Blood Pressure
In many ways I yearn for the old days when my doctor checked my pulse and blood pressure himself. The smell of Old Spice and cigarettes combined with the comfort of his huge furry hands holding my wrist and looking at his watch gave an immediate sense of comfort.
In many cases automated equipment does as well or better than the old fashions manual methods. A Canadian group has recently validated another automated blood pressure monitor. Physicians must use caution when interpreting these results. All of these patients were ambulatory. The monitor has no track record for surgical or very ill patients.
It’s OK for patients to ask about the use of technology in thier health care. It’s your health take part and take charge.
