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Manual
Blood Pressure Monitors Frequently Asked Questions
Can
I take a measurement during exercise?
Omron Blood Pressure Monitors are not intended for use during exercise
or activity. We recommend you avoid eating, smoking and exercising for
at least 30 minutes before taking a measurement. (Back to
Top)
Do I need to register my product to validate the
product warranty?
We request you register your product purchase. To register your product
purchase complete the warranty card enclosed in the box or register on-line.
Registration cards are not included with all models. You must register
your product within 10 days of the purchase date or provide the proof
of purchase with your unit for warranty services. We recommend you always
save the proof of purchase to validate your warranty. Simply tape or staple
the purchase receipt in the front page of your instruction manual for
safekeeping. (Back to Top)
How can I get a replacement instruction manual
for my Omron Blood Pressure Monitor?
You can download an instruction manual from our web site for the monitors
displayed on the site. Please use the feedback form for all other requests.
Instruction manuals are sent via US Mail. Please be sure to fill in your
complete address on the feedback form. We will contact you if the instruction
manual you requested is no longer available. (Back to Top)
How do I clean and protect my Omron Blood Pressure
monitor from damage and keep it in the best working condition?
Wipe the casing of the monitor clean using a soft dry cloth. Never use
any abrasive type cleaners or submerge the monitor or any of the components
in water. The cuff cannot be cleaned. After each use never fold the cuff
or the tubing tightly. Store the monitor in a safe, dry location. Do not
subject the unit to extreme hot or cold temperatures, humidity or direct
sunlight. Be careful not to subject the monitor to any strong shocks such
as dropping the unit on the floor. You should remove the batteries if
the unit will not be used for an extended period of time. Always operate
the unit following the directions provided in the instruction manual.
Use only authorized Omron parts and accessories. (Back to
Top)
How do I install the batteries in my Omron Blood
Pressuse Monitor?
Slide the battery cover off in the direction of the arrow shown on the
cover. Install the batteries making sure the positive and negative polarities
match the polarities shown in the battery compartment. Replace the battery
cover. When you need to replace the batteries in your unit, remove and
replace all of the batteries at the same time. We always recommend long-life
alkaline batteries for best performance. (Back to Top)
How do I know I am using the correct cuff size
with my Omron Blood Pressure Monitor?
We highly recommend, regardless of your weight, height or physical body
condition, you measure your arm circumference. If your arm size is 7 to
9 inches you need the small adult cuff, 9 to 13 inches is the standard
size adult cuff, and 13 to 17 inches is the large adult cuff. Each model
is approved for use with specified cuff sizes. When the wrong cuff size
is used you may get an inaccurate reading at your first measurement, or
after a short period of use because the cuff bladder is damaged. (Back
to Top)
How do I know if the arm cuff is wrapped too tight
or too loose?
If the cuff is wrapped too loose or too tight, you may get an inaccurate
reading or error message. We recommend you apply the cuff using the following
directions. First, make sure you have removed any tight-fitting clothing
from your left arm. Put your left arm through the cuff loop. The bottom
of the cuff should be about one-half inch above your elbow. Turn your
arm so your palm is facing up. Adjust the cuff around your arm so that
the tubing runs down the center of your arm. Secure the cuff so it stays
in place. You should be able to fit one finger between the cuff and your
arm. This space is imperative for an accurate reading. Omron's digital
blood pressure monitors use the oscillometric method of blood pressure
measurement that detects your bloods movement through your brachial
artery and converts the movements into a digital reading. (Back
to Top)
How do I measure my arm circumference?
Its easy to determine your correct cuff size by measuring the circumference
of your left arm with a cloth tape measure. Place the tape measure in
the middle of your upper arm between your elbow and your shoulder. If
your arm size is 7 to 9 inches you need the small adult cuff, 9 to 13
inches is the standard size adult cuff, and 13 to 17 inches is the large
adult cuff. Each model is approved for use with specified cuff sizes.
(Back to Top)
How do you correctly apply the arm cuff?
First you will need to remove any tight-fitting clothing from your left
arm. Now you are ready to put your left arm through the cuff loop. The
bottom of the cuff should be about one-half inch above your elbow. Turn
your arm so your palm is facing up. Adjust the cuff around your arm so
that the tubing runs down the center of your arm. Secure the cuff so it
stays in place. You should be able to fit one finger between the cuff
and your arm. This space is very important. If you wrap the cuff too loose
or too tight you may get an inaccurate reading. (Back to
Top)
How often should my Omron Blood Pressure monitor
be calibrated?
Under normal use we recommend you check the calibration of your unit 5
years from the date of purchase. If you use your unit 5 times a day or
more have the calibration of the unit checked annually. You must send
your unit to the repair department at Omron Healthcare for this service.
When an individual situation occurs that may have damaged the unit such
as; dropping the unit on the floor, spilling water on the unit, or exposing
the unit to an extreme temperature change the unit should be inspected
by the repair department. (Back to Top)
Recently my readings seem different. How can
I assure that my monitor is still working correctly?
Determine if the cuff you are using with your monitor is still the correct
size you need. Take an average reading of three measurements. Wait a minimum
of five minutes between each measurement. You may need to increase the
wait time depending on your individual physical characteristics. Your
physician or healthcare provider can check the reading by taking a comparison
reading. Make sure the first reading is taken with your home monitor because
of the different measurement methods used. Send your unit to the repair
department at Omron Healthcare for service. Please make sure you review
your warranty information and enclose a note with your unit. (Back
to Top)
What are the standard Blood Pressure Classifications?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Society of Hypertension
(ISH) jointly developed the following blood pressure classification. This
classification, however, this is only a general guideline because your
optimum blood pressure depends on your age, morbidity, and treatment strategy
by a physician. Consult your physician to determine your optimum blood
pressure.(Back to Top)
| |
Systolic
(mm Hg) |
Diastolic
(mm Hg) |
| Optimal
|
Less
than 120 |
Less
than 80 |
| Normal
|
Less
than 130 |
Less
than 85 |
| High-Normal |
130 to 139
|
85
to 89 |
| |
|
|
|
Stage 1 Hypertension
|
(mild)
140 to 159
|
90
to 99 |
Stage
2 Hypertension (moderate)
|
160
to 179
|
100
to 109 |
| Stage
3 Hypertension (severe) |
180
or greater
|
110
or greater |
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood Pressure is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls
of the arteries. Your heart is like a pump. When it contracts, or beats,
it sends a surge of blood through the blood vessels and pressure increases.
This is called your systolic pressure. When your heart relaxes between
beats, your blood pressure decreases. This is called your diastolic pressure.
These two numbers provide important information about your health. When
blood pressure is consistently above normal it is called hypertension
(high blood pressure). (Back to Top)
What is IntelliSense®?
IntelliSense® is a registered trademark of Omron Healthcare, Inc,
and is the name of the advanced technology used in Omron's Blood Pressure
Monitors. Such technology includes: Optimum Inflation Level Setting (OILS)
which inflates the cuff to the ideal level with each use, and Electronic
Deflation Control (EDC) which deflates the cuff at the optimal speed to
allow shorter times between measurements. (Back to Top)
What is White Coat Hypertension?
White coat hypertension is defined as an increased blood pressure measurement
that results from various influences in the professional environment,
for example patient anxiety. (Back to Top)
What is the accuracy of Omrons Blood Pressure
Monitors?
All models of Omrons blood pressure monitors are clinically proven
accurate. Pressure is plus or minus three millimeters of mercury or two
percent of reading. Pulse is plus or minus five percent of reading. This
meets or exceeds the AAMI standards. AAMI is the Association for the Advancement
of Medical Instrumentation. (Back to Top)
What is the cause of the EE Error Indicator?
The most common error symbol that appears on the display panel is a EE
with a down arrow and two numerals. The reason for the EE Error Indicator
is generally caused because the cuff has been wrapped too loose. The cuff
was under-inflated during the measurement. This error will also display
if the cuff is worn and needs to be replaced. The EE symbol with a down
arrow indicates the cuff is over-inflated. In most instances the cuff
has been wrapped too tight or you are using the incorrect cuff size. Turn
the monitor off. Read the instructions to correctly apply the cuff. Wait
five to ten minutes then take another measurement. Error indicators vary
by model number. Symbols that display on your model are printed in the
instruction manual with the steps to correct the problem. (Back
to Top)
What method of blood pressure measurement is
used in Omron Blood Pressure Monitors?
Omron digital blood pressure monitors use the oscillometric method of
blood pressure measurement. This means the monitor detects your bloods
movement through your brachial artery and converts the movements into
a digital reading. An oscillometric monitor does not need a stethoscope
so the monitor is simple to use. (Back to Top)
What should I do before taking a measurement?
Make sure you always follow these steps before taking a measurement. For
at least 30 minutes prior to taking your measurement do not eat, smoke
or exercise. Rest comfortably in a relaxed environment for at least 15
minutes prior to taking your measurement. Don't take a measurement after
physical activities or during stressful times. Take the measurement in
a quiet place. (Back to Top)
When does the warranty period begin?
The warranty begins the day you purchased the unit. The warranty period
and conditions of the warranty for the unit are printed in your instruction
manual. We recommend you read all of this information. We recommend you
save the proof of purchase to validate your warranty. We suggest you simply
tape or staple the purchase receipt in the front page of your instruction
manual for safekeeping. (Back to Top)
Which type of Omron Blood Pressure Monitor should
I purchase?
Before purchasing your home blood pressure monitor ensure your satisfaction
by selecting the right monitor for you. The digital Manual Inflation Monitors
are the most affordable among the digital blood pressure monitors. This
type of monitor requires the user to squeeze the inflation bulb to fill
the cuff with air until you reach your correct inflation level. The cuff
deflates automatically and your measurements appear on a clear digital
display. If you have arthritis or any weakness in the hands you may find
it difficult to inflate the cuff. For greater convenience choose an Automatic
Inflation Blood Pressure Monitor. This type of monitor inflates at the
touch of a button. In seconds your blood pressure and pulse are alternately
displayed. Omron Automatic Inflation Blood Pressure Monitors have a wide
variety of features that include models with printers, memory functions,
high-speed measurement, and compact design. IntelliSense Technology offers
the advantage of personalized inflation. Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors
give you the portability of a wristwatch style blood pressure
monitor. Considering what type of monitor meets your needs is an important
decision. You may wish to consult with your physician regarding what type
of monitor is best for you. We recommend those persons with severe hypertension,
severe diabetes or severe arteriosclerosis consult their physician prior
to measure blood pressure at the wrist. (Back to Top)
Why is a wait time needed between measurements?
Taking a blood pressure measurement constricts the arteries. Waiting between
readings allows the arteries to return to the condition prior to taking
the blood pressure measurement. We generally recommend you wait five minutes
between readings. You may need to increase the wait time depending on
your individual physical characteristics. (Back to Top)
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