While wrist and finger monitors exist, it’s important to note that the American Heart Association—in addition to the doctors we interviewed—does not currently recommend these monitor types. Upper arm monitors are considered extremely accurate for home use, omron 3 series with many doctors and patients agreeing that home use allows for more standard readings. Monitoring your blood pressure at home allows you to more easily be in a relaxed state plus the flexibility to take your measurements at various times during the day.
And the monitor’s corresponding app has low ratings from users who cite an inability to set up different accounts or delete past blood pressure readings. The wireless, cuff-and-monitor-in-one Omron Evolv provided consistent readings in our testing, is comfortable and straightforward to use, and is the only one of our picks that can handle unlimited users. However, the on-cuff backlit display is smaller than that of the Greater Goods monitors we recommend, and the numbers can be difficult to read.
Most blood pressure monitors come with a one-size-fits-most cuff for upper arms measuring 9.0–16.5 inches. Getting a blood pressure cuff that fits right is critical for accurate readings. This premium blood pressure monitor stores 200 blood pressure readings for two users , while the Advanced Averaging feature automatically displays the average of up to the last three readings taken within the last 10 minutes.
And beyond taking readings, some of these devices can also help you keep track of your heart rate and notify you if you have an irregular heartbeat. Digital blood pressure monitors feature a gauge, stethoscope and error indicator in one device. Some cuffs inflate automatically while others require the user to use a pump to inflate the cuff manually, temporarily cutting off blood flow to the arm.
Aneroid monitors feature upper arm cuffs that are inflated by hand, and they contain a gauge and dial that the user reads manually. These types of blood pressure monitors are typically less expensive than a digital one, but they do run the risk of being less accurate, especially without the assistance of another person. People with any level of hearing loss should also consider avoiding this type of monitor, as the stethoscope omron 5 series may be difficult to hear. Omron’s Platinum Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor has a display that stood out during our testing. We rated this device a five out of five for data display because the letters were large and easy to read, and the device’s backlit screen makes the data stand out in both light and dark settings. The screen shows your two most recent blood pressure readings, so you can compare data quickly.
The cuff and the monitor of the Evolv are one conjoined unit, but it’s still lightweight and easy to put on thanks to a preformed ring you slip your arm through before tightening the Velcro closure. Testers appreciated having instructions printed on the cuff (this is particularly helpful because if you’re reading the instructions upside down, you know the cuff is on upside down too). The Velcro attachment is strong, but we don’t think it would be unduly challenging for most people.
This Greater Goods blood pressure monitor holds no more than 60 records each for two users. Still, we think this is the best blood pressure monitor for most folks. If you measure your blood pressure multiple times per day, you may get just a month’s worth of history out of it. Our website services, content and products are for informational purposes only.
The Omron Platinum packs accuracy and storage into one powerful device. This blood pressure monitor comes with TruRead technology for clinically accurate results, and its mobile app can store unlimited pressure readings from an equally endless number of users. This device has an affordable price tag, various data storage options and an easy-to-read LED display. The standard cuff fits upper arms with diameters ranging from 8.7 inches to 16.5 inches, and the extra-large cuff fits upper arms with diameters ranging from 16.5 inches to 18.9 inches.
That is, you don’t need to have your phone nearby to get your blood pressure reading—it is displayed directly on the screen, as well. Though we still refer to blood pressure measurements in terms of mm of Hg , that technology has been gradually phased out because of ecological and health concerns. In its place, modern blood pressure monitors measure the fluctuating pressure exerted through the skin by the brachial artery against the cuff as the cuff deflates. Of course, your blood pressure varies continuously with every heartbeat. Makers of contemporary blood pressure monitors have developed their own algorithms to translate those pressure oscillations into the numbers that appear on the sphygmomanometer’s digital display. Whether you’re working with a doctor to monitor and lower your blood pressure, or you just want to know your numbers, blood pressure monitors can provide a convenient way to keep track of your readings at home.
Because of this shortcoming, we gave this device a 3.5 out of five in terms of data display. They make it easy to track your health and include features that allow you to view your blood pressure at any time, track your log history and check for patterns, and email data to your family or physicians. Consumer Reports tests home blood pressure monitors for accuracy, ease of operation, and how they feel to wearers. After all, “you aren’t going to want to use the product if it’s not comfortable,” says Susan Booth, who oversees home blood pressure monitor testing at CR. Lazle blood pressure monitors come highly recommended from our own expert advisor, Sally Russell, as well as her other nursing colleagues. “Lazle came up in my conversations with other healthcare providers,” she told us.