Best Blood Pressure Machines – 2022 Review Guide

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If you are in need of a blood pressure monitor, you might agree with this statement:

Best Blood Pressure Monitors

With all of the different types of blood pressure machines out there, it can be challenging to find the best blood pressure monitor to get accurate readings, portability and a good value for the money.

Having reviewed a number of the blood pressure cuffs and machines available today, I decided to write this research guide to help others who are also in need of a blood pressure monitor. Hopefully, this review of the best blood pressure monitors will help you understand the different features available in modern blood pressure devices and find the right one for you.

Best Blood Pressure Monitor Brands

Some of these blood pressure monitors offer all the bells and whistles of a cutting-edge, well-designed, connected medical device while others are designed in the classic mold of a blood pressure cuff to offer a no-frills blood pressure measurement system. No matter what your needs and budget, however, these blood pressure machines are all good enough to serve as a useful choice to help you keep track of your blood pressure.

1. Omron 10 Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor – Editor’s Choice

The Omron 10 Series Wireless Bluetooth Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor takes the features native to the Omron 10 Series blood pressure machine and adds technology that will be of interest to the tech-savvy person – wireless connectivity. Set up to connect with Omron’s Apple and Google apps, the blood pressure monitor enhances one’s tracking with access to a custom digital dashboard that will let you access and trend your blood pressure data.

Omron 10 Series Wireless Bluetooth Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor features a flexible and quite comfortable molded blood pressure cuff that fits both large and regular arm sizes (9 to 17 inches in circumference). The large, bright backlit screen shows the average of up to three readings taken over the last ten minutes using large digits on the display. Like the other Omron 10 models, this wireless bluetooth blood pressure machine also displays abnormal readings on the display in orange and automatically takes 3 readings in series and provides the average of them. Also, similar to many other Omron blood pressure monitors, it will report irregular heartbeats if it detects them.

Omron 10 Series Wireless Bluetooth Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor can store up to two hundred readings for two different users (100 per user) and more can be stored through Omron’s app. This blood pressure machine is also compatible with Alexa. Additionally, through the Omron app’s functionality, you can get any blood pressure data retrieved using your mobile device and email it to your doctor or other people. Please note that you will first need to set up an account before you can use all of the blood pressure measurement features provided through the app.

This blood pressure monitor can be powered by the included AC adapter or using AA batteries (4 in total). While this blood pressure cuff can be wiped down to be cleaned, it should not be submerged in water. The blood pressure monitor itself has a warranty of five years while the cuff has a warranty of one year.

Omron 10 Series Wireless Bluetooth Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor lacks a USB port.

Most likely in an attempt to streamline the technology, the Omron 10 Series Wireless Bluetooth Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor was made without a USB port. In other words, the only way to transmit data from this blood pressure monitor to the app is using Bluetooth. While this is fine if Bluetooth is working, it negates all of the wireless features if the Bluetooth, for whatever reason, stops working. Also, while this wireless blood pressure monitor is designed to pair with common phones, you will have to check with the company if you have an older or unusual phone to make sure that your blood pressure readings can be downloaded through the app.

Summary Points
The Omron 10 Series Wireless Bluetooth Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor enhances the Omron 10 Series features with wireless connectivity.
Pros
  • Bluetooth wireless connectivity enables interactive, online experience.
  • Features all of Omron 10 Series monitors base functionality.
Cons
  • Lacks a USB port which will lock data transmission if Bluetooth is not working.

2. Omron Evolv Bluetooth Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor  – Best Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

For those of you who find yourself getting tangled in blood pressure wires and cords, the Omron Evolv blood pressure monitor might be for you. The Omron Evolv Bluetooth Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor truly “evolves” on the Omron 10 series wireless blood pressure monitors with an innovative machine design. Small and portable, the Omron Evolv Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor is not only wireless from its Bluetooth functionality, but it is also wireless in terms of having a cuff physically connected to the blood pressure machine. In other words, the Omron Evolv’s blood pressure cuff is the actual monitor.

As can be expected with this type of wireless blood pressure device, the Omron Evolv Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor connects with the Omron app to store as many blood pressure measurements as you would like. Additionally, through the app, you can track and manage your blood pressure reading trends over time. Blood pressure data can be exported into a .xlsx format for additional analytics or to send to someone else. Any number of users can use this BP monitor to check and store data as long as they set up their own online accounts.

While the Omron Evolv blood pressure device is designed primarily for wireless data connectivity, it is good to note that it can be used for traditional blood pressure measurements without using the wireless feature. The Omron Evolv’s blood pressure cuff is of the softer variety – the kind that rolls up and has a Velcro clasp.

The Omron Evolv Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor requires 4 AAA batteries to operate.

The Omron Evolv Bluetooth Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor’s true potential is limited by the functionality of the associated app.

Some feature sacrifices with the Omron Evolv blood pressure device itself have been made to get to the sleeker design. For example, the only way to see colors representing abnormal blood pressures is through the connected app. Also, the Omron Evolv blood pressure machine itself lacks advanced averaging and does not display a BP level bar. Unfortunately, while the design is admirable, the app needs some work to translate recorded BP measurements into a satisfying user experience.

The Omron Evolv Bluetooth Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor does not come with a storage case and you will have to find one on your own. This is somewhat disappointing given that this is a portable blood pressure machine.

Summary Points
The Omron Evolv Bluetooth Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor makes blood pressure monitoring while on the go simple.
Pros
  • Wireless blood pressure measurements without the hosing or tubes.
  • Digital connectivity and easy-to-use interface.
Cons
  • Associated Omron blood pressure app could use an upgrade.
  • Needs a storage case.

3. Balance Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor – Best Value Wireless BP Monitor

The Balance Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor is another blood pressure machine that falls within the category of a “smart” blood pressure device. Bluetooth is a distinguishing feature of this FDA-cleared monitor and this connectivity enhances the blood pressure data that it gathers with more sophisticated ways to analyze your blood pressure readings.

Accuracy is one major selling point of the Balance Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor. When tested against blood pressure measurements gathered by a cardiology nurse, the Balance Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor was highly accurate (within 5mmHg on average). Recorded blood pressures are time stamped and this monitor will indicate when irregular heartbeats are identified. Blood pressure readings recorded on the Balance Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor can be automatically synced to upload to the Balance app to provide a more comprehensive perspective on your current blood pressure in the context of your past readings. It can also be set up to connect to Apple Health.

One nice feature of the blood pressure data stored by this blood pressure machine is that it can be converted into a csv file for additional data analysis or sharing. The blood pressure machine itself can save readings for two people (120 total).

The Balance Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor features a nice, large backlit display with easily readable numbers and helpful buttons.

The Balance Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor has two power sources but generally runs on four AAA batteries. The Balance Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor package includes the batteries, a fabric arm cuff, a wall plug and a case to store the machine and components.

Balance Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor could use a more durable blood pressure cuff.

The Balance Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor includes a blood pressure cuff of the soft variety. Some will find the cuff to be a little flimsy and difficult to line up and close accurately without help. Also, users report that the connection between the blood pressure device and the app is buggy at times – an issue that can occur to any wireless blood pressure device if there is not a strong commitment to support ongoing development of the app.

Summary Points
Balance Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor is one of the most reasonably priced wireless blood pressure monitors on the market.
Pros
  • Great value for a wireless blood pressure monitor.
  • Highly accurate when tested against BP readings recorded by a skilled practitioner
Cons
  • Blood pressure cuff feels flimsy and can be hard to adjust.
  • Occasionally buggy connectivity may frustrate people without a technical interest.

4. Care Touch Blood Pressure Cuff Monitor – Best Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

The Care Touch Fully Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Cuff is an FDA-approved blood pressure monitor that is well regarded for its ease-of-use. Unlike most blood pressure machines which check the blood pressure reading in the arm, the Care Touch monitor takes blood pressure measurements off of the wrist.

The Care Touch blood pressure monitor has a nice, large display. The Platinum model of this Care Touch BP machine series features a backlight for people who like to get a reading at night or in the dark.

Blood pressure readings on the Care Touch blood pressure monitor are fast – most are under 60 seconds. Other than some noise while inflating, the Care Touch machine is relatively quiet. Blood pressure readings can be done in mmHg or kPa . units. Abnormal blood pressure readings are displayed in different colors, depending on the severity of the reading. As an add on, any irregular heartbeats detected during a blood pressure cycle will be indicated by a symbol on the display. From a memory point of view, the Care Touch blood pressure monitor will store up to 60 readings with a time stamp.

The Care Touch BP monitor uses just two AAA batteries (included) and also has a low battery indicator and automatic power off feature to help you get the most out of its power use. The monitor itself has a nylon band which can be wiped down in the event of an exposure to unwanted substances. The small cloth case included with this monitor will help keep everything together. Like most blood pressure monitors, it cannot perform readings above 299mmHg or heart rates about 199 BPM.

One big positive of the The Care Touch blood pressure monitor is the guarantee. The company publicly states that they will take it back within one year of the purchase date if you are not satisfied which is a good endorsement of the quality of their blood pressure machine.

The Care Touch blood pressure monitor only runs on batteries.

There are some anecdotal reports that the Care Touch blood pressure monitor reports a wider range of blood pressure readings when compared to a standard doctor’s blood pressure machine. However, most users report that it is quite consistent when compared in this way. Like most blood pressure monitors that operate based on wrist readings, great care needs to be taken to use the Care Touch blood pressure machine correctly or it will read inaccurately. Also, the Care Touch blood pressure monitor cannot support an AC adapter which may limit anyone who does not have ready access to batteries.

Summary Points
The Care Touch blood pressure monitor is a simple, user-friendly blood pressure monitor used on the wrist.
Pros
  • Easy-to-use wrist blood pressure monitor at a reasonable price.
  • One year guarantee if you are not happy with the product
Cons
  • Wrist-based measurements require careful positioning for use.
  • Can only be powered by batteries.

5. QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor – Best Portable BP Monitor

The QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor is one of the most sophisticated connected blood pressure monitors on the market. Bringing elegance and design to the process of taking one’s blood pressure, the QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor is simple to use and small in size.

The FDA-approved QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor includes all of the standard features found in upper end blood pressure monitors – standard blood pressure measurements and heart rate (including irregular beat) assessment. Simply tap the button on the BP device to start the blood pressure data collection process.

Like standard wireless blood pressure monitors, the QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor enables users to store their data in the wireless Qardio app and share the data with their doctor or other people as desired. The app also features visual tools that make it easy to compare your readings against blood pressure standards put forth by the World Health Organization (WHO). You can also add notes to your data and set reminders to take future readings. The QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor is also integrated with Apple Health for users of that product.

The QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor is powered by 4 AAA batteries. The batteries will last 9 months or more with regular use.

The QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor could use some improvements in the design of its power management.

Some people might find the lack of a dedicated on and off switch to be frustrating from a usability and power management standpoint. While not always the case, many people have had the experience that the battery compartment often needed to be opened and closed to get the device to turn on and work.

Like some of the other wireless blood pressure monitors, the QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor is really set up to record blood pressure readings for a single user even though six users can use it if they set up their own Qardio accounts. For households with multiple users using one blood pressure machine, consider using the visitor mode and manually recording readings, logging into separate Qardio accounts each time, or buying two of these blood pressure monitors or else looking as a different device.

Summary Points
The QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor is a compact, cutting-edge BP monitor that brings both the good and bad elements of a highly connected device.
Pros
  • Sleek, compact design that will fit in your pocket.
  • Very easy to use interface and functionality.
Cons
  • Supports single users measurements only.
  • Anecdotal reports of machine not turning on and off as expected.

6. Omron 10 Series Blood Pressure Monitor – Best for Large Arms

A high-quality blood pressure monitor, the Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor offers excellent blood pressure reading capabilities for home use in people with larger arms. In fact, some reports suggest that this is the most accurate home blood pressure machine on the market and highly recommended by doctors.

The Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is set up to perform several (three to be exact) blood pressure readings automatically spaced 60 seconds apart and then deliver an average of the readings. This practice, recommended by the American Heart Association, helps normalize readings across a larger sample size.

With a blood pressure cuff suitable for encircling even large arms, The Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor’s cuff is easily adjustable and the latex-free, large cuff helps deliver accurate readings. The blood pressure cuff is stiff, but flexible, and is molded into the shape of a circle. Most people will find that the standard cuff provided is a good fit.

To use the Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor, simply hit the start button after putting on the cuff. The inflation and deflation of this blood pressure monitor is smooth. Frequent users will want to get their Omron 10 Series monitor calibrated annually although most people will need it performed by the company every three years or so.

The digital screen features large digits and a backlight, making it easy to see your readings even at night. The readings are displayed in different colors, depending on whether you are in the normal or high range.

The Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is also able to store reading for two users (200 blood pressure readings total). To switch between users, simply flip the position switch to the desired user. This blood pressure machine is powered by 4 AA batteries or an included AC adapter for people who happen to be near a wall outlet. This BP monitor carries a five-year warranty on the machine and a one-year warranty on the cuff itself.

The Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is not suited for people with small arms and lacks wireless connectivity.

The Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is meant for larger arms (9-17 inches). Blood pressure cuffs smaller than 9 inches will typically not be compatible with this model. One major limitation of this blood pressure machine is that it lacks wireless capabilities for anyone who wants a machine that will download their data onto another device. Also, it would be nice if a blood pressure case was included with this monitor to help keep everything together and organized. However, you want a professional-grade machine that delivers quality readings without spending the extra money on wireless connectivity, this Omron 10 series is probably for you.

Summary Points
The Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor delivers professional-grade quality for people with larger arms at a reasonable price.
Pros
  • Medical-grade blood pressure machine that stores 200 readings.
  • Bright, easy-to-read digital interface.
Cons
  • No wireless capability for downloading readings.
  • Not suitable for use in people with small arms / cuffs.

7. Omron 5 Series Blood Pressure Monitor – Best Value BP Monitor

The Omron 5 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is a workhorse blood pressure machine for anyone looking for a no-frills blood pressure measurement tool.

The Omron 5 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor can store up to one hundred blood pressure readings (two users at 50 readings each) with handy time stamps so that one knows when the blood pressure reading was actually recorded. If one is taking a handful of blood pressure readings over a short period of time, this blood pressure monitor will display the average of the last three readings over the past ten minutes. Like most Omron blood pressure machines, the 5 Series monitors will display an irregular heartbeat indicator if one is detected.

Omron 5 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor’s cuff comes in the wide-range D ring shape which is the type of blood pressure cuff that most people are used to experiencing when they go their doctor. This blood pressure cuff will fit arms ranging from 9 to 17 inches in circumference, making it somewhat useful for both standard and larger arm sizes.

Anecdotal reports are that this blood pressure monitor is frequently accurate when compared to blood pressure readings performed at the doctor’s office. The Omron 5 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor does have a maximum pressure reading of 299 mmHg and will not be suitable for people who regularly spike above that level.

Blood pressure readings from the Omron 5 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor cannot be downloaded or transmitted to other devices.

As a budget option as far as blood pressure monitors go, the Omron 5 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor does not include data connectivity. Said another way, you cannot download any blood pressure data from this particular BP machine to your computer or mobile device. Also, the Omron 5 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor runs on four AA batteries and, although it has an option to use one, does not come with a power cord.

Summary Points
The Omron 5 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is a good value choice for people looking for a no-frills blood pressure monitor that delivers fairly accurate results.
Pros
  • Simple blood pressure monitor with largely accurate results.
  • Good value BP machine for people on a budget.
Cons
  • Cannot download data or transmit wirelessly to another device.
  • Power cord is not included.

8. MOCACuff Connected Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor – Wireless Wrist BP Monitor

If you are looking for a blood pressure monitor that actually looks great while doing its job, the MOCACuff Connected Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor is as close as you are going to get. MOCACuff is the second product produced by MOCACARE, a new healthcare company that strives to produce connected healthcare devices with an emphasis on simplicity and design.

The MOCACuff blood pressure monitor wraps around the wrist instead of the arm, taking standard blood pressure readings like your systolic and diastolic pressures in addition to your heart rate. The monitor will secure to your risk using a standard Velcro closure. Taking a blood pressure reading on the MOCACuff is a simple process that involves a few taps of the buttons. Readings are displayed on the screen and any abnormal readings will be highlighted in a different color. Most users have found the MOCACuff’s blood pressure measurements to be accurate when compared to BP readings they got at their doctor’s office but, like all wrist-based blood pressure monitors, this requires the user to be very precise with wrist positioning during the measurement.

Want to get your blood pressure measurements onto your mobile device? You can do so using the MOCACuff’s digital interface and use the app’s features to trend your blood pressure measurements. The MOCACuff blood pressure monitor itself can store up to 200 blood pressure readings in case you want to have a handful of readings available offline. Like most BP monitors, the MOCACuff BP monitor cannot be set to record blood pressure readings at set times automatically (e.g. while sleeping).

The MOCACuff’s app has interesting tracking tools and also features an insight area that includes coaching and lifestyle tips that some people might find useful. Also, through the app, you can share your blood pressure readings with your doctor or other people securely. Even if you are not using the wireless data connectivity features, the MOCACuff still functions well as a standalone portable blood pressure machine given its small size and light weight.

The MOCACuff blood pressure monitor comes with a nice-looking, hard case to protect the BP monitor when it is not in use.

The MOCACuff Connected Wrist BP Monitor is meant for single users of average size or below.

The MOCACuff blood pressure monitor is really meant for one user and is quite difficult to set up if multiple people are recording blood pressures on the same BP device. As a consequence of this, households using one blood pressure monitor will want to look at another blood pressure machine option. The MOCACuff’s blood pressure cuff is also meant for wrists on the smaller to average sizes. One other possible downside is that the Android app has been reported to be buggy at times.

Summary Points
The MOCACuff is a sleek and portable blood pressure monitor that brings cutting-edge engineering to blood pressure measurements.
Pros
  • Beautiful design and engineering makes it more enjoyable to take blood pressure readings.
  • Lightweight and portable.
Cons
  • Supports single user blood pressure measurements only.
  • Android app reported to be buggy at times.

Best Blood Pressure Monitors – An Overview

What makes a great blood pressure monitor, also known as a sphygmomanometer? To understand the answer to this question, it helps to take a look at what a blood pressure monitor is and a brief history of its development and use.

Early blood pressure home monitors traditionally utilized mercury to measure blood pressure. Mercury, also known as quicksilver, is a chemical element that found use in blood pressure monitors for a few reasons. Mercury is easy to see and use as a measuring indicator and is dense which makes it more accurate. Unfortunately, mercury is both poisonous and toxic to the environment which has resulted in diminished use over time. Mercury is still used in certain circumstances because it is highly accurate and does not need to be calibrated.

Blood pressure monitors in regular use today fall into one of two categories – aneroid and digital. Aneroid blood pressure monitors are the type that have a bulb for inflating the cuff and a dial on which the blood pressure reading can be obtained. This type of blood pressure device is what is thought of in classic medicine and is still used by blood pressure purists today. Aneroid blood pressure devices are slower at capturing the blood pressure measurement and do need to be calibrated from time to time. Also, aneroid blood pressure devices require a quiet environment as the blood pressure readings are done by utilizing the sound of the blood flowing through the arm with the stethoscope pressed to the elbow while the cuff is deflating.

Digital blood pressure monitors have become more popular as technology has improved. Most digital blood pressure monitors have inflate automatically although versions do exist that inflate manually. Known as oscillatory blood pressure monitors, digital blood pressure machines work by first inflating the blood pressure cuff to the point where it blocks all blood flow to the artery. Once that is complete, the BP cuff will slowly release pressure and once the cuff pressure drops below the systolic blood pressure, the accompanying vibration from the blood flow will be detectable and recorded. The blood pressure cuff will continue to drop in pressure until the diastolic blood pressure is recorded, at which point it releases all of its air.

Modern blood pressure monitors take readings by detecting vibrations using a transducer rather that audible sound which makes them useful in noisy environments. Most are easy to operate and also can detect the heart rate and any irregular beats.

Blood Pressure – An Overview

It does help to know what blood pressure is to have a foundation when it comes to purchasing a quality blood pressure monitor. The blood pressure is the amount of pressure that the blood in the blood vessels exert on the walls of the vessels. Blood pressure is described in two phases – the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure is the highest pressure observed in the blood vessels during a heart beat cycle. The systolic blood pressure is usually highest when the heart is fully contracted. The diastolic blood pressure is the lowest blood pressure observed during a heart beat cycle. The diastolic blood pressure is usually lowest in between heart beats.

One way to think about blood pressure is to think about water running through a garden hose. A high pressure stream of water will exert a lot of pressure on a garden hose and, if the hose has thin or broken down sections, can even cause the hose to burst open.

Blood pressure is recorded using a scientific unit of measurement – millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The standard way of reporting a blood pressure reading is the systolic mmHg / diastolic mmHg. For example, someone with a systolic blood pressure of 100mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure of 60mmHg will have a blood pressure reading of 100/60 mmHg.

Blood pressure changes throughout the day and is dependent on the activity level. If one is sleeping, the blood pressure is usually lower because the body is in a state of rest. If one is sprinting, the blood pressure is very high as one is in a state of high exertion. In general, blood pressure readings are thought to vary normally by up to 20mm per day. Certain situations, like exercise or being in the presence of a medical doctor or specialist wearing medical attire like a white coat (“white coat syndrome”), might artificially elevate one’s blood pressure which is why repeat readings are often performed. These daily variations are the reason why it is recommended that one takes multiple blood pressure readings each day to have various baselines to assess one’s progress.

Blood pressure readings can also be increased by caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and anxiety for any reason. Blood pressure readings can be lower after a period of deep rest or meditation.

Blood Pressure Machines – Features

With all of the different features available in blood pressure monitors, it can be difficult to sort out which features are critically important and which ones are just nice to have in a blood pressure monitor. Here are a list of important features to consider when looking for the right blood pressure monitor for you.

Essential Features

Consistent readings
Above all other features, accurate blood pressure readings are a necessity in a blood pressure monitor. And, because accurate blood pressure readings are vital to understanding blood pressure trends in any particular person, having consistently accurate blood pressure data reported is a must. That is not to say that a blood pressure machine will vary a few points here and there depending on how the cuff is applied and where it is positioned on the arm. However, any variance in readings more than what would be expected from those differences should be a reason to find a new blood pressure monitor.

Blood pressure averaging
Some believe that taking an average of multiple blood pressures within a short period of time gives more accurate results. For example, most Omron blood pressure monitors use something called Advanced Averaging which automatically displays the average of the last three readings over the past 10 minutes. This helps minimize the impact of any variance in readings for whatever reason.

Proper cuff size
In considering accuracy, getting a blood pressure monitor that has a properly-fitting cuff is vitally important. Too often, people try to jam a large arm into a smaller cuff or wrap an overly big cuff on a tiny arm, leading to inaccurate measurements. It is not appropriate, for example, to use a cuff on the forearm because it won’t fit on the upper arm. Whether a particular blood pressure cuff is meant to be used on the wrist of the arm, the cuff needs to fit properly to get an accurate reading.

Automated Cuff Inflation
As mentioned, blood pressure cuffs exist that are inflated both manually and automatically. For most people, an automated blood pressure monitor is the way to go. An automated blood pressure machine should inflate and deflate the cuff with the press of a button and report the blood pressure reading automatically. Manual blood pressure cuffs, while sometimes slightly more accurate require another trained person involved to operate the cuff and take a reading. For regular use, these requirements make manual blood pressure monitors a much less desirable option.

Bonus Features

Large display
What good is a blood pressure machine if it is hard to know what the reading is? While most digital blood pressure monitors have large displays and number sizes, not every one offers a backlight to be used in the dark. Small blood pressure monitors, in particular, have to trade off display size in an effort to keep the monitor small.

Data storage
Modern blood pressure monitors offer the ability to store multiple readings over time. Blood pressure reading data storage is a nice feature for people who want to review old blood pressure readings and see how they trend, all in one place. Most wireless blood pressure monitors will offer the ability to store unlimited amounts of data online but some people might want to store some readings on the BP machine itself.

Connectivity
For the tech savvy, getting a blood pressure monitor with connectivity to a smartphone or other device can enhance your data storage and blood pressure reading trend analysis. Some of the newer blood pressure machines enable you to connect to remote devices and apps using a cord or, in many cases, wirelessly. Not only can connectivity to third-party devices bring out the data scientist in all of us, it can also let you send your blood pressure readings to your doctor or other people. Also, the newest blood pressure monitors have interactive tools that can help you assess and understand your blood pressure measurements with more clarity.

Best Pressure Monitoring Tips

Now that you have invested in a fancy blood pressure machine, what is the best way to ensure as accurate of a reading as possible?

There are some helpful tips and recommendations in general to optimize blood pressure measurements. If possible, for thirty minutes before the actual blood pressure measurement, try to avoid the following actions:
– Avoid eating
– Avoid drinking alcohol, coffee or tea
– Avoid smoking
– Avoid bathing
– Avoid exercise or stressful situations

As can be expected, taking one’s blood pressure in a quiet space is usually optimal. However, one may choose to take it after exercise or activity to help determine the upper end of one’s blood pressure range.

For a standard blood pressure reading, find a comfortable chair and sit with your feet flat on the floor. Position the arm on which you will be taking your blood pressure on a flat surface like a table or chair so that the cuff ends up being at the same height as your heart. The blood pressure cuff should be wrapped around your skin or, at most, a piece of light fabric, and should be a snug, but not overly tight, fit. Ideally, avoid talking or moving while the blood pressure monitor is taking your reading.

Once one has selected a blood pressure monitor, how often should it be used? There is no question that having access to an unlimited stream of blood pressure data is enticing for many people. With a machine, one can get readings at different times of day and build ranges and baselines to customize one’s data trends. However, there is a downside to having too much data as abnormal readings can be confusing and misleading if the machine is not functioning perfectly or if the blood pressure readings are used out of context.

Arm vs. Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors

Some blood pressure monitors are designed to take readings from the upper arms while others are designed to record blood pressure measurements from the wrist. When selecting a blood pressure device for personal use, it is good to know the advantages and disadvantages of both types of blood pressure measurement as it relates to features to select the right device for you.

Accuracy
Both arm and wrist blood pressure monitors are accurate when used correctly. However, the American Heart Association usually recommends that people use an arm blood pressure monitor at home. The reason for this is not that wrist blood pressure monitors are inaccurate but rather the positioning of the wrist is very important (and often done incorrectly) when taking a blood pressure measurement. So, while wrist blood pressure monitors are accurate, they are sensitive to error as they are difficult to use properly.

Convenience
Anyone who lives in a cold weather climate, or wears long sleeves for whatever reason, will agree that rolling up one’s sleeves to gain access to the upper arm can be a real drag when a blood pressure measurement needs to be done. In many cases, this requires the shirt to come off, mandating some measure of privacy and a gown for most people. On the other hand, a wrist blood pressure monitor like the Care Touch Blood Pressure Monitor can simply be slapped onto the wrist anywhere with a shirt on.

Best Blood Pressure Monitors – Summary Points

Finding the best blood pressure monitor for you can take some patience but, with a little research and maybe some experimenting, it should not be difficult to find a blood pressure machine that works for you. Thanks for reading and feel free to share any experiences that you can relate about your blood pressure monitor!

This information is meant for informational purposes and is not intended to be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.