There are five heart disease risk factors you need to know – blood pressure is one of them. But you can lessen or prevent the effects of heart disease by staying informed about your body and measuring your blood pressure at home. A blood pressure measurement is taken by temporarily stopping the flow of blood in an artery and then listening for the sound of the blood beginning to flow through the artery again as air is released from the cuff. There are two general types of blood pressure monitors available – manual and automatic. Manual ones include an arm cuff, a squeeze bulb to inflate the cuff, a stethoscope, and a gauge to measure the pressure. Automatic blood pressure monitors use a microphone to detect blood pulsing in the artery. The cuff, which is attached to your wrist or upper arm, is connected to a digital monitor that automatically inflates and deflates the cuff when you press the start button. Here you can find some of the most recommendable models.