Did you know that there are many people living with chronic high blood pressure without even realising it? To find out if your level falls within the healthy range, the best course of action is to get it checked, but you may not always be able to see your doctor or nurse or secure an appointment. That's where monitors for home use come in handy!
We'll share our tips on how to pick a clinically-approved home blood pressure monitor and help identify beneficial features such as those with cuffs for large or small arms, and those that can sync to apps and connect via Bluetooth. Our list of the 10 best includes devices that'll safely keep track of your pressure between GP visits.
Quick List - Top Blood Pressure Monitors
A&D Medical
A Trusted Blood Pressure Monitor for Fully Automatic Home Readings
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Blood pressure is measured and recorded as two numbers in millimetres of mercury (mmHg), the top number is the systolic pressure, the force your heart exerts to pump blood, and the bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which relates to the resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels in between heartbeats.
The ideal range for adults is between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. A level above 140/90 mmHg is considered high (often referred to as hypertension), whereas low blood pressure (or hypotension) describes levels under 90/60 mmHg.
Abnormally high or low blood pressure won't always present symptoms, but can lead to long-term and potentially fatal illnesses if left untreated. So, whatever your age or lifestyle, it's a good idea to get it checked!
If you’ve been diagnosed with abnormally high or low blood pressure, you're taking certain medications, or you're over 65, you may want to measure your levels at home. Doing so regularly can help provide a clearer picture of what your blood pressure is like day-to-day, which helps with early diagnosis.
It should also be mentioned that monitoring your blood pressure at home should never be a replacement for professional medical care. If you have concerns regarding your blood pressure, be sure to make an appointment with your GP.
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When buying a blood pressure monitor, the most important thing is its accuracy. Inaccurate results are misleading at best, and potentially harmful at worst. This guide helps you learn how to select a safe and reliable blood pressure monitor.
There are various types of blood pressure monitors on the market, most of which take readings from the upper arm (brachial monitors) by gently applying gradual pressure. Then there are those that measure from the wrist or finger, but these types are known to be less accurate.
Thus, all of the recommendations on our list are automatic or digital upper arm monitors. With these designs, you must make sure the cuff fits! Even if they're labelled as 'universal size', you should still check the listed measurements as only the correct size will be accurate.
Buying a monitor that has been clinically validated by the British Hypertension Society (listed as BHS-approved) guarantees a product that you can trust, as it will have undergone a series of tests to ensure a high level of accuracy.
However, you don't necessarily need to avoid all non-BHS approved machines to get accurate results. Some devices have not yet been tested, while others may be validated by other organisations such as the European Society for Hypertension (ESH).
Models from trusted brands with other clinically validated devices such as Omron, Braun, Duronic, Wellue or A&D have a greater likelihood of reliability. If you are unsure, take your monitor to your GP to get it tested for accuracy.
Some modern digital blood pressure monitors offer mobile app syncing features, which, if you are a smartphone user, are a convenient way to store and track your readings.
With an app, each reading is logged straight from the monitor, usually with a time and date. Not only does this save time, but it improves accuracy as you won't have to worry about forgetting to write it down or misplacing handwritten notes. Different apps offer varying features, so take a look to see what's available.
Maintaining a healthy weight prevents hypertension, so use a digital bathroom scale to keep track of your weight.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | A&D Medical Connected Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor|UA-651BLE | ![]() | A Trusted Blood Pressure Monitor for Fully Automatic Home Readings | |
2 | Omron X7 Smart | ![]() | The Most Technologically-Advanced Home Blood Pressure Monitor | |
3 | Omron EVOLV |HEM-7600T-E | ![]() | No Need to Connect, Just Attach and Go | |
4 | Braun Exact Fit 5 Connect | ![]() | Best Blood Pressure Monitor for Comfort | |
5 | Omron X2 Basic | ![]() | An Inexpensive, Straightforward Blood Pressure Monitor | |
6 | Omron X4 Smart | ![]() | Best Blood Pressure Monitor for Hypertension | |
7 | Wellue Armfit Plus | ![]() | A Modern Design With a Full Colour, Intuitive Display | |
8 | Braun Exact Fit 1 | ![]() | A Simple to Use Machine With a Few Smart Features | |
9 | Kinetik Wellbeing Fully Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor|WBP1 | ![]() | A Device That's Easy to Operate | |
10 | Duronic BPM150 | ![]() | A Handy Monitor That Can Store up to 60 Past Readings |
A&D Medical is known for providing high-quality medical devices for both professional and at-home use. Their range of blood pressure monitors are no exceptions, and of the various models they have to offer, this one is our top pick.
Taking the stress and error out of home blood pressure reading, this device uses one-button operation and can be synced via Bluetooth to the A&D Connect app to automatically track your health data. It's also affordable, portable, and comfortable.
The most technologically advanced blood pressure monitor on the list, the Omron X7 Smart can automatically transfer readings to your smartphone, and even be paired with Amazon Alexa!
This monitor features atrial fibrillation detection, an often-undetected condition which, when left untreated, can lead to a higher risk of stroke and embolism. While it does not yet appear on the list of devices published by the BHS, it has been clinically validated by other organisations.
Looking like something out of a futuristic science fiction movie, Omron’s EVOLV wireless blood pressure monitor combines the cuff and the reader, all in one reliable package; so no need to fiddle around with attachments at all.
We recommend this one as a good option for an easily transportable monitor to take on the go. A sleek and stylish way to keep on top of and better understand your health, simply connect the device to your smartphone via Bluetooth using the free app.
The Braun ExactFit 5 Connect generously includes two cuffs to accommodate a wider range of sizes for that perfect fit. If you hate the anaconda-like grip of many upper arm blood pressure monitors, you may want to give this one a go – its soft inflation technology promises a gentler squeeze, for improved comfort.
An upgraded version of the ExactFit 1, this monitor comes with a few extra features such as irregular heartbeat detection, and a colour-coded system to help you interpret readings at a glance.
If you’re looking for a straightforward blood pressure monitor to take readings at home, Omron’s X2 Basic is a good option. It's clinically validated for peace of mind and will enable to accurately track your blood pressure and heartbeat at the press of a button.
Best of all, it’s incredibly wallet-friendly, which is ideal if you don’t require any extra functions or features. So if you don't want an all singing and dancing, multi-functioned blood pressure monitor, then this will do you just fine.
The Omron X4 blood pressure monitor is designed to help monitor hypertension and some of its associated risk factors. Using intelligent technology, this monitor detects stroke risk factors, and will even indicate if an irregular heartbeat is detected.
Braun’s Intelli Wrap technology ensures the cuff always inflates to the ideal level every time, and the LCD screen indicators tell you whether your blood pressure is normal or high. The Omron brand is also validated by the ESH so you can rest assured that this one is trustworthy.
It is also capable of real-time recording of your heart rate and rhythm with real-time results and trends that are easily sent to your doctor. Note however, that this particular monitor has not yet been BHS-approved, but it's been clinically validated by another body.
The Braun ExactFit 1 is a simple to use, one button blood pressure machine with a few smart features to help track readings. It can be used alongside Braun’s free Healthy Heart app, through which users can receive an instant analysis of their readings, set reminders for doctor’s appointments, and much more.
Be aware that if you choose to download the app, you will need to enter your readings manually as unfortunately, it cannot be synced with the device. So if you're not confident that you'll enter the correct numbers or even remember to in the first place, this may be a moot point.
This automatic blood pressure monitor from Kinetik Wellbeing is not too sophisticated and easy to operate. There is an instruction manual enclosed that is well explained to guide you through in case you find it a little complex at first.
Whilst app integration is not available, it has a good internal memory and can store up to 90 memories showing date and time of reading. This clinically-validated device works straight out of the box!
Duronic’s BPM150 has a large digital display that’s easy to read and uses a colour chart to help you quickly see whether your result falls within the normal range. Misplaced your last reading or forgot to write it down? No problem! This device can store up to 60 past readings on its internal memory.
While the BPM150 does not appear to have been clinically validated by the BHS, other Duronic devices that use similar technology have been. If in doubt, get it checked for accuracy by your GP.
Once you’ve selected a monitor you’ll need to ensure you use it properly, but don't forget to thoroughly read the operating instructions for your specific model before starting.
Take your reading sitting in a comfortable upright position with your arm out in front of you, resting on a table for support. You can also use a pillow for added comfort. Try to stay fairly relaxed and keep as still as possible.
Avoid drinking caffeine, smoking, or eating at least 30 minutes prior to usage, as this can affect results. Also, jot down the results if your monitor doesn't automatically log readings to an app. To get the most accurate reading, never round numbers up or down! Instead, take your reading two or three times and work out the average.
Many people do not realise that home blood pressure monitors need to be re-calibrated. This should be done once every two years, and can usually be done by the manufacturer at a cost.
Some GPs and chemists will let you check your home monitor against theirs for accuracy, so make sure to do your research and check ahead of time to keep your device working properly.
Tracking your blood pressure at home is a quick and simple way to remain in control of your wellbeing. With the right monitor, you can begin taking readings at regular intervals and keep an up-to-date record, and even take steps towards improving your long term heart health.
Author: Wren Mann
No. 1: A&D Medical |Connected Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor|UA-651BLE
No. 2: Omron|X7 Smart
No. 3: Omron|EVOLV |HEM-7600T-E
No. 4: Braun |Exact Fit 5 Connect
No. 5: Omron |X2 Basic
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