Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the wall of the arteries.
It results from two forces. One is created by the heart and the other is the force of the arteries.

High blood pressure number is often a stronger indicator of how at risk you may be for heart attack, stroke or other damage. One can measure the blood pressure in two different manners. That is, using the cuff or by measuring it digitally.

The cuff is the most common way of measuring blood pressure. It is wrapped around the upper arm and a tube connects the cuff to a reservoir of mercury at the bottom of a vertical glass tube. The mercury goes up with a heart beat and comes down, when the heart is resting between the beats.

But, now you can go the digital way. Digital device gives you true and accurate blood pressure readings. They are very easy to use and allow to measure blood pressure at home without having any assistance from anyone.

Some digital monitors' cuffs need to be manually inflated and some work automatically. They have in-built LCD screen that displays the reading.

Some of the new and technically sound and advanced devices to measure blood pressure are: Aneroid Sphygmomanometer, Mercury Sphygmomanometer, Semi-automated device, automated device, Finger device, Wrist device.

To own a monitor is worthwhile, as it enables a person to keep a constant watch about the change in the blood pressure level. As already indicated, the number and types of monitors available in the market are many.

Blood pressure monitor costing as low as $25 to the costly ones ranging up to $300 are easily available. They are manual, electric as well as battery operated. The costly ones have many features as well.

Some models inflate automatically, some need to be manipulated manually. Most of the blood pressure monitors display pulse rate as well as blood pressure reading.

Just because you have the monitor, don't make a chronic habit of taking the reading now and then. Have a fixed time table and a regular chart to note down the blood pressure readings.