How to find the best blood pressure monitor

Blood pressure monitors come in many styles and the price range is large
between the cheapest and the most expensive models.

The first choice most people have to make is whether to go for a blood
pressure monitor that reads the values from a cuff placed around the upper arm
- or whether to choose the smaller and more compact wrist monitor type. In
general it's best to avoid monitors that try to read blood pressure from a finger -
they tend to be inaccurate at times.

In years gone by it was thought that the upper limb blood pressure monitors
performed better in day to day use. The newer wrist models are probably now
just as good - but do try to choose a monitor from a reputable manufacturer.
There's no point in choosing the cheapest model of monitor you can find - only
to discover that it does not properly record your blood pressure, or to discover
that it breaks after only a few uses.

The best blood pressure monitor

The best blood pressure monitor


Follow these pointers when  you are trying to work out which is the best blood pressure monitor for your
needs:

  • look out for reputable makers like Omron or Microlife. Both of these companies have a long track
    record in making reliable machines. Other good makes include Panasonic and Samsung
  • Cost is obviously a factor but try not to skimp too much. In general you get what you pay for with blood
    pressure monitors
  • Some monitors will record data and allow you to compare readings over several weeks or months.
    Others will download the information to your PC and allow you to create charts and graphs.
  • Choose a machine that provides a cuff big enough for your arm. If you are large or very overweight
    then the standard size blood pressure cuff might give you artificially or falsely high readings on the
    machine.

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