This comprehensive guide to the clinically validated A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor for remote patient monitoring (RPM) discusses how it connects to Tenovi’s Cellular Gateway. We also cover its role in managing hypertension, heart failure, and stroke prevention. In addition, we highlight key features and proper usage.
Recent research from Yale New Haven, published by the American Heart Association, identified substantial blood pressure variability between in-office visits. This data points out the limitations of episodic clinic assessments in managing hypertension. Utilizing a remote blood pressure monitoring device between office visits offers a better solution to control blood pressure fluctuations and enhance patient care.
The following sections describe how remote blood pressure monitoring is used to manage hypertension, heart failure, and stroke prevention.
Hypertension
Hypertension is among the most common chronic conditions. In fact, nearly half of the people living in the U.S. have high blood pressure. Remote blood pressure monitoring is a key advantage in managing hypertension. RPM allows patients to use blood pressure devices to measure blood pressure at home for regular monitoring.
A study published in Telemedicine and e-Health showed that after six months of monitoring hypertensive patients with remote blood pressure monitoring, the average mean arterial pressure decreased from 106 to 97. These improvements were seen regardless of how often patients were monitored.
Stroke
Hypertension increases the risk of developing other health conditions, such as stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) supports expanding access to evidence-based remote monitoring technologies to reduce stroke and other cardiovascular events. AHA reports that RPM could cut the rates of heart attacks and strokes by 50% compared to traditional monitoring practices.
The following section explores how remote blood pressure monitoring is being used for heart failure prevention.
Heart Failure
The U.S. has made advancements in treating heart failure with remote monitoring. Heart failure patients have a 50% risk of rehospitalization within six months of hospital admission. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed reduced hospital readmissions for high-risk cardiac patients.
The research compared two groups of patients at risk of a second heart attack. One group used home devices to monitor vital signs and access remote cardiology consultations. The other followed standard care procedures.
Results showed that telemedicine patients were 76% less likely to be readmitted to the hospital within six months and 41% less likely to visit the emergency department. After nine months, this group also demonstrated a 15% lower risk of repeat heart attacks, fewer unplanned cardiac procedures, and a lower stroke rate.
These findings suggest that remote monitoring could significantly alleviate pressure on healthcare systems and reduce waiting times in emergency and cardiology departments worldwide.
The following sections explain how the A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor works, its features, and how to measure it properly.
A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor Features
A&D Medical and Tenovi are committed to ensuring that patient blood pressure monitors are accurate, portable, and user-friendly. Since 1977, A&D Medical has manufactured and distributed a full line of advanced biometric monitoring solutions, including blood pressure monitors, weight scales, activity monitors, and other health monitoring devices for consumer and professional use.
Remote blood pressure monitoring helps physicians identify early complications and prompt treatment between visits. It measures and displays systolic, diastolic, and heart rates.
According to the American Heart Association, any systolic reading above 130 mmHg is considered hypertensive, and any diastolic reading above 80 mmHg is considered hypertensive. The top number is the systolic blood pressure measurement, which indicates pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. In comparison, the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure measurement, which shows the amount of pressure in between heartbeats.
A&D’s RPM Blood Pressure Monitor is an RPM device with industry-leading accuracy. It also works right out of the box, eliminating the hassle of device setup. Below are key features of the A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor.
- Clinically validated: learn more about the clinical validation difference.
- Accuracy and range: Blood pressure: +/- 3 mmHg; Pulse: +/- 5%.
- Test time of 4 seconds
- Contents include a tabletop monitor, a cuff, and 4 AA batteries.
How Does Remote BPM Work?
The Tenovi Cellular Gateway powers the A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor. Patients connect the Tenovi Cellular Gateway one time and then take daily blood pressure measurements. An LED ring on the Gateway turns red every morning to remind patients to take a measurement. The A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor automatically transmits data wirelessly to the Tenovi cloud. The LED ring turns green to let the patient know the measurement was successfully sent. Through Tenovi’s advanced system integrations, physicians can view the measurements in the Tenovi dashboard or their own RPM platform.
How to Use the A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor
To use the A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor, wrap the cuff around the upper arm (ensure the cuff is on bare skin, not clothing) and press the middle button. The cuff will inflate, measure blood pressure, and automatically send the data to the RPM platform.
A&D suggested the following tips for taking your measurement:
- Place the cuff around your upper arm, even with your heart.
- Your hand should rest on the table, palm up.
- Sit straight, legs uncrossed, feet flat.
- Press start. Remain still and quiet during measurement.
Please see the A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor Quick Start Guide for further assistance.
Tenovi Technical Support
Remote patient monitoring devices can improve the quality of care for patients with chronic conditions but also require proper guidance and support. That’s why Tenovi offers a HIPAA-compliant technical support team that helps patients and providers get started with the RPM technology and troubleshoot any issues.
Tenovi’s technical support associates are trained to provide clear and friendly instructions on how to use RPM devices and access the Tenovi RPM platform. By providing this level of support, Tenovi reduces the workload and stress for healthcare providers and enhances the patient experience.
If you want to learn more about how Tenovi can help you deliver better care with remote patient monitoring, please schedule a free demo and consultation with us today.
