What is the best blood pressure monitor you should use ?

One of the most useful and practical things that an older adult should have in their home is a good blood pressure (BP) monitor. BP measurements are an incredibly useful tool when it comes to assessing an older person’s health and well-being.

The Best Blood Pressure Monitor 2023 can help in the following ways:

• • • • Checking for any serious illness. If an older person isn’t feeling well, changes in BP and / or pulse rate can help a doctor or nurse decide how likely it is that a serious illness is at hand.
    • • • • Help reduce fall risk by checking sitting vs standing BP. Did you know that many older people experience a drop in BP when they stand up? This is especially true in people who are taking medication to lower blood pressure. This can mean that an acceptable sitting BP drops to a potentially fall-inducing level right after the person stands, a problem sometimes called “orthostatic hypotension.”
      • • Checking on the effect of a recent change in medication. BP can be so important to how an older person feels, after a change in medication for BP, heart problems, urinary tract infection (UTI), or other health concern. This can help both doctors and families establish the best medication and correct dosage for an older person much quicker.

  There are so many different types of home blood pressure monitors available, so how do you know which one to buy?

  Read on for our recommendations, as well as top tips on choosing the best blood pressure monitor 2023.

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  1. Best Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor         ( Best Overall )

  Omron M7 Intelli IT

  Company: Omron

  Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0

  

  Made by Omron, the No 1 seller of home blood pressure monitors, the Omron M7 Intelli IT really impresses.

  Main Features:

  • Has memory function that can memorise several users providing accurate, individual readings.
  • Has mobile app for iPhone/Android which means you can store and track the measurements on your smartphone.
  • Intelli wrap cuff technology ensures consistent accuracy from any position around the upper arm.
  • Irregular Heartbeat Detection – indicates if an Irregular heartbeat is detected

  

  Pros:

  Intelli Wrap Cuff: Suitable for a wide range of arm circumferences ( 22 – 42 cm ) so you have no need to worry about fitting around your arm.

  Easy Blood Pressure Colour Indicator: Easy to read indicator ( if the cuff is not fitted correctly it flashes orange and green when it is ).

  Morning Hypertension (High blood pressure) Tracker: This allows you to check whether your morning blood pressure measurement is different for the rest of the day.

  Advanced Averaging Function: Gives you an average of 3 consecutive readings in 10 minutes.

  Irregular Heartbeat Detection: Lets you know when you get an irregular heartbeat.

  Cuff Wrap Guide: No guesswork needed when putting the cuff on as this features indicates when the cuff is fitted correctly.

  Dual User: 2 users x 100 memories

  Omron Connect: Allows you to manage all your data on your smartphone, so it’s quick and easy to access.

  Body Movement Detection: It uses the Oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement detecting your blood’s movement through your brachial artery and then converts this movement into a digital reading.

  Cons:

  It doesn’t come with an adaptor to recharge batteries.

  Specifications:

  Type: Automatic

  Cuff Style: Upper Arm

  Cuff Size: 22 – 42 cm

  Blood Pressure Range: 0 – 299mmHg

  Blood Pressure Accuracy: +/- 3mmHg

  Pulse Rate Range: 40 – 180 bpm

  Pulse Rate Accuracy: +/- 5%

  The OMRON M7 Intelli IT is a compact, fully automatic upper arm blood pressure monitor that measures your blood pressure and pulse rate simply and quickly. This is Omron’s most advanced design and highly accurate in measuring your blood pressure. CLICK HERE to buy now.

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  2. Best Budget Blood Pressure Monitor

  A & D Medical UA-611 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

  Company: A & D Medical

  Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0

  

  Don’t be put off by the price. This budget end home blood pressure monitor by A & D offers a lot for its money, and gives you many features that you would find on more expensive models.

  Main Features:

  • • • • Clinically validated to the world recognised European Hypertension Society (ESH) 2010 protocol.
        • Unique latex-free and metal-free SlimFit Cuff (22-32cm)
        • World Health Organisation (WHO) Blood pressure classification indicator – for easy and clear understanding of Blood Pressure readings
        • Irregular Heartbeat Indicator (IHB)
        • 30 reading memory function
        • One button control – with latest 3rd generation fully automatic measurement technology
        • Average memory reading function

  

  Pros:

  Body movement detection: The monitor benefits from extremely accurate Oscillometric BP measurement which gives you peace and mind the readings you get are right. This was first developed and patented by A&D back in 1984.

  Irregular Heartbeat Detection: The IHB (Irregular Heart Beat)/Circadian Rhythm analysis technology, pioneered by A&D in 2001 is now used worldwide assisting in the detection of arrhythmias – which include Atrial Fibrillation.

  Comfortable Upper Arm Cuff: Has a comfortable latex and metal free slim fit cuff.

  Ease of Use: You will have no problems operating with the easy to use one button control.

  5 Year Warranty: Piece of mind that if you have any problems with the monitor it can easily be replaced( excludes battery and cuff ).

  Cons:

  Batteries don’t last very long

  Specifications:

  Memories: 30

  Cuff Size: Medium ( 22 – 32cm )

  Optional Cuff Size: Large ( 31 – 45cm )

  Weight: 500g

  AA rated: + / – 3 % Measurement Accuracy

  If you are looking for a cost effective solution to buying a blood pressure monitor then the A & D Medical UA-611 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor could be just the thing. CLICK HERE to buy now.

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  3. Best Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

  Omron RS2 Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

  Company: Omron

  Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0

  

  For those of you who prefer to use your wrist rather than your arm, and are looking for a lightweight, convenient monitor then the Omron RS2 Blood Pressure Monitor could be just what you need.

  Main Features:

  Clinically validated – Complies with the European Hypertension Society

  Fully automatic

  Cuff wrapping guide

  Features a hypertension indicator and irregular heartbeat detector making it an easy and convenient way to check for high blood pressure.

  30 storage memories

  Irregular heartbeat detector (IHB)

  Manufacturer’s 3 year guarantee

  Pros:

  Ease of Use: Easy to put on / off and carry around.

  Clear Display: It has an easy to read monitor with clear digits.

  Small, compact and light: It has a hard plastic case – ideal for carrying around unobtrusive in a small bag.

  Hypertension Indicator: If your blood pressure exceeds the recommended level a hypertension indicator lights up for you.

  Manufacturer 3 year Guarantee

  Cons:

  Readings can fluctuate sometimes.

  Because the wrist is not naturally at your heart height, they are more susceptible to giving an inaccurate reading. You will need to re position carefully to ensure you get an accurate reading.

  Specifications:

  Blood pressure range: 0 – 299 mmHG

  Full automatic: (inflation/depletion)

  Measuring options: Wrist

  Pulse Rate Range: 40 – 180 BPM

  Blood pressure Accuracy: + / – 3 mmHG

  Features: Date display, Watch, Arrhythmia, IHB

  Weight: 320g

  This Omron RS2 Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor is fully automatic and provides an easy and convenient way to check for hypertension. CLICK HERE to buy now.

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  4. Best Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

  Omron Evolv All-in-one Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

  Company: Omron

  Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0

  

  The Omron Evolv All-In-One Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor does it all for you. Wrap it on, press a button and your blood pressure is measured in seconds.

  Main Features:

  Omron’s Intel wrap cuff technology.

  One of the new style of blood pressure measuring devices that sync via Bluetooth with smartphone apps.

  Has Irregular heartbeat technology.

  Has screen for easy reading, unlike some other wireless models where readings are only available via smartphone.

  

  Pros:

  Bluetooth App: Omron’s app uses a Bluetooth to track results via a smartphone (both iPhone and Android). This makes it easier to note blood pressure fluctuations, without manually writing it down.

  Ease of Use: Quick and easy to use.

  Compact: It is small, compact and easy to store away or carry around with you.

  Multiple Users: The app allows multiple users to track their readings at the same time. And it’s also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa.

  Easy Fitting Cuff: Easy for you to put the cuff on and off. Comfortable fit.

  If you need a device that does more than give you readings, then it may be just what you need. It connects to the Omron Connect app to store unlimited readings, monitor your trends and share results with family or healthcare providers.

  Cons:

  The blood pressure cuff couldn’t hold more than one reading (though the app can), which meant that other family members need to track their readings on their smartphone.

  Specifications:

  

  The compact, one-piece design of this monitor really makes it a convenient, portable device for monitoring your blood pressure. Take a look at the Omron Evolv All-In-One Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor today.

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  5. Best Manual Blood Pressure Monitor

  Valuemed Aneroid Palm Sphygmomanometer Clinical Sphyg Adult Cuff Pro CE & FDA Approved

  Company: Access Diagnostic Tests UK Ltd

  Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0

  

  This high quality, heavy-duty aneroid Sphygmomanometer with its easy to use palm hand piece will give you consistent readings every time.

  Main Features:

  Contains single tube velcro cuff

  Palm hand piece combining the pump and aneroid dial

  High quality clinical grade

  Pros:

  Ease of Use: It has an easy to use palm hand piece.

  Robust Design: High quality heavy-duty design.

  One Piece Design: It is all one piece so it is easy to use one handed.

  Accuracy: More accurate than some electronic devices.

  Compact: Has a quality zip carry case included.

  Cons:

  Velcro on the cuff is very strong so you need a lot of force to take the cuff off.

  Specifications:

  Cuff Size: 22 – 32cm

  Blood Pressure Range: 0 – 300mmHg

  If you prefer using a manual blood pressure monitor that will give you consistently accurate readings then the Valuemed Aneroid Palm Sphygmomanometer is for you. CLICK HERE for more details.

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  6. Best Home Blood Pressure Monitor

  Omron M3 Comfort Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

  Company: Omron

  Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0

  

  Main Features:

  Clinically validated – Complies with the European Society of Hypertension standards.

  Omron’s Intelli wrap cuff technology

  2 user memory ( 60 readings per person )

  Irregular heartbeat detector

  Manufacturer’s 3 year guarantee

  Cuff wrap guide

  Fully automatic

  Blood pressure level indicator

  

  Pros:

  Intelli Wrap Cuff Technology: The cuff wraps 360 degrees around the arm ensuring that it is always fitted correctly, increasing the accuracy of the readings you get.

  Easy to Use: The monitor is compact and easy to use.

  Controlled Inflation: The intellisence cuff technology ensures that you get controlled inflation, which eliminates the need for pressure re-setting.

  Cuff Wrap Guide: The cuff wrap guide light only lights up when the cuff is sufficiently tightened on the arm, so this eliminates you guessing as to how tight you need the cuff to be.

  Risk Detector: It helps detect your risk factor for having a stroke.

  Cons:

  Batteries don’t seem to last very long.

  Specifications:

  Intelli Wrap Cuff Size with 360 degree accuracy: 22 – 42cm

  Blood Pressure Level Indicator: Yes

  Irregular Heartbeat Detector: Yes

  Memory Capacity (Readings): 2 x 60

  Storage Bag: Included

  Cuff Wrap Guide: Yes

  The OMRON M3 Comfort Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor gives you a fast and accurate blood pressure measurement. It is simple to set up and offers great value for money. CLICK HERE to view.

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  7. Best Overall Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

  Omron M10-IT Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

  Company: Omron

  Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0

  

  Omron leads the industry with this fully automatic digital upper arm blood pressure monitor, which measures your blood pressure and pulse rate simply and quickly.

  Main Features:

  Clinically validated ( as are all Omron blood pressure monitors )

  All-in-one dual size comfort cuff

  Auto mode

  Fully automatic

  2 x user memory

  Features Omron’s Intellisense

  

  Pros:

  Dual User Option: The dual user feature makes it an obvious choice if you are a couple. Each couple has 84 slots of memory so both users can review their BP.

  The dual size upper arm cuff means that it will easily fit around most people’s arm. So, whether you have a thin or thick arm you shouldn’t have any problem with the cuff not fitting correctly.

  Validation: The Omron M10-IT is clinically certified and validated to give you assurance and confidence in accurate blood pressure readings every time.

  Easy to Read: The monitor has large, clear, easy to read digits so even those with poor vision can see.

  Easy to Use: Easy identifiable buttons to differentiate between User A and User B.

  Morning & Evening Dial Feature: The monitor has a moon and sun button on the dial, which enables you to identify whether readings are take in the morning or evening. This is a useful monitoring feature to show particular trends or patterns in readings.

  Great Feedback: There are over 1600 positive reviews on Amazon.

  Cons:

  Problems trying to download results.

  Not compatible with Apple Macs.

  Specifications:

  Cuff Size: Medium to Large (22 – 42cm)

  Hypertension Tracking: Morning and Evening

  Automatic Display: Displays average of the last 3 readings taken in last 10 minutes.

  If you are looking for an accurate, reliable, world renown product then look no further than the Omron M10-IT digital automatic upper arm blood pressure monitor. CLICK HERE to take a closer look.

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  8. Most Accurate Blood Pressure Monitor

  Omron(R) BP785N 10 Series Advanced-Accuracy Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

  Company: Omron

  Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0

  

  The Omron BP785N 10 Series monitor has a sleek, elegant look and with its simple one touch operation, and consistently accurate readings is hard to fault. So let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer.

  Main Features:

  Made by Omron, the No 1 selling manufacturer of blood pressure monitors

  Simple one touch operation

  Extra large display

  Coloured indicator light

  Easy wrap ComFit cuff

  Truread technology provides accurate readings

  Can save up to 200 readings

  Dual user facility

  AC Adaptor Included ( or operates on 4 AA batteries – not included )

  Pros:

  Medical Recommendation: It’s the No.1 monitor recommended by doctors and pharmacists.

  Accurate Readings: The BP785N 10 Series model is proven clinically and readings taken are close to professional readings.

  Extra Large Display: The extra large display has bright backlit digits which are clear and easy for you to read. There is also a coloured indicator light that lets you know if your reading is normal or not.

  Truread Technology: The monitor automatically takes three readings consecutively in short intervals and displays the average. This is in line with guidelines by the American Health Association. You can adjust the interval between the 3 readings from 15 seconds to 120 seconds. This feature is optional and you are able to turn it off if you want.

  Cuff Fit: You are always sure that you will get a precise reading as the cuff fits entirely around the arm, which gives you peace and mind that it always fits right. It has an expandable cuff that will fit medium and large arms.

  Storage: The monitor has plenty of storage available ( you can save up to 200 readings in the memory ! ).

  5 Year Warranty: This gives you piece of mind knowing if anything was to go wrong it can be replaced.

  

  Cons:

  The lifetime of the device may not be that long. This is quite common with a lot of similar blood pressure monitors.

  Specifications:

  Cuff Size: 9″ – 17″ ( 22cm – 42cm )

  Power Supply: AC Adaptor Included ( uses 4 AA batteries which are not included )

  Two User Mode: Yes

  Memory: Stores 200 readings in device ( 100 each for 2 users )

  If you want consistent, accurate readings every time from a reputable manufacturer within the industry then the Omron BP785N 10 Series Advanced-Accuracy Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is for you.

  CLICK HERE to buy now.

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  Tips for choosing the Best Home Blood Pressure Monitor

  

  Follow these tips to help you choose the best blood pressure monitor for you.

  1. Do you want it to be portable ?

  The wrist blood pressure monitors tend to be lighter and more portable to carry around. However, you need to ensure it is positioned correctly at the height of your heart to get an accurate reading.

  2. Do you want a wrist cuff or arm cuff monitor ?

  Wrist blood pressure monitors are extremely sensitive to your body position. So are they accurate ? well yes, but they need to be positioned where your arm and wrist are at the level of your heart.

  Measurements using a wrist cuff tend to be a little higher (around 5mmHg on both systolic and diastolic readings) than the arm, because your arteries are not as deep under the skin, and are narrower than those in your arm.

  3. Do you prefer a wireless blood pressure monitor ?

  Having a no wire cuff makes taking your blood pressure effortless with no cables to fumble around with.

  A wireless monitor is part of a new crop of blood pressure measuring devices that sync via Bluetooth with smartphone apps, and great as a family gadget that others can use to track their own blood pressure without the need to remember it, or write it down each time.

  
  

  4. Should I use a manual or digital blood pressure monitor ?

  If you have cardiac arrhythmia, arteriosclerosis, pulsus alternans, pulsus paradoxus, or pregnancy induced hypertension, it would be better to choose a manual sphygmomanometer instead of the digital type.

  CLICK HERE to check out a study done in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research to see which is more accurate in measuring blood pressure ?

  5. Does it need to be a clinically validated device ?

  So clinical validation – what is it ?

  Blood pressure monitors must be clinically validated before being sold on the market. Clinical validation verifies the measurement accuracy of the monitor and tests are performed with selected subjects who meet certain criteria, such as their age, sex, blood pressure classification.

  Make sure the monitor has been tested, validated and approved by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, the British Hypertension Society and the International Protocol for the Validation of Automated BP Measuring Devices.

  You’ll also want to consider the monitor’s ease of use and comfort.

  If you are looking for more information then this home blood pressure monitoring booklet gives you practical advice and tips on choosing the best blood pressure monitor, and getting accurate readings. The booklet is written by distinguished professionals in the field and people who live with hypertension.

  A Guide to Blood Pressure Readings

  

  Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor cuff sizes

  Small 18 – 22cm / 7.1 – 8.7″

  Medium 22 – 32cm / 8.8 – 12.8″

  Large 32 – 45cm / 12.8 – 18″

  Tips for taking your blood pressure at home

  If you want to ensure you get an accurate reading take the following tips –

  

  1. Check the blood pressure monitor’s accuracy

  Ensure that the monitor has been tested, clinically validated and approved ( as discussed above ).

  2. Take your blood pressure at the same time each day

  Blood pressure varies throughout the day, and readings are often a little higher in the morning. Also, your blood pressure might be slightly lower at home than in a doctors surgery, as you tend to be less anxious in your own environment.

  Take 2 – 3 readings to ensure the measurements are accurate.

  3. Ensure that the cuff fits correctly

  Having an incorrect fitting cuff is one of the main reasons that people get inaccurate blood pressure readings, that are either too low or too high.

  Ideally you want the air bladder inside the upper arm cuff to fit around at least 80% of the arm, but not more than 100%.

  If the cuff is not big enough to fit around the arm, and less than 80% is covered, the bladder inside the cuff will inflate too much and you will get a higher reading than you should.

  If the cuff is too big, and the air bladder in the cuff overlaps (covers more than 100% of the arm), then the cuff will inflate on itself. This means that it will cut off the blood supply too easily and the monitor will give a lower reading than it should.

  Children and adults with smaller or larger than average-sized arms may need special-sized cuffs.

  4. Make sure that the monitor is validated for the person using it

  Make sure that you get a doctor or health professional to check out the device to ensure it is suitable ( e.g – children, pregnant women or the elderly ).

  5. Measure your blood pressure twice daily

  Ideally take your first blood pressure reading in the morning before taking any medications, or eating breakfast, and the second in the evening.

  Each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are accurate. It may be that your doctor might recommend that you take your blood pressure at the same time each day for consistent results.

  6. Avoid food, tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol 30 minutes before taking a reading

  Eating or drinking before taking a blood pressure reading can drastically raise or lower your blood pressure. Foods or drinks that contain alcohol, as well as those high in sodium or carbohydrates will alter the readings taken.

  The digestion process causes your heart rate to increase and blood vessel to constrict.
  Ideally go to the toilet before taking your blood pressure as a full bladder can increase the readings taken.

  7. Ensure that your arm is in the correct position

  When you take your blood pressure reading always ensure you use the same arm. Position the arm so that is at the same level as your heart. You may find it easier to rest it on a cushion or pillow.

  8. Ensure that the cuff is placed on a bare arm

  What tends to happen is that people roll their sleeve up until it tightens around the arm before putting the cuff on. This can result in an inaccurate reading. However, a study by G. Ma (2008) ‘ A comparison of blood pressure measurement over a sleeved arm versus a bare arm ‘ concluded that there was no noticeable change in the blood pressure reading taken over a sleeve or bare arm.

  They recommended that it was up to the health care professional’s own judgement when taking the readings.

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  Benefits of taking your Blood Pressure at home

  

  Checking your blood pressure at home is an important part of managing high blood pressure.

  Measuring your blood pressure at home can have a substantial benefit on your health. What’s more it is inexpensive, easy and helps control your blood pressure than trips to the doctors.

  In a study published in JAMA it was found that people who monitored their blood pressure at home regularly, had greater success at keeping their blood pressure under control than those that visited their doctor, and received usual treatment and care.

  Regular blood pressure monitoring at home allows you to detect changes in your blood pressure that are outside your normal range, giving you a much better chance of treating any problems at an early stage.

  Conclusion   –   The Best Blood Pressure Monitor 2023

  Hopefully you have found the right blood pressure monitor for you. If however you need any further help or advice, perhaps about a particular product, or just a general question, please feel free to contact us at the following –mark@elderlyfallsprevention.com and we will get back to you.

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