If you have high blood pressure, you may not feel any symptoms. However, it’s important to keep track of your numbers at home. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. Instead of travelling to a therapist’s office, you may save money and time by purchasing a blood pressure monitor for yourself so that you can take your own readings at home.
Self-monitoring of blood pressure can help in the early diagnosis of high blood pressure, allowing for treatment before it can progress to more serious disease.
There are many different types of blood pressure monitors available. Some people prefer a digital blood pressure monitor, while others prefer an analog (manual) model. Some monitors additionally provide comments on unusual readings or on-screen instructions for taking a proper reading.There are also blood pressure monitors that you can wear on your wrist or upper arm.
No matter which type of blood pressure monitor you choose, it’s important to make sure that it is accurate. Consider our selection of best and make your choice.
OMRON EVOLV Automatic Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure monitor for home use
Omron blood pressure monitors have a solid reputation for being the best in their class. Omron is a Japanese firm that was established in 1933 as a subsidiary of Omron Healthcare.
The Omron Evolv Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor drew my interest for its sleekness and modern design. Furthermore, it was a huge time-saver to not have to deal with any complicated tubes or cables. The Omron EVOLV uses the latest technology to provide accurate readings. The curved cuff may be put on your arm without assistance. Then, just with the press of a single button, you’ll have your results shown on the device itself.
The Omron Evolv Wireless is equipped with an advanced sensor that automatically inflates and deflates the cuff to the proper level. The monitor also features a built-in heart rate sensor that takes your pulse while you are taking your blood pressure. As an added bonus, Omron Evolv can detect irregular heartbeat.
The Omron Evolv utilises Bluetooth to establish a connection to a smartphone app, which then immediately logs each reading taken by the device. It is not possible to keep readings on the gadget itself, which is a great disappointment. However, because the Omron Connect App comes with a limitless amount of storage space, you will never need to worry about losing any of your data
We only wish to endorse the Evolv since it was the most accurate tubeless alternative we tried. Unlike many of the other choices we tried, this cuff inflates all the way around your arm. Thus, it is not essential to achieve a pinpoint location in order to provide the necessary brachial artery compression for a reliable reading.
Bottom line
If you need a tool that can do more than just display numbers, this is it. The unit’s small, all-in-one form factor makes it an ideal tool for you to keep track of your blood pressure wherever you go. The Omron Connect app allows you to save an infinite number of readings, keep tabs on trends, and share your data with loved ones or medical professionals.
A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor
The A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor makes use of the most recent, cutting-edge technology of the third generation, and it has an easy-to-use one-button operation that incorporates the benefit of automated fuzzy logic controlled inflation, as well as a function that detects irregular heart beats.
The blood pressure monitor is really straightforward to operate. The reading process may be initiated with the simple push of a button on the gadget. Within 30 seconds, you will receive both your reading and your pulse rate. There is an indication on the side that tells you your grade for high, which is a useful feature.
The product comes with a variety of additional functions, such as an abnormal heartbeat detection and a mechanism that allows for moderate inflation to ensure a comfortable fit. Because this blood pressure monitor has been clinically verified in accordance with the criteria established by the European Hypertension Society (ESH), the user may have faith in the results of the monitor’s measurements. The user is able to better regulate their management programme as a result of the average value feature of the saved data (which may store up to 30 readings), as well as the WHO Blood Pressure categorization indicator.
OMRON X4 Smart Automatic Blood Pressure monitor for home use
This small and smart device works off 4 batteries that come included in a set and enables you to get up to 1000 measurements before they need replacement. OMRON X4 comes with a large cuff to accommodate a range of arm sizes. And, the ease with which it can be used is perhaps its most remarkable quality. Press the start button as soon as the cuff is secured around your arm, and then wait for around a quarter of a minute for the readings of your blood pressure and heart rate to display on the screen.
It comes with a large LCD display which is very easy-to-read even by a senior user. Like all devices by Omron, this blood pressure monitor is very accurate and precise. Its range varies from 0 to 299 mmHg with an accuracy of ± 3mmHg. This is an excellent rate for any medical equipment. In order to provide users with more precise information on their health condition, these devices also feature additional indicators. If you notice that the Irregular Heartbeat indicator lights up, you will know that the measurement procedure hasn’t been done correctly and you need to take your blood pressure once again. In case you see the Hypertension Indicator blinking, you will know that your blood pressure is much higher than the norm and it’s time to take high blood pressure medication.
CAZON Blood Pressure Monitor
CAZON devices are designed with user’s comfort in mind. With respect to this blood pressure monitor, You get a large, well-readable LCD display and accurate reading. The readings include are the systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, pulse rate, date, time, and their conformity to the WHO standard. 90 reading memory for 2 people and the alert function are another features that add to the blood pressure monitor usability.
The width of the cuff is an important aspect to consider, for if the user’s arm is quite big, the standard cuff will simply not fit. Out of concern for a wide range of users, the manufacturer equipped the BP-100 with an adjustable cuff that comfortably fits arms from 22 cm to 42 cm, causing no discomfort. The included cable is long enough to allow the user to take a comfortable position on a chair with the arm being stretched and totally relaxed.
The accuracy rating of ± 3mmHg for blood pressure and ±5% for pulse readings bring this blood pressure monitor by Citizen on par with many other popular products by other brands. With such a device at hand, you won’t ever miss warning signs in your body and will be able to treat the problem when it is there.
OxiPro BP1 – NHS Supplied Blood Pressure Monitors
OxiPro Medical devices are famous for their user-friendly interfaces. This particular blood pressure hasn’t become an exception. On a big screen, you will see several indicators such as a current day, time, blood pressure, and pulse. All data are displayed in a big easy-to-read font, so the elderly can also clearly see it. The device is fully automatic and doesn’t require any manual adjustment. Once you put your arm in the cuff and press the button, it will do the job for you. The cuff is made of soft and pleasant-to-touch material and fits standard and large arms from 22 to 36 cm.
There are only one control buttons on the device – Start and Stop, so it will not be a problem to figure out how to use it. To the left of the device you’ll find the unique WHO Pressure Classification Indicator that will tell you about the slightest deviation of your readings from the norm.
The OxiPro BP1 blood pressure machine has room for two users, and each user can have a maximum of 99 records associated with their user profile. The average of your previous three readings is displayed here automatically. Users are able to effortlessly monitor their health, blood pressure, and heart rate with the OxiPro BP Machine. This tracking may be done according to the exact time and date. An excellent choice for blood pressure units that are intended for use in the home.
What Is a Blood Pressure Monitor?
To live a long, happy, and healthy life, it’s important to look after health. Unfortunately, though, heart-related problems are still an issue and are often the reason for early deaths. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, it’s time that you start keeping track of your blood pressure numbers. Blood pressure monitors are created exactly for this purpose. You will not need to go to your doctor’s office; the readings can be taken at home at any time when you feel relaxed. As they don’t require any prescription either, blood pressure monitors can be bought in any drug store. You only need to choose the one that fits your purposes better from our list of the best blood pressure monitors.
What Features to Consider Before Buying Blood Pressure Monitor
Types
There are two types of blood pressure monitors available: arm-cuff and wrist-cuff. Both are good for their own reasons. As a rule, arm cuff monitors are a bit heavier and require the correct fit on the arm. Wrist-cuff models, on the contrary, are quite lightweight, and therefore, more portable. The tradeoff, though, they are also usually less accurate. Therefore, when selecting between the two types, it’s important to decide which of the two will be easier and, what’s more important, more comfortable for you to use.
Functionality
Another thing you may want to consider when choosing from a variety of models is what other features except for the standard ones the device provides. They can be Bluetooth synchronization, multiple users memories, various indicators, etc. As it’s been mentioned, the correct fit on the arm (or the wrist) is very important for getting the accurate measurements; for this purpose, a lot of devices have sensors that inform users visually and audibly if the cuff hasn’t been positioned correctly.
Accuracy
Yet, the most important selection criterion is accuracy. If you keep getting the wrong results, the risk for a heart attack or stroke will be higher. Therefore, make sure that the device you buy isn’t faulted and shows accurate results. Also, it’s important to follow the recommendations given in instructions, fit the cuff at the right level, not move when taking a blood pressure, and relax. If everything is done correctly, your readings will be accurate.
Cuff Size Matters
Cuff size is very important when using an upper arm model. Too small of a cuff will give you a higher than accurate result. Too large of a cuff will give you a lower than accurate result. This is one reason that you find complaints about a unit being inaccurate for some, while the vast majority of users got good results. Proper fit is crucial. Look at the recommended arm size for each monitor before making your decision. Some units give you the opportunity to order extra cuffs in different sizes to accommodate multiple users.
Ease of Use of Wrist Models and Upper Arm Models
Many people opt for a wrist blood pressure monitor because it is simpler to use. You don’t need to remove any heavy articles of clothing, like your favorite bulky wintertime sweater. They are also easier to bring with you when traveling or just out for the day. Many are small enough to fit in a purse or desk drawer.
Upper arm blood pressure monitors (especially automatic ones) are also easy to use. Some users feel that knowing that they tend to be more accurate makes up for the little inconveniences, which are quite easy to overcome. Some people like to keep an upper arm model at home and travel with a wrist unit. That also gives you the opportunity to compare the results of both types of machines.
Automatic Verses Manual Upper Arm Monitors
An automatic model inflates, well… automatically. A manual model requires you to work a small handheld pump in order to inflate it. This can be awkward, leading to both false results and a higher blood pressure due to the added stress. We do not advocate buying a manual monitor for this reason, but since some people prefer them due to the lower cost and less chance of mechanical failure, we have included them in our reviews.
Easy To Read Display
It is imperative that you are able to easily see the results. For some, the smaller readout screen on a wrist blood pressure monitor can present problems. This is one area where the reviews can certainly help you. If many people have trouble reading a screen on a particular model and you have less than stellar eyesight, don’t buy that blood pressure monitor.
Memory and Reporting
Different models store different information. We have included those stats in the overview. Machines range from simple, with no memory storage, to advanced models, that have unlimited memory storage and tons of available charts and graphs. This is clearly an area of personal preference; think about what type of reporting and storage is important to you before looking at the blood pressure monitors.
Irregular Heartbeat Monitoring
There are blood pressure monitors designed specifically for those with irregular heartbeats. These monitors will not only alert you if they detect an irregular heartbeat, they will also compensate for the heartbeat, ensuring it does not affect your blood pressure reading. If an irregular heartbeat is a concern for you, consider one of these monitors
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it normal for my blood pressure to fluctuate?
A: Blood pressure changes throughout the day and night, it is normal. Many factors, such as stress levels, food or drink intake, and your activity levels affect the measurements and that’s why the blood pressure varies minute by minute.
Q: Does the cuff size matter?
A: Using the right cuff size is crucially important as it guarantees accurate and consistent readings. Studies show that a too small cuff causes an increase in systolic blood pressure readings.
Q: How can I measure my upper arm circumference?
A: You should use a cloth tape measure for this purpose. Place it midway between the elbow and shoulder and wrap it around your upper arm not pulling the tape too tightly. Write down the measurements and compare them to those provided by manufacturers.
Q: Why do I get inaccurate readings?
A: Maybe you are using the wrong cuff size or fix it incorrectly on your arm. We recommend you to rest for 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure and wrap a cuff over the bare skin but not over clothing.
Q: Why do I obtain blood pressure readings that are higher than expected?
A: Mood, the time of day, activities all influence blood pressure. But there are some factors that cause temporary deviations in the readings. Coffee and alcohol consumption, as well as smoking, can cause your blood pressure fluctuate between 5 and 40 mmHg. Exactly the same applies to talking, crossing your legs and taking the measurements with a full bladder or with your arms, feet, and back unsupported.
Q: Should I take a blood pressure reading on the right or left arm?
A: Blood pressure differs by a few points between arms, although this number shouldn’t vary enormously and be more than 10 points. This could indicate a serious problem. The left arm is preferred because of its close proximity to the heart so it shows truer numbers. The right arm is used for doing a blood pressure when the left arm is injured.
Q: Which number is more important, systolic or diastolic?
A: Generally, systolic blood pressure is given more attention to as it may be the indicative of various cardiovascular diseases. However, your systolic pressure will rise with the age as you arteries would become stiffer. Every person from age 40 to 89 should do a blood pressure to be aware of the slightest changes in the readings, as every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic increase the risk of death.
Q: Why blood pressure is measured in mm Hg?
A: The mm Hg is the abbreviation that means millimetres of mercury. The first sphygmomanometers were invented in the 18 century and they contained mercury. Their use has been banned in the 21 century since mercury is a toxic element. However, this unit of measurement is used as the standard one in medicine thus far.