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 brand of blood pressure monitor is most accurate? ›
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 do doctors recommend for blood pressure monitor? ›
The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, upper arm (biceps) monitor.
- Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended. ...
- Choose a monitor that has been validated. ...
- When choosing a blood pressure monitor for a senior, person who is pregnant or child, make sure it is validated for them.
- Make sure the cuff fits.
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.
How accurate is OMRON vs Microlife? ›
The Omron device had a sensitivity of 30% (95% confidence interval (CI) 15.4%-49.1%) with the sensitivity for the first Microlife reading of 97% (95% CI 81.4%-100%) and the Microlife readings using the majority rule (AF positive if at least two out of three individual readings positive for AF) of 100% (95% CI 85.9%-100 ...
Which blood pressure monitor is best for seniors? ›
Mid-Range Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors for Seniors
- A&D Medical Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor. ...
- Ozeri BP9W Arm Blood Pressure Monitor. ...
- iHealth Track Smart Blood Pressure Monitor. ...
- Mark of Fitness WS-820 Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor. ...
- Omron Silver Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor. ...
- DARIO Blood Pressure Monitor.
When we looked at our most important attributes (ease of use, fit, and data display), the Omron Upper Arm Gold Blood Pressure Monitor excelled in every category. We found that it was not only easy to fit and position on your arm, but it gave extremely clear, straightforward data in less than a minute.
What should I do if my BP is 140-90? ›
If you have a BP of 140/90, that is considered high blood pressure and you should discuss this with your doctor. The first thing that is usually recommended for people with high blood pressure to do is lifestyle changes such as: Maintaining a healthy weight. Consuming a healthy balanced diet low in salt.
What time of day should you not take your blood pressure? ›
Don't measure your blood pressure right after you wake up.
You can prepare for the day, but don't eat breakfast or take medications before measuring your blood pressure. If you exercise after waking, take your blood pressure before exercising.
Is 140/90 the new normal? ›
Adults are now considered to have high blood pressure if their numbers read 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and higher. Under the old guidelines, high blood pressure was considered 140/90 or higher. With these new guidelines, nearly half of the US population may be diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Normal pressure is 120/80 or lower. Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away.
Is 150-90 BP normal for senior citizens? ›
Blood pressure guidelines for men and women over 65
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) currently recommend that men and women 65 and older aim for a blood pressure lower than 140/90 mm Hg.
Can I trust Omron blood pressure monitor? ›
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.
Can Omron blood pressure monitor be wrong? ›
Home blood pressure devices marketed as “clinically proven accurate” are inaccurate if resulting in false positives for a sizable fraction of the population.
How can I check if my blood pressure monitor is accurate? ›
For this reason clinicians should encourage patients to bring any home blood pressure monitor they use to their physician's office to measure its accuracy against a mercury sphygmomanometer or comparable device before the readings are accepted.
Are more expensive blood pressure monitors more accurate? ›
Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can tell you what size you need. It's OK to be frugal. A high-tech wireless monitor can cost $200, but it may not be better or more accurate than a much less expensive model. Many top-rated blood pressure monitors cost between $40 and $75.
Are OMRON blood pressure monitors accurate? ›
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. Pulse: within +/- 5 percent of reading.
Which BP reading is most accurate? ›
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.
