First home blood pressure monitor to detect and accurately flag
irregular heart beat
3 March 2005
TAMPA, Fla., USA. Microlife USA today announced the launch of its new
upper arm blood pressure monitor (model BP-3BTO-AP), the first home blood
pressure monitor to detect the appearance irregular heartbeat and notify the
user of the irregularity with a warning signal and special icon.
The monitor, an FDA cleared device, will be launched at the American
College of Cardiology meeting in Orlando March 6 - 9. Until now,
technologies have not been able to differentiate between measurement
artifacts (such as muscular movement) and the incident of irregular
heartbeat.
Microlife USA is the world leader in the development and manufacturing of
medical diagnostic equipment such as blood pressure monitors, digital
thermometers and peak flow meters. Its patented irregular heartbeat
technology is available in two different models of its blood pressure
monitors. Both models (3AC1-AP & 3AC1-PC) have PC download capability and
one includes Microlife's PC Link software. Several major retailers are
expected to have these new monitors on their shelves in the coming weeks.
Units are available immediately by calling Microlife at a special toll free
number (800-905-9499) or by visiting the Microlife website at
http://www.microlifeusa.com.
Irregular heartbeat can indicate coronary heart disease or electrical
heart disease, which can go undetected early in their courses. Often
described as "fluttering" in the chest or a feeling that the heart is
"skipping a beat", these are signs of arrhythmia, or abnormal or irregular
heartbeat.
According to the American Heart Association, millions of people have them
each year, and many of them are harmless. However, some arrhythmias can be
life-threatening, and early diagnosis and management are the best ways to
prevent serious problems.
"This technology marks a breakthrough in blood pressure measurement," said
James R. Mault, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon and Chief Medical Officer for
Microlife USA. "With this level of technology, patients can easily monitor
for an irregular heartbeat while they monitor their blood pressure and the
device will store the data on the episodes automatically so that they can
share them with their doctor. The doctor can intervene, if necessary, and
often treat conditions early in their course, possibly preventing long term
damage to the heart."
All of Microlife's blood pressure monitors contain the same base
technology and algorithm that allows patients to measure their blood
pressure at home with the same level of accuracy that hospital professionals
depend on.
Microlife's upper arm units have received a "A/A" rating from independent
investigators vs. the British Hypertension Society (BHS) protocol, the
highest grading bestowed. The BHS grading system is recognized by American
Heart Association, AAMI, American Society of Hypertension, as the gold
standard by which the medical community establishes accuracy standards.
These special irregular heartbeat blood pressure monitors also contain
patented Microlife's Average Mode technology (MAM) that allows patients to
make up to three consecutive blood pressure measurements automatically, to
insure the most accurate measurement. Most doctors routinely perform two or
three consecutive blood pressure measurements on their patients, according
to a recent survey of top cardiologists at the American College of
Cardiology meeting.
The recently released American Heart Association Scientific statement
recommends 2 or more measurements and averaging the results. "Microlife is
pleased to offer this level of technology in a simple, accurate and
affordable blood pressure monitor," said Dr. Mault. "There is increasing
evidence that it is imperative that patients monitor their blood pressure at
home in between visits to their doctor. This device will raise the bar for
all blood pressure monitors and will change the standard that medical
experts will recommend for their patients."
Microlife blood pressure monitors with automatic averaging of three
readings (Microlife Average Mode) are available at CVS pharmacies nationwide
in a wrist or upper arm type monitor.
For more information, visit
http://www.microlifeusa.com.
Source: Microlife USA
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