When considering buying a blood pressure monitor for home use, look into the following factors.
Accuracy
One of the most important aspects of a blood pressure monitor is its ability to provide consistently accurate readings. Look for the following three phrases in product descriptions when trying to determine the accuracy of the monitor:
- Clinically validated: It either meets the requisite U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Device List (VDL) criteria for clinical accuracy as determined through an independent review process or is otherwise independently tested for accuracy according to standards set by organizations like the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, the British and Irish Hypertension Society and the International Protocol for the Validation of Automated Blood Pressure Measuring Devices.
- FDA cleared: The Food and Drug Administration determines the device meets its criteria for blood pressure cuff devices.
Many blood pressure monitors offer an averaging feature as well with the goal of providing an accurate depiction of your blood pressure. The devices often take three consecutive readings and average them together, accounting for any variability and giving you a single, more accurate data set.
User error can also impact accuracy significantly, so be sure to follow the product instructions exactly as they are written.
Data Storage
Many people use blood pressure monitor devices to track their blood pressure readings over time, in which case data storage of previous readings comes in handy. Some devices only store around 30 readings while others can store as many as 2,000, so think about your storage needs before purchasing a monitor.
What’s more, lots of monitors sync with smartphone apps that can then provide additional data storage outside of the device itself. If you’re tech savvy and like the idea of having your blood pressure information at your fingertips to share with your physician, consider a Bluetooth-compatible monitor with app-based data storage.
Lastly, some blood pressure monitors only store data for one user while others support data storage for multiple users. If you plan on sharing your blood pressure monitor with another member of your household, look into the number of users the device can support.
Display
Display is another important factor, especially for older adults with vision impairments. Look for a blood pressure monitor device with a clear, simple and easy-to-read display screen to prevent misunderstanding your blood pressure readings. If your vision is highly compromised, some devices offer audio readouts as well.
Usability
A blood pressure monitor won’t be helpful (and you probably won’t use it very often) if it doesn’t feel intuitive. Consider the way the monitor lays out information, where buttons are placed, how easy it is to place the cuff correctly on your arm and whether those details feel natural to you.
Special Features
Beyond the basics listed above, some blood pressure monitors include special features, such as:
- Pulse monitoring
- Monitoring to indicate an irregular heartbeat
- Color-coded readings to make it easier to track by blood pressure stages
- Pre-formed arm cuffs for a more comfortable fit and accurate reading
- Wireless design for easier use on the go
FAQs
We chose the Omron Gold Upper Arm blood pressure monitor as our pick for the best overall. We loved its easy setup and clear readings. Omron is also a favorite brand among the experts we interviewed.
What is the most accurate brand of blood pressure monitor? ›
We chose the Omron Gold Upper Arm blood pressure monitor as our pick for the best overall. We loved its easy setup and clear readings. Omron is also a favorite brand among the experts we interviewed.
What blood pressure monitor do cardiologists recommend? ›
The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, upper arm (biceps) monitor. Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended. They give less reliable readings. Choose a monitor that has been validated.
What is the best BP monitoring? ›
The Dr Trust Smart Dual Talking Blood Pressure Monitor is highly recommended for its accuracy, voice-guided instructions, large display, memory storage, and irregular heartbeat detection.
Which is better Omron or Beurer blood pressure monitor? ›
The pump action of the Omron is noticeably quieter and gentler than the Beurer. I also measured the total time taken to take a recording (from pressing start to receiving the result). The Omron was slightly faster at 29 seconds vs the Beurer at 38 seconds.
Are any of the home blood pressure machines accurate? ›
But home blood pressure monitors aren't always as accurate as they should be. "Home blood pressure monitors may be inaccurate in 5% to 15% of patients, depending on the threshold for accuracy used," according to Dr.
What is the average blood pressure for a 70 year old? ›
Blood pressure of 70 year olds
Blood pressure at age 70 is recommended to be kept at 134/87 mmHg. According to some studies, the blood pressure of 70-year-old people usually ranges from 121/83 mmHg - 147/91 mmHg.
Which arm is more accurate for blood pressure? ›
Conclusions. Single-arm measurements, compared to double-arm measurements, may underestimate the prevalence of hypertension. However, if double-arm measurements are unavailable, right arm is preferred for measurement of BP, especially in women.
How can I tell if my Omron blood pressure machine is accurate? ›
“If the systolic blood pressure (the top number) on your cuff is within 10 points of the monitor, then it's generally accurate,” he says. Most home blood pressure machines last for about two or three years. After that, check it at your healthcare provider's office annually to make sure it's still accurate.
What time of the day is blood pressure highest? ›
Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening.
Intra-arterial measurement of BP is the most accurate method, capable of giving a continuous picture.
Can a tight blood pressure cuff cause a high reading? ›
Cuffs snugly wrapped, but too small for the subject, gave high BP readings, on the average by approximately 10 mm Hg. Loose wrapping of small cuffs gave variable results in individual subjects that exaggerated systolic BP from 2 to 80 mm Hg.
What brand blood pressure monitor is most accurate? ›
Compare
| | Portability |
|---|
| Most Accurate: Omron Upper Arm Gold Blood Pressure Monitor | $78 at Amazon | 5 |
| Best Data Storage: Microlife Watch BP Home | $100 at steeles.com | 5 |
| Best Talking Monitor: A&D Talking Blood Pressure Monitor | $83 at Amazon | 5 |
| Best for Multiple Users: Omron Evolv | $69 at Amazon | 3.5 |
2 more rowsJun 11, 2024
All OMRON blood pressure monitors are clinically proven accurate. They are clinically validated to be within the following: Blood pressure: within +/- 3 mgHg or 2 percent.
Is the Beurer blood pressure monitor good or bad? ›
Customer reviews
| 5 star | 45% |
|---|
| 4 star | 31% |
| 3 star | 13% |
| 2 star | 4% |
| 1 star | 8% |
Intra-arterial measurement of BP is the most accurate method, capable of giving a continuous picture. Indirect recordings give a rough estimate of intra-arterial pressure but less information about the relationship between individual subjects and their environment.
Which arm is most accurate for blood pressure? ›
Conclusions. Single-arm measurements, compared to double-arm measurements, may underestimate the prevalence of hypertension. However, if double-arm measurements are unavailable, right arm is preferred for measurement of BP, especially in women.
How do I choose an accurate blood pressure monitor? ›
There are many features to look for when selecting a blood pressure monitor. Here are some to consider: an irregular-heartbeat detector, a risk-category indicator, multiple user memories, multiple cuffs, memory download capability, a large-digit display, and a data-averaging function.
