Your blood pressure is an important indicator of your health. Especially if you are forty years or older, it is good to measure your blood pressure every day, but even if you are younger it is not wrong to keep an eye on it.
But what do you pay attention to when you look for a blood pressure monitor? I explain that to you in this article. We have also searched for the top five best blood pressure monitors of the moment.
Guide to selecting the best blood pressure monitor: How to make the best buy?
Although you have probably realized by now that measuring your blood pressure is important, I can imagine that you have little or no idea what to look for when you buy such a device. That’s why I’ve written the buying guide below.
What is healthy blood pressure?
First about that blood pressure. It is good to know that blood pressure consists of two values :
- The systolic blood pressure (SYS). This is the highest reading on the blood pressure monitor and indicates the pressure in the vessels when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic blood pressure (DIA). The diastolic blood pressure is the lowest value indicated by the blood pressure monitor, and indicates the pressure in the vessels when the heart relaxes between beats.
The difference between these two values is called pulse pressure. A high systolic pressure is more dangerous than a high diastolic pressure. But what is high, low and normal?
- 90/60 is too low blood pressure. In this case, please contact a doctor.
- 120/80 is an ideal blood pressure.
- 140/90 or higher is high blood pressure.
- 135/85 or higher is high blood pressure. In this case, please contact a doctor.
- 180/110 or higher is severely elevated blood pressure. In this case, be sure to contact your doctor.
Not every blood pressure monitor has the same measuring range, in other words: the minimum and maximum blood pressure that a blood pressure monitor can handle. It is wise to choose a blood pressure monitor with a high measuring range, especially if you are in the danger zone.
Note:
Stress, caffeine, smoking and not enough rest before the measurement can make the measurement less reliable. For the most accurate result, you should also always measure at the same time.
Measurement via upper arm or wrist
There are two forms of blood pressure measurement: the upper arm and the wrist. A wrist blood pressure monitor is easier to use (and usually cheaper), but for the most accurate measurement, choose a blood pressure monitor with a strap around your upper arm. These blood pressure monitors are less prone to errors.
Cuff
Most blood pressure monitors have a cuff, especially the one you put on your upper arm. That cuff can be both hard and soft and contrary to what you might think, the hard cuffs are experienced as the most comfortable.
If you have thinner or thicker arms than the average person, some attention is required. In that case, be sure to check the size of the cuff.
Almost all blood pressure monitors inflate the cuff automatically, but there are also models where you do this manually. You then have to inflate it yourself to the expected upper pressure. I do not recommend these models, because it does not bring any benefits.
Memory
A blood pressure is a snapshot and an individual measurement can give a distorted picture. That’s why it’s so important to measure your blood pressure regularly.
It is nice if the blood pressure monitor can store measurements, so that you can easily discover patterns in your blood pressure and do not have to work with pen and paper. It is extra useful if a blood pressure monitor registers the date and time of each measurement.
If you are not the only one who wants to use the blood pressure monitor, but also other members of the family, for example, then you should look for a device that can store measurements for several people. This varies from one to six people.
Average blood pressure data
If a blood pressure monitor can calculate an average, this usually means that the device calculates the average of the last three readings for you. It then displays this average in one or more ways, such as in a list or graph.
Risk
When is your blood pressure too high or too low? You can monitor this yourself with the information above, but it is even easier if the blood pressure monitor warns you when your blood pressure falls outside the recommended values, by means of a color code or an audible signal.
Heartbeat
You get an even better picture of your health with a blood pressure monitor that also measures your heart rate. For example, there are blood pressure monitors that tell you if you have an arrhythmia, in other words: a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat. With an arrhythmia, the heartbeat is too slow, too fast, or irregular.
Wireless
Most modern blood pressure monitors are wireless and operate either on batteries or a rechargeable battery.
You no longer have an annoying cord that always gets in the way and you no longer have to be near a socket. But it does mean that the blood pressure monitor eventually runs out and you have to keep an eye on the battery percentage.
Smart blood pressure monitors
You will find smart blood pressure monitors in the more expensive segment. This means that you connect them to your smartphone or tablet via a WiFi or Bluetooth connection.
You can then collect the data you measure with a blood pressure monitor in an app, giving you a handy overview. If you are actually going to do this, then the higher price tag is worth it.
Recommend and review 5 best blood pressure monitors
1. Omron X3 Comfort
Measurement: Upper arm
Cuff type: Threaded
Measure irregular heartbeat: Yes
Maximum blood pressure measuring range: 210 mm Hg
Power type: Operates on: Battery | Adapter/mains
Control via mobile app: No
2. Omron X2 Basic
Measurement: Upper arm
Cuff type: Threaded
Measure irregular heartbeat: Yes
Maximum blood pressure measuring range: 280 mm Hg
Power type: Operates on: Battery
Control via mobile app: No
3. Medisana BU 512 Upper arm blood pressure monitor
Measurement: Upper arm
Cuff type: Threaded
Measure irregular heartbeat: Yes
Maximum blood pressure measuring range: 299 mm Hg
Power type: Operates on: Battery
Control via mobile app: No
4. Omron X7 Smart
Measurement: Upper arm
Cuff type: Threaded
Measure irregular heartbeat: Yes
Maximum blood pressure measuring range: 260 mm Hg
Power type: Operates on: Battery | Adapter/mains
Control via mobile app: Yes
5. Omron X4 Smart
Measurement: Upper arm
Cuff type: Threaded
Measure irregular heartbeat: Yes
Maximum blood pressure measuring range: 260 mm Hg
Power type: Operates on: Battery | Adapter/mains
Control via mobile app: Yes
Frequently asked questions about blood pressure monitors
Below you will find the most frequently asked questions about blood pressure monitors. If you have a burning question that isn’t answered below, let us know!
What does DIA mean on a blood pressure monitor?
DIA stands for diastolic pressure. Its counterpart is SYS, the systolic pressure – this is the top pressure.
How long does a blood pressure monitor last?
That depends on the brand, model and use, but on average a blood pressure monitor lasts five to ten years.
How do you use a blood pressure monitor?
Relax for 5 to 10 minutes prior to the measurement. Do not place the blood pressure monitor strap too tightly around a bare arm, at the level of your heart. Sit upright in a chair with your back against the back and both feet on the floor. Make sure your arm is straight on a table or chair, for example.
Press the start button and let the device do its job. Keep still during the measurement and then take a rest. Wait for the blood pressure monitor to indicate that the measurement is complete and read the blood pressure readings. If necessary, you can do a second measurement to be sure.
Which blood pressure monitor should I buy?
That’s entirely up to you and your budget; everyone is unique. What I do have for you is a handy table with – in my opinion – the most important specifications of the best blood pressure monitor. This is how you make the best choice!
| Maximum measuring range of blood pressure | Power supply type | Control via mobile app | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omron X3 Comfort | 210 mm HG | Operates on: Battery | Adapter/mains | No |
| 2 | Omron X2 Basic | 280 mm HG | Operates on: Battery | No |
| 3 | Medisana BU 512 Upper arm blood pressure monitor | 299 mm HG | Operates on: Battery | No |
| 4 | Omron X7 Smart | 260 mm HG | Operates on: Battery | Adapter/mains | Yes |
| 5 | Omron X4 Smart | 260 mm HG | Operates on: Battery | Adapter/mains | Yes |
Conclusion
Sphygmomanometers differ from each other with the form of measurement (upper arm or wrist), the cuff and the options for keeping measurements.
I hope that I have fully informed you about the ins and outs of blood pressure monitors and that you have made some progress in the purchasing process. Thank you for reading!