Is It Important To Watch Your Blood Pressure
While you should monitor your blood pressure to watch for signs of hypertension, doing so too frequently can actually exacerbate the problem by causing anxiety and raising your blood pressure.
Home blood pressure monitors can be easy to use and inexpensive. According to Harvard Medical School, people watching their pressure at home should ask their doctor for their recommendations on frequency — whether this is once a week or once a month — and note that the best time to perform a check is early in the morning.
What Is The Best Way To Track Heart Rate
The best way to track your heart rate is with a chest strap heart rate monitor, because this type of monitor provides the most accurate results .
You can also use a wearable device such as an armband, smartwatch, or wrist fitness tracker. Other options include earphones, exercise machines, and blood pressure machines.
While you can manually measure your heart rate by taking your pulse, a wearable device will provide more accurate results and allow you to track your heart rate over a set period or during an activity.
Some devices provide additional metrics that give you valuable insight into your heart health, fitness level, and overall health.
What Do Other Reviews Say
An important part of any BPM review is to consider the feedback from other people who have bought and used the device in their own home.
How easy was it to take a reading? Did they have a good experience with customer service? Was the reading accurate, and how comfortable was the cuff?
But reading through hundreds or even thousands of reviews can be time consuming.
Thats why we did the leg work for you.
Listed below youll find a summary of the pros and cons for the Vive Precision Upper Arm BPM, based on direct customer feedback.
Pros:
- Easy to use thanks to clear instructions and intuitive button options
- Ability to store blood pressure readings for two people
- Strong velcro keeps the cuff secure until the reading is complete
- Powered by batteries, rechargeable batteries, or an AC adapter
- Clearly backlit screen helps you view your blood pressure results in low light
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport if needed
- Excellent customer service from Vive follow up email containing user manual, quick setup tips, and to ensure customers received it ok
- Automatically stores a large number of readings in memory, complete with date and time
Cons:
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What Are The Dangers Of High Blood Pressure
You may have heard high blood pressure be described as the silent killer, and this is a pretty accurate description. It is very dangerous to have high blood pressure, even though it doesnt usually cause you any symptoms. Having high blood pressure over time can significantly increase your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. This is why it is important to check your blood pressure, even when you are feeling well.
Best For A Lightweight Watch: Garmin Forerunner 45s
The Garmin Forerunner 45S provides continuous heart rate monitoring. The manufacturer states that this lightweight and water-resistant watch features built-in GPS and compatibility with Garmin Coach.
The battery lasts 13 hours during exercise mode or 7 days in normal mode. It has 80 hours of memory to store data. Additionally, the watch weighs only 32-36 grams.
There is also a smart tracking option to send a users location with emergency contacts. A person can also receive their phone notifications on this watch.
Price: The Garmin Forerunner 45S is available online for $199.99.
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Systolic More Than 130
With a systolic reading of more than 130 mm Hg or a diastolic reading of more than 80 mm Hg, youre experiencing hypertension, and your doctor will determine a treatment plan.
Always contact your doctor if youre worried about blood pressure results. For more information about high blood pressure, check out this article.
Systolic more than 180 or diastolic more than 120?
If the systolic number of your blood pressure reading is more than 180 mm Hg or the diastolic number is more than 120 mm Hg, seek immediate medical attention, particularly if you have symptoms like headache, arm pain, or blurred vision.
Fenix 7x Sapphire Solar Edition Outdoor Watch
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How We Chose The Best Blood Pressure Watches
We chose the blood pressure monitor watches on this list because users indicate they provide accurate or near-accurate results. They come from transparent manufacturers who dont make unfounded claims. We read scores of consumer reviews on multiple websites and researched each companys background and reputation.
Breakthrough Innovation On Your Wrist
Stay Within a Healthy RangeTake clinically accurate blood pressure readings with OMRON premier precision-testing technology.
Monitor High Blood PressureIf outside a healthy range, plan to contact your doctor if readings deviate from acceptable levels.
Track Fitness Set goals and monitor your daily physical activity to achieve a more active lifestyle.
Monitor Sleep Patterns Wear HeartGuide to bed to track your sleep patterns and analyze how your sleep habits affect your heart health.
Stay Connected Use HeartGuide to set personal daily reminders and get notifications when you receive calls, texts or emails on your smartphone.
- General Manager, Lighting Designers
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
“HeartGuide has made me conscious of my health and weight as well as my sleep patterns. My doctor said I needed to lose weight, stop smoking, drink moderately. Now I walk five miles a day, track my sleep and take my blood pressure 8 to 10 times a day. You dont always remember where you started and cant always see your progress. HeartGuide let me see it in black and white. Its a good thing.”
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Automatic Blood Pressure Monitors
There are many automatic blood pressure monitors on the market. Monitors can measure blood pressure at the upper arm, wrist, or finger, depending on the model. Automatic arm blood pressure monitors have a cuff that wraps around the upper arm. The American Heart Association recommends the use of automatic cuff-style upper arm monitors to keep track of blood pressure at home. Monitors that wrap around the wrist or finger to measure blood pressure aren’t recommended because they deliver less reliable results. People who cannot wear a cuff around their arms due to sizing issues or discomfort should ask their doctor about other blood pressure monitor options.
Best For Menstrual Health Tracking: Fitbit Charge 4
Although the Fitbit Charge 4 classifies as a tracker, people wear it on the wrist as a watch. It features GPS connectivity, sleep tracking, and 24-hour heart monitoring. The device also connects to the Fitbit app via phone, tablet, or computer.
This tracker monitors several health metrics, such as heart rate, steps taken, and a persons menstrual cycle.
The battery lasts up to 7 days, while the watch features secure contactless payment technology. This means a person can pay for items with the device without needing to take out a bank card or cash.
Price: The Fitbit Charge 4 is available on Amazon with a list price of $149.95.
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Why Trust Verywell Health
Christina Oehler is the commerce editor for Verywell Health and has an RYT-200 Certification. She previously worked as an assistant editor for Health magazine. While testing blood pressure monitors at The Lab, she focused on the integrity of the test and created a methodology that helped thoroughly review the products through the eyes of a buyer. Christina conducted side-by-side comparisons of each blood pressure monitor and consulted a neurologist for the best techniques to get the most thorough insights to provide to buyers.
Additional reporting to this story by Danielle Zoellner
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
Models With Special Features
Some automatic blood pressure monitors have special features that may be beneficial for you.
- Some models include a heart rate monitor and some may even be able to detect an irregular heartbeat.
- For those who have difficulty reading the screen, there are talking monitors available.
- Some automatic monitors have built-in memory that can store one or more of your previous readings.
- There are even options that use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity to send your blood pressure readings to your smartphone, tablet or computer for easy review and sharing.
Whatever model you choose, be sure that it comes with the correct size cuff. A cuff that doesn’t fit properly on your arm may give you inaccurate readings. The cuff size you need is based on the size of your arm. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you find a blood pressure monitor with the proper cuff size.
Once you have a home blood pressure monitor, bring it with you to your next checkup so your doctor can make sure you’re using it correctly and it’s working well. Check your blood pressure at home as often as directed by your doctor.
Recommended Reading: What Does Blood Pressure Measure
How To Check Your Pulse
As the heart forces blood through the arteries, you feel the beats by firmly pressing on the arteries, which are located close to the surface of the skin at certain points of the body. The pulse can be found on the side of the neck, on the inside of the elbow, or at the wrist. For most people, it is easiest to take the pulse at the wrist. If you use the lower neck, be sure not to press too hard, and never press on the pulses on both sides of the lower neck at the same time to prevent blocking blood flow to the brain. When taking your pulse:
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Using the first and second fingertips, press firmly but gently on the arteries until you feel a pulse.
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Begin counting the pulse when the clock’s second hand is on the 12.
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Count your pulse for 60 seconds .
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When counting, do not watch the clock continuously, but concentrate on the beats of the pulse.
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If unsure about your results, ask another person to count for you.
If your doctor has ordered you to check your own pulse and you are having difficulty finding it, consult your doctor or nurse for additional instruction.
The Omron Upper Arm Gold Monitor Gives Quick And Accurate Measurements
Ashleigh is the editorial director for commerce at Verywell where she oversees health, fitness, family, and mind content. She has covered the health and wellness space through a variety of lifestyle lenses for more than 10 years. She is also a certified barre instructor teaching at a boutique studio.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Verywell Health / Nick Kova
Blood pressure monitors are an excellent at-home solution for staying on top of your health, especially if you have an underlying condition that requires regular blood pressure readings. We found that the best monitors offer accurate readings, are easy to use, and aren’t complicated to fit around your arm.
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Are Wrist Heart Rate Monitors Accurate
Wrist heart rate monitors are not quite as accurate as chest strap heart rate monitors, but they can still give you a good idea of your heart rate.
The optical sensors used in wrist-worn heart rate monitors can be affected by different types of movement, so the accuracy of your heart rate readings may depend on what kind of exercise youre doing .
If you need highly accurate heart rate data to help with your training, a chest strap may be a better option.
That said, wrist heart rate monitors may be more comfortable to wear throughout the day and often have additional features such as visible LED lights or a screen that displays the time, your heart rate, steps, and more.
Before You Measure Your Blood Pressure:
The American Heart Association recommends the following guidelines for home blood pressure monitoring:
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Don’t smoke or drink coffee for 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
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Go to the bathroom before the test.
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Relax for 5 minutes before taking the measurement.
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Sit with your back supported . Keep your feet on the floor uncrossed. Place your arm on a solid flat surface with the upper part of the arm at heart level. Place the middle of the cuff directly above the bend of the elbow. Check the monitor’s instruction manual for an illustration.
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Take multiple readings. When you measure, take 2 to 3 readings one minute apart and record all the results.
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Take your blood pressure at the same time every day, or as your healthcare provider recommends.
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Record the date, time, and blood pressure reading.
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Take the record with you to your next medical appointment. If your blood pressure monitor has a built-in memory, simply take the monitor with you to your next appointment.
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When blood pressure reaches a systolic of 180 or higher OR diastolic of 110 or higher, seek emergency medical treatment.
Ask your doctor or another healthcare professional to teach you how to use your blood pressure monitor correctly. Have the monitor routinely checked for accuracy by taking it with you to your doctor’s office. It is also important to make sure the tubing is not twisted when you store it and keep it away from heat to prevent cracks and leaks.
Recommended Reading: How To Manage Blood Pressure
What To Look For In A Blood Pressure Monitor
If youre in the market for a blood pressure monitor, there are several factors to take into consideration.
- Usage. Consider how often you need to measure your blood pressure, how many people will use the device, and how detailed you want your readings to be.
- App connectivity. Many devices provide internal storage or connect to an app. Find out if the app requires a monthly subscription fee and if it allows you to send your readings to a healthcare professional.
- Size. Decide which type of blood pressure monitor you want and make sure its the correct size. An upper arm monitor might be more accurate, while a wrist device may provide convenience and additional metrics. If you plan to carry it with you, consider its portability and battery life.
- Reputable brand. Choose a monitor from a reputable brand at a price point thats within your budget. Decide which features you prefer and read customer reviews to get a balanced feel for the pros and cons.
About The Aneroid Monitor
The aneroid monitor is less expensive than the digital monitor. The cuff is inflated by hand by squeezing a rubber bulb. Some units even have a special feature to make it easier to put the cuff on with one hand. However, the unit can be easily damaged and become less accurate. Because the person using it must listen for heartbeats with the stethoscope, it may not be appropriate for the hearing-impaired.
Also Check: What Are The Effects Of High Blood Pressure
Choosing A Home Blood Pressure Monitor
The American Heart Association recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep monitor.
- Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended because they yield less reliable readings.
- Choose a monitor that has been validated. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice or find options at validatebp.org.
- When selecting a blood pressure monitor for a senior, pregnant woman or child, make sure it is validated for these conditions.
- Make sure the cuff fits measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct size cuff.
About Glass Thermometers Containing Mercury
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mercury is a toxic substance that poses a threat to the health of humans, as well as to the environment. Because of the risk of breaking, glass thermometers containing mercury should be removed from use and disposed of properly in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Contact your local health department, waste disposal authority, or fire department for information on how to properly dispose of mercury thermometers.
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The Premiere Wearable Blood Pressure Monitor And Much More
Engineered to keep you informed, HeartGuide is the first clinically-accurate, wearable blood pressure monitor designed in the innovative form of a wristwatch, and is registered with the FDA as a medical device. In tandem with its companion app, OMRON connect US/CAN, HeartGuide delivers powerful new technology that makes tracking and managing your blood pressure easier than ever before.
With HeartGuide wherever you go, youre in the know.
What Do Heart Rate And Blood Pressure Measure
These are vital signs that give us information about how your heart and blood vessels are working. They let us know if you might need a medical intervention or medication to prevent future disease:
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Heart rate measures how many times per minute your heart beats.
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Blood pressure measures how strongly your heart and blood vessels pump blood to the rest of your body.
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