Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Top 5 Best Blood Pressure Monitors | 2018 Reviews

Top 5 Best Blood Pressure Monitors | 2018 Reviews

Your heart is an important part of your body, it continually works every day for you to function normally. The arteries are key in blood circulation and if your blood pressure is high, they could suffer greatly in the process. High blood pressure is now becoming a very common problem, and the fact that there are no direct, or obvious symptoms associated especially to it is actually making it difficult to prevent.

This is basically the reason why it is important to properly monitor your blood pressure from time to time, because you don’t really know when it hits. By the time the symptoms are pronounced you are probably on a worse condition. Think about it, no symptoms only proper monitoring is key. In line with this, it is important for you to have a blood pressure monitor. Blood pressure monitors come in many forms, you have manual, or automatic, and then there’s the cuff measurement to consider as well.

In order for you to be able to choose one, it would be best to know the things to consider when buying a blood pressure monitor. First, you have to make sure it is accurate. If you want optimal results from your monitoring then it is highly beneficial that you only get an equipment that would give you accurate results you needed to track every day. This is the data that you and your doctor will heavily rely on in assessing your overall health and if you need medications or treatment. Second, you should go for a tool that is easy to use, chances are you are going to need the help of your housemates, mainly your family in monitoring your blood pressure. These people will not be able to help you, if it’s going to be a little difficult for them to figure out the device, which is why some people are opting the use of automatic ones; they are generally hassle free.

We have tested several blood pressure monitors and came up with the top five. Ready?

Quick Comparison Table

Omron 10 Series Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

Panasonic EW3109W Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor 

LotFancy Automatic Digital Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

Slight Touch Wrist Digital Blood Pressure Monitor

Omron 10 Series Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Cuff
Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor for Apple and Android
Panasonic EW3109W Portable Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor White/Grey
LotFancy Automatic Digital Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
Slight Touch Wrist Digital Blood Pressure Monitor

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

2.1 pounds

1 pound

3 pounds

1 pound (approx)

8 ounces

4 AA batteries

4 AAA batteries

4 AA batteries

4 AA batteries

2 AAA batteries

Omron 10 Series Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Cuff

Omron 10 Series Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Cuff

The Omron blood pressure machine is our top choice because of several traits it possesses. First, has already combined with the latest technology to provide the user proper tracking. It has the capability to store 100 of your blood pressure readings and you could even connect it to your smartphone allowing you more storage capacity. You just have to sync it by using your smartphone’s Bluetooth Smart Technology and you will be able to transfer the data that you need on your next doctor’s appointment. This will also make sure that you are able to verify your progression over time, and you could also directly email your readings to either your physician or family members if you make use of the mobile app.

When it comes to accuracy, the Omron 10 enables you to take three readings simultaneously with one minute interval and will display the average of that period, this will further verify the accuracy of your results. This blood pressure device has an arm cuff that could fit standard and large arms which is around 9” to 17”, it comes with a built in storage case so you will not have to think of where you should place it for protection.

Your blood pressure readings are displayed in a monitor with multi-color indicator lights; wherein if you get a green light it means that your blood pressure is normal, but if you are hypertensive, the lights will be orange. There is also a blood pressure level bar, this will indicate a comparison of your readings to the normal blood pressure level. The display has extra-large digits and built in backlights for ease of reading. This device could monitor the blood pressure of 2 persons with 100 readings each, which would surely be great for couples who are planning to monitor each other’s health. When it comes to powering the device, an AC adapter is included in the package but you could also make use of 4 AA batteries if you want mobility.

Details of the Omron 10 Series Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Cuff

Pressure Accuracy

±3 mmHg or 2 %

Weight

2.1 pounds

Dimension

71 x 70 x 41 inches

Power Source

AC Adapter (included) or 4 AA batteries (not included)

Features

Bluetooth Smart Easy-Wrap ComFit Cuff (fits upper arms 9"-17"), Multi-color indicator lights, BP level bar

Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor for Apple and Android

Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor for Apple and Android

If you are a user of the health products of Withing, then this one is for you. This is one of the best blood pressure monitor in the market today, and this is because it is easy to use with the other devices that Withing has produced. This blood pressure monitor is automatic, it is simple and very straightforward, you just need to slip on the cuff making sure that your arm is positioned correctly, switch the device on and it will be able to take your current blood pressure. It is lightweight which makes sure that you could have it with you when traveling and setting it up is very easy as well.

You would also be able to easily monitor your readings through the HealthMate app, where you could store all your readings. In the app, you would be able to get the chart, and comparison of your readings historically, and be able to share it with your doctor for proper analysis. It could also provide you with your heart rate and compare your readings to the World Health Organization blood pressure standards, so that you will be able to understand your data properly. What more is that, it can be used by multiple users and each user could track his or her own data. The blood pressure cuff of this monitoring device could also fit 9 to 17 inches. It has a micro-USB adapter and is powered by 4 AAA batteries which comes in the box.

Once you are familiar with all of its features, you will understand why this is one of the best in the market today. It provides highly accurate reading, very detailed results, no fuss in the setup which is really helpful especially to older patients and most of all, it easily syncs to the health app. Unfortunately, although the device itself is pretty handy and easy to use, it is quite expensive, not to mention the number of batteries you need to power the device, the only reasons why it is our 2nd choice.

Details of the Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor for Apple and Android

Pressure Accuracy

±3 mmHg or 2 %

Weight

1 pound

Dimension

5.5 x 3.5 x 6 inches

Power Source

4 AAA Alkaline (LR3) Batteries (in product), Micro-USB Adapter

Features

Fits 9 to 17 inches arm circumference, Android and iOS Compatible, free app - Withings Health Mate, Cuff Oscillo Metric Method

Panasonic EW3109W Portable Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor White/Grey

Panasonic EW3109W Portable Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor White/Grey

The Panasonic EW3109W is indeed a portable digital blood pressure monitor. What it lacks in design, it makes up for other features such as the one touch operation. The Panasonic indeed made this automatic blood pressure monitor stand out because in just a push of a button, the device will inflate and your measurement will be taken. Your reading will then be displayed in a large LCD that has a unique flashing warning system. This system will alert you if you are currently registering high blood pressure readings. What more is that it has the capacity to store 90 of your readings, great for monitoring results with your doctor over a period of time.

When it comes to accuracy, this blood pressure monitor has the capacity to isolate and detect only the pulse oscillation, eliminating other noises that would cause unreliable results. You will notice that the design of the Panasonic is bordering slim, this takes into consideration the storing of the device and mobility. It also boasts of clinically proven accurate measurement, which guarantees reliability. It operates using 4 AA batteries and comes with a carrying pouch. What’s great is that Panasonic has a 24 hour toll free hotline which you could easily contact if you have any problems with the device.

This gained our top 3rd spot because there are several things that are not included in the package, for example, you still have to buy the additional AC adapter and the extra-large cuffs which could handle up to 17 inches.

Aside from those things, we still know that this is one of the best blood pressure monitors today, because it ticks off most of our requirement. It is easy to use, and comfortably fits your arm while taking the measurement. It provides accurate results due to the technology it possesses and is very handy, perfect for traveling and lugging around when you need your blood pressure to be checked by your doctor. It is also inexpensive, so feel free to get one for yourself.​

Details of the Panasonic EW3109W Portable Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor White/Grey

Pressure Accuracy

±3 mmHg or 2 %

Weight

3 pounds

Dimension

8 x 2 x 2 inches

Power Source

Four "AA" Alkaline Batteries

Features

Memory up to 90 Readings, Digital Filter Technology, Body Movement Detection and Hypertension Warnings

LotFancy Automatic Digital Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

LotFancy Automatic Digital Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

This FDA approved and CE certified blood pressure monitor could be the one you would need for your daily monitoring. This LotFancy blood pressure monitor is easy to use, you would be able to read your blood pressure and take it yourself even if you do not have any previous experience in using this device. This blood pressure measuring device has 2 cuff sizes so it is important to note the size you are getting before your actual purchase. It has the approved accuracy readings which is ±3 mmHg (±0.4 KPa), but highly recommended to use the upper arm cuff method for best results. The LotFancy could easily store up to 30 past readings, not as much as the previous ones but it could display the average of your last 3 readings for great accuracy.

There are several things to note before you take your blood pressure, make sure that you take it at the same time every day for proper monitoring of results. You also need to rest in a chair for 5 to 10 minutes before taking your measurement so there are no unnecessary readings if you are either tired or have been active. The LotFancy is powered with four AA batteries which could last you for up to 2 months depending on the level of use.

What’s great with the LotFancy is that it’s available for multiple users, so the 30 readings is for each of 4 different users, perfect for an average family. It also has big easy to read monitor, basically 4 inch LCD display. This monitor has a built in WHO indicator which will tell you more about your readings; the normal range is in green, high-normal is in the orange zone and when you are in red, that means you are hypertensive.

It also has the capacity to indicate irregular heartbeats which is also useful in determining if you have any other problems you needed to tell your doctor about, a symbol will show on the display to indicate this.

Details of the LotFancy Automatic Digital Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

Pressure Accuracy

±3 mmHg or 2 %

Weight

Approximately 1 pound, excluding batteries

Dimension

4.3 x 6.1 x 2.8 inch

Power Source

Four "AA" Alkaline Batteries

Features

Medium and large size cuffs with D-ring for your option, WHO Indicator, Irregular Heartbeat Indicator

Slight Touch Wrist Digital Blood Pressure Monitor

Slight Touch Wrist Digital Blood Pressure Monitor

This one so far is the only blood pressure kit on this list that is designed for the wrist. The Slight Touch is an FDA approved blood pressure monitor with extra-large LCD display which measures 1.9 x 1.5 inches and makes use of the quiet inflation method. For people who have huge arms, and do not exactly fit the normal arm blood pressure monitors, then this is the best blood pressure monitor for you.

The Slight Touch has the capacity to store up to 60 readings each for 2 persons, great for partners who are keen on monitoring each other’s blood pressure readings and reporting them back to their doctors for analysis. This is compact, and generally easy to use. When it comes to storage and portability, it comes with its own deluxe carry case so it would be fairly easy to travel with.

The Slight Touch is powered by 2 AAA batteries that comes with the package. Now most people are wondering, “Are wrist blood pressure monitors accurate?” 

With regards to the accuracy of the Slight Touch, it is safe to conclude that is gives off accurate results because it is tagged as clinically accurate by giving you the average of the last 3 results, similar to the other ones on this list. If you would like to do a test, you could run a side by side comparison with the other brands that we mentioned and it should pretty much yield the same results.

To be able to get the most accurate results it is imperative that you read the instruction manual that comes with the product. You do not have to be scares because the instructions were laid out carefully and are easy to understand. After all this is a home blood pressure monitor, and you should be able to maintain it as long as you are using it. In general, since this is a wrist monitor, you have to make sure that your position is correct when using the device, wherein your arm is at the level of your heart. This is the beauty with a wrist monitor, as long as you have done it correctly, you will be able to do it yourself moving forward.

And while you’re at it, do not forget to setup the date, time and other data correctly, so you will not get confused with the information of your results. This blood pressure monitor is our 5th choice because of certain limitations on data and applications, but nevertheless will still provide you with the results that you require.​

Details of the Slight Touch Wrist Digital Blood Pressure Monitor

Pressure Accuracy

±3 mmHg or 2 %

Weight

8 ounces

Dimension

3 x 3 x 3 inches

Power Source

2 "AAA" Alkaline Batteries

Features

WHO Indicator,Irregular Heartbeat Indicator, extra-large LCD display, low battery indicator, carrying case

Conclusion

Once you have chosen among the recommended blood pressure monitors, the only logical step left is proper setup and maintenance of your device. You have to make sure that it is correctly giving you the results you require by continually calibrating it with other devices or letting your doctor analyze it every once in a while. This will ensure that your tracked results are optimized and will work for your advantage.

FAQ (By Our Ardent Readers)

  • Why do I need a at home blood pressure  monitor? It is always necessary to monitor the BP while you are pregnant as you can be rest assured of your well being. In case you notice any variation, it is always good to contact your doctor for more advise. 
  • How reliable are these blood pressure monitors? There are quite accurate but nevertheless they are not a substitute to the clinical monitors used by doctors. If you are concerned about the readings in your home monitor it is always advisable to go see a doctor.
  • What are the different types of blood pressure monitors available? There are three main types of monitors available in the market. Firstly, the most reliable and recommended by all doctors is the automatic  cuff style bicep monitor. Second is the wrist monitor and the third is the finger monitor. These two are less reliable with their readings. 
  • Are blood pressure monitors different for pregnant women and children? Not really. But you need to check if the monitor has been validated for these conditions. 
  • What is a Ambulatory blood pressure monitor? How is it different from the normal blood pressure monitors? The ambulatory blood pressure monitor is similar to a clinical tool with a cuff style bicep monitor that records BP every 20 min for 24 hrs. This is used by patients with suspected hypertension, pregnancy induced hypertension, suspected BP with cardio vascular diseases, poorly controlled hypertension etc. This is similar to the home monitor but is used to record readings over a period of 24 hours.
  • Can i store my readings on my computer or tablet? Yes some devices do support a few android apps where the readings are automatically transferred to your computer for future reference.
  • Is the cuff size suitable for all sizes? The cuff of a blood pressure monitor comes with standard size mostly suitable from small to large sizes. But you are after much bigger or smaller size it can readily be purchased from any online websites or from any retail stores.
  • Can Apple watch monitor my blood pressure? No. It only monitors the heart rate and not the blood pressure. 
  • What is a Vive precision blood pressure monitor? It is a home blood pressure monitor rigorously tested for accuracy. It also alerts the user if there are any irregular changes in the heart beat. 
  • Can blood pressure monitor detect heart attack? Not really. But the best part is that most models does flag an alarm when they detect irregularities in heartbeat. This should caution the user and necessary steps need to be taken by consulting your doctor in order to avoid major fatalities.
  • How do i know if the cuff is too tight or too loose? The cuff should be worn one inch above your elbow and you should be able to put one finger between your arm and the cuff. This is just the right way to get those accurate readings.
  • What if the cuff is slightly loose or tight than normal? Do i still get the accurate readings? Not possible. The cuff need to be worn according to the instructions supplied for you to get the precise readings. If you are still not satisfied you could take a couple of readings and then average it. But if the readings are of concern, it is always advised to see your doctor.
  • Is there any particular time i need to take the readings? You could do at any time of the day when you are relaxed. Also make sure you take the readings at exactly the same time of the day for consistency.
  • How do i compare my readings of home blood pressure monitor with my clinical readings? Home monitor always give you slightly lower readings as you are in a much relaxed environment. It is perfectly normal to expect a slight variance with your clinical readings.
  • Which arm does the cuff need to be worn while taking the readings? All blood pressure monitors are designed to take readings from the left arm. So it is highly recommended to use it on the left arm.
  • Does the readings differ when the cuff is used on either left or right arm? Well most instruments are designed to be used for left hand. If for some reason you want to use it on your right hand the variance should not be more than 10mmHG. In case you notice a huge variance please try it on your left hand for another reading or consult the doctor immediately.
  • Could my blood pressure monitor be wrong? The home monitors are designed and tested to perform to great precisions. But in case you have a very high or low reading, re-adjust the cuff, sit in a relaxed position and start again to take readings at regular intervals to see if the readings are the same or if you are extremely concerned it is always better to see the doctor.
  • Do blood pressure monitors wear out? No they don't. They are manufactured to last really long. But in case it gets damaged for some reason it is always good to buy a new one than getting it repaired. 
  • Where can i buy the blood pressure monitors? You can buy them from any retail store or from any trusted websites like Amazon. Please do not forget to read through our reviews about various products before deciding.

The post Top 5 Best Blood Pressure Monitors | 2018 Reviews appeared first on ParentsNeed.

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