affects nearly one in three adults in the U.S., or more than 73 million people(4). The AHA has dedicated the entire month of February to shedding light on heart health in an effort to draw more attention to the many ways Americans can take preventative measures to protect their hearts.

Understanding Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

While home blood pressure monitoring sounds easy enough, Dr. Rajiv Agarwal of Indiana University's School of Medicine has likened blood pressure monitors to exercise treadmills.  He notes that while, "people may buy them with good intentions, how they use them is what matters(5)." Omron Healthcare has been committed to developing not only validated monitors, but monitors that fit all lifestyles, and this is especially important for people searching for a monitor they can easily use.

Omron has developed a new classification system called the Series (3, 5, 7 and 10) which further details what benefits the product will provide.  The Series is divided into four different categories which feature both upper arm and wrist blood pressure monitors throughout:  Quick and Easy (3 Series, 5 Series), Precision and Comfort (7 Series), Advanced Features and Information (10 Series), and Convenient and Portable (3 Series Wrist, 7 Series Wrist).

Advanced monitors in the latest Series include innovative technology featuring:

• Calibration Check – Dual sensors which automatically double check each blood pressure reading, providing added reassurance that every reading is accurate
• Cuff Wrap Guide – A visual indicator confirms the cuff has been wrapped correctly on your arm.  The blood pressure monitor will not continue with a reading until the cuff is wrapped securely
• Heart Guide Technology – This feature is found exclusively on the Omron wrist blood pressure monitors.  The feature ensures an accurate reading every time by utilizing a unique positioning sensor that automatically confirms the cuff is level with the user's heart.  

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Made Easy

The best way to keep track of your blood pressure accurately is regularly monitoring between doctor's visits, and now Omron is making it easier than ever to do just that. With the Omron Blood Pressure Desktop Tracker application (available in February 2011 to download at www.TrustYourHeartToOmron.com) consumers can take multiple blood pressure readings, set reminders for when to check their blood pressure, store their readings in reports, and easily send their readings via email to their physician or family members.

For more information on Omron home blood pressure monitors, visit www.TrustYourHeartToOmron.com. You can also "Like" Omron on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/OmronHomeBP, or follow @OmronHomeBP on Twitter for current trends and new product information.

About Omron Healthcare, Inc.

Omron Healthcare, Inc., located in Bannockburn, IL, is the North and South American sales and marketing office of Omron Healthcare Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of blood pressure monitors for home use. With more than 100 million monitors sold worldwide to date, Omron Healthcare Group was the first to introduce manual and digital blood pressure monitors into the home healthcare market. Omron Healthcare offers innovative products and medical devices for use in sites ranging from hospitals to the home in the blood pressure monitoring, fitness diagnostics, thermometry, and respiratory categories. Omron Healthcare markets clinically proven products that provide accurate health information to consumers and physicians and support positive lifestyle changes and health improvement. For more information, visit www.omronhealthcare.com.

SOURCE Omron Healthcare, Inc.