What Are The Different Types Of Blood Pressure Monitors
There are three methods for measuring blood pressure:
- Upper Arm Monitors are the only type recommended by the American Heart Association because theyre the most accurate.2 The cuff wraps around the upper part of your arm and tightens to measure your blood pressure.
- Wrist Monitors wrap around your wrist to measure your blood pressure. These arent considered as accurate as upper arm monitors unless you have your arm and wrist positioned exactly at heart level. You must follow the manual very closely because theres a lot of room for error. Wrist monitors are easy to travel with and can be more comfortable than upper arm monitors.
- Finger Monitors are very similar to wrist monitors. Theyre small, easy to travel with, and more comfortable than an upper arm monitor. Again, the main shortcoming is that its not the most accurate.
You want to pick the best type for your needs that also meets your doctors recommendations.
Display And Font Size
Since it is likelier that an older person will use a blood pressure monitor with impaired eyesight from the age, the display of the measuring device must be large enough and easy enough to read. Our favorite models all have large-sized displays, some of which are backlit for operation in the dark hours. They all have simple screen overlays and will display your diastolic and systolic readings, your heart rate, and will inform you if irregularities are measured.
Our Pick: Greater Goods Smart Blood Pressure Monitor 0604
May be out of stock
*At the time of publishing, the price was $45.
Of all the blood pressure monitors we tested, the Greater Goods Smart Blood Pressure Monitor 0604 was the best in terms of features and ease of use. We liked its large, backlit display, as well as its capacity to store up to 60 measurements per each of two users on the device itselfand unlimited readings in the companion app, Balance Health . In our testing, the monitor gave reliably consistent readings. The cuff is comfortable and fits most arms, and the machine can both run on batteries and be plugged into the wall. It also offers the option to send data wirelessly from the monitor to an app via Bluetooth.
Like most of the monitors we considered, the 0604 offers irregular pulse detection and the ability to average pressure readings in the Balance Health app accessing these functions is simple and intuitive. You can toggle between users with an easy slide of a switch , and the monitor is usable straight out of the box, even beforeor without everconnecting to the app.
The 0604 is extremely quietit sounds like a refrigerator hum if youre within a couple inches of it, and it shouldnt disturb someone across the room. Its large, backlit display is easy to read, but readings stay on the screen for only a minute or so after delivery. The machine does, however, instantly send your results to the app, making daily, weekly, monthly, or annual averaging a simple task.
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Best Blood Pressure Monitors Buyers Guide
Reviewed by health expert Sally Russell, MN, CMSRN, CNE
For those with high blood pressure, monitoring your health at home can help you and your doctor keep track of how treatments are working and make adjustments to improve your health.
One of the best tools for the job is the Omron Platinum. This automatic blood pressure monitor can help you and your doctor spot trends between appointments.
Find other blood pressure monitors with expanded cuff sizes or lower price points below.
Check Your Blood Pressure Cuff With Your Doctor
No matter how sure you are about a wrist blood pressure monitor being accurate and reliable, it is a good idea to take it to your doctor on your next visit and ask them to take your blood pressure reading there and then use your own wrist monitor to compare the results. Often, even if you have an excellent quality blood pressure monitor, you may not be using it properly, so your doctor will help you position it properly on your wrist and position your hand at heart level which is essential for an accurate reading.
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The Upper Arm Monitor
What makes the upper arm BP monitor a favorite for blood pressure readings?
As you might have surmised from the guidelines above, one reason many people prefer upper arm monitors is that the cuff naturally rests at the same level as your heart. That makes it easy to quickly and accurately measure blood pressure, both in a clinical setting and at home.
If you’ve heard that upper arm monitors are hard to use, rest assured! At-home blood pressure monitors are easier to use than ever. Features like pre-formed cuffs, as well as digital screens and automated processes are just a few of the options that can make monitoring your blood pressure simpler.
Check out our upper arm monitors here.
S To Use A Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
Take an accurate in-home blood pressure reading by following the steps below:
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Are Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors Accurate
Can you trust the accuracy of wrist blood pressure monitor measurements? Ive been trying out another wrist blood pressure monitor in addition to my arm monitor to compare reliability. Im testing a wrist monitor with a cuff that wraps around the arm in two locations to take two separate readings. This is an exciting idea in theory, but it didnt work for me because my arms were too thin. I had a hard time putting enough pressure on my arm to wrap the cuff around the bottom of my arm for a snug fit, and then I couldnt fasten the cuff over the top.
Features To Look For In Blood Pressure Monitors
Accuracy Not all blood pressure monitors are created equally. Some are far more accurate than others. Generally, the more money youre willing to spend, the more accurate your blood pressure machine will be. You also need to make sure the cuff is the right size for your arm. If in doubt, ask your doctor for advice.
Ability to store readings You might be asked by your doctor to measure your blood pressure over time. Sure, you could just make a physical note of your reading every day, or you could buy a blood pressure monitor with built-in memory.
Size Some blood pressure monitors are clearly designed for use in the home, whereas some are more portable. You should choose one based on your needs. If youre going to be moving around regularly, buy one that you can take with you.
Readability Most blood pressure monitors have a digital display that will show you your reading. If you have a hard time seeing well, you should choose a monitor with a large, well-lit display.
Comfortable cuffs If youre planning to use your blood pressure monitor regularly, choose one with comfortable cuffs. Otherwise, you might start to resent the idea of taking your blood pressure.
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Omron 3 Series Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
If you need to check out your blood pressure levels several times a day, buying this affordable Omron Series 3 wrist blood pressure monitor will make this task so much easier on you, especially due to the fact that you dont have to pull your sleeve up or remove your top to take an accurate reading.
- Available at a very affordable price
- Very accurate results when used following the instructions
- You need to raise your wrist toward your heart and just press an ON button to get an instant reading of your blood pressure level and your pulse
- Has the capacity of storing your last 60 readings along with the dates and times, so you can take it to show it to your doctor on your next visit
- Very compact and light, it is suitable for people of all ages
- You will be alerted if an irregularity in your heartbeat is detected
- The average of your last 3 readings, which are taken within 10 minutes, will also be displayed
- It works with 2 AAA sized batteries
- An easy to read and interpret the display
- Provides rapid and accurate readings
- Made by Omron who are the number one recommended blood pressure measurement device, manufacturers
Choosing The Best Time For A Reading
For proper tracking of your blood pressure levels, it is best to take the readings at the same time every day. Choose an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening for your daily blood pressure measuring, so that you can track and compare the results more successfully.
The American Heart Association strongly recommends that you take your first blood pressure reading in the morning before you have smoked your first cigarette , before drinking coffee and before eating.
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Homedics Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
From the trusted HoMedics name, this wrist monitor is an accurate, comfortable, and affordable way to keep track of your blood pressure at home. The large display features tall numbers for easy reading, and BP results are quickly gathered by simply pushing the button when your arm is in the correct position at your heart.
Key Features:
- Heart image on screen flashes to your heartbeat
- Stores 120 readings for up to 2 users
- Highly-rated customer service team is available to assist with any product issues
Cost: $39.99
Best Home Blood Pressure Monitors In 2021
Gone are the days where taking a blood pressure reading involved a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer. Instead, you can now purchase digital blood pressure monitors for home use, some of which not only self-inflate to the proper pressure and clearly display your blood pressure but can also store your measurements, provide a basic interpretation of your results, and even connect with an app on your phone. In this way, digital blood pressure monitors take the guesswork, hassle, and expertise out of taking your blood pressure and staying on top of hypertension. Studies show that home blood pressure monitoring may actually be more accurate and reproducible than in-office measurements because patients are more relaxed.
When choosing a blood pressure monitor, youll want to consider several factors related to the function and features of the machine to ensure you get a device that works for you:
5 Things to Know Before Buying a Home Blood Pressure Monitor
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Consider Ease Of Usage
Secondly, users should consider the ease of usage of each product before you decide to pick any of them. Ease of Usage is actually one of the most important factors that everyone should not skip. A good wrist blood pressure monitor should offer easy usage as following. It is always about on/off the item. You should check if it comes with a convenient on/off button or not. Nowadays, there are even products that automatically turn off on itself without using for a decent of time. Then, you should also see if it offers precise info on the screen or not, or perhaps whether it is quick enough to deliver the results. Another thing is to check whether or not the monitor also comes with a backlit system. This is because if there is a backlit built-in, it will be easier for a user to use during low-light situations.
Buying Guide For Best Omron Blood Pressure Monitors
High blood pressure is a serious health issue that can lead to a variety of other problems, such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Almost one-third of adults in the U.S. suffer from it, which means plenty of us are at risk. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be managed through diet, exercise, and medication prescribed by a doctor, which is why your physician may recommend keeping track of your blood pressure at home.
When it comes to home blood pressure monitors, Omron is a trusted brand that provides accurate results to help you take control of your health. But Omron offers so many models that it can be difficult to know which is best for you. That’s why we created this shopping guide, to give you all the information needed to help find the best Omron blood pressure monitor for you.
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Tips For Maintaining Proper Blood Pressure And Creating Good Health Habits
Maintaining Proper Blood Pressure and Creating Health Habits A key to living a long and healthy lifestyle is good health habits. It can be challenging to maintain proper blood pressure levels, diet, and exercise in times of stress and with everyday life obligations. Often when we are in a state of chronic stress, we release a hormone into our blood called cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that has been found to have several undesirable effects on the body, from constricting blood vessels to increasing cholesterol. In addition, chronic high cortisol levels can lead to anxiety, weight gain, and even depression. It is essential to have a conscious effort in tracking blood pressure to keep this from happening. You can try drinking lemon tea or pomegranate tea to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Blood Pressure Monitor Buying Guide
High blood pressureknown as the silent killerhas no obvious symptoms, yet as many as half of Americans have the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But just 24 percent of those people have the condition under control. Hypertension can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and a number of other serious health problems.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association consider hypertension to be when a persons systolic blood pressure measurement is 130 mmHg or higher, and diastolic is 80 mmHg or higher.
But when it comes to keeping track of these important numbers, an occasional blood pressure check at a doctors office of your blood pressure might not be giving you the full picture, experts say. Blood pressure varies a lot during the day, says Beverly Green, MD, MPH, senior investigator and family physician at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute and Kaiser Permanente Washington in Seattle. A single good blood pressure measurement . . . may not be enough information.
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The 7 Best Blood Pressure Monitors That You Can Use At Home
Whether your doctor has advised you to begin regularly checking your blood pressure at home or you simply have a personal interest in monitoring your health more closely, a blood pressure monitor helps you measure and record your blood pressure in just a few minutes. More formally known as a sphygmomanometer, it includes an inflatable cuff that, when pressurized, impedes the flow of blood in your artery. A meter measures the difference between the impeded and unimpeded blood flow, and there you have it: your blood pressure.
Amazon
Taking a blood pressure reading is pretty straightforward. You don’t need to be a medical professional to do it, which is why at-home blood pressure testing is so common. As long as you follow the directions that come with your chosen blood pressure monitor and don the cuff properly, it’s generally pretty foolproof.
But your choice of blood pressure monitor does matter. First question: Is it accurate? The best blood pressure monitors are medically validated, which means they should be accurate, calibrated, and give results close to what youd see in the doctors office just look for terms like medically validated, clinically validated, or FDA cleared for assurance. If in doubt, keep the receipt and take the purchase to your doctors office. There, your doctor can use it and compare it to their own monitor. If the systolic pressure is within about 10 points of the doctors reading, its fine for at-home use. If not, get a refund.