One of the most common health issues that millions of people suffer from is High Blood Pressure. It has even been called the silent killer at times due to the fact that there isn’t always a sign that things are not as they should be. By the timer symptoms start, the levels are usually way beyond the borderline limit.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, or you suspect that you may have it you may want to consider purchasing a blood pressure monitor. A blood pressure monitor is a device that goes around the upper arm that provides a blood pressure reading for the user.

Blood Pressure Monitor Reviews

The versions that are sold for at home use are similar to what is used in hospitals but it is easy for anyone to use and the readings are given digitally so you know exactly what your blood pressure is. It is a simple, reliable way to keep track of your blood pressure when you are at home. Because high blood pressure is such a common problem, there are many blood pressure monitors available for consumers to choose from.

Top 10 Blood Pressure Monitors

Keeping track of our daily blood pressure levels is very important to our health. But which blood pressure machine should we use? There are tons of blood pressure machines on the market today but all of them are not a reliable. Today we are going to take a look at five of the best BP machines out there and learn more about them.

Image	Blood Pressure Monitor	Pulse Rate
	Best Home Blood Pressure Monitor Withings Wireless	30 – 160
	Omron 10 Plus Series	30 – 160
	Omron 10 Series	30 – 160
	Microlife	30 – 160
	Ozeri CardioTech	30 – 160
	Best Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor Omron 7 Series Wireless	30 – 160
	Omron 7 Series	30 – 160
	Omron 3 Series	30 – 160
	Ozeri BP2M	30 – 160
	Panasonic EW3006S	30 – 160

Withings Wireless Apple and Android

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“I love to stay in shape and keeping an eye on my blood pressure is easy with the Withings BP monitor. It’s simple to use and I can take with me just about anywhere that I go. The best part is that the monitor is totally wireless”

This blood pressure monitor is one of the most advanced out there. This highly accurate unit is compatible with both your Android and Apple devices, which allows you to keep better track of your BP. Very light weight this model can easily be carried with you on the go and can be stored just about anywhere. Bluetooth ready this blood pressure monitor is easy to connect. Also, this model comes with a wire and will quickly connect to your device the old fashioned way. The machine comes with a built-in app that will let you track your health.

Omron 10 Series Upper Arm ComFit Cuff

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“Last year I started having problems with my blood pressure so my doctor recommended this machine. I found it easy to use and the screen was large enough that even I could see it.”

This blood pressure unit is one of the most trusted home units in the industry. Built to last this unit is made from durable plastic and other high-quality materials. A calibration check system helps keep your blood pressure machine working like it should. One of the best features of this model is it’s easy to read display. Large numbers will appear giving you a very accurate readout. A great way to keep track of your blood pressure over time this machine has a 200 memory storage capacity. This machine comes with two user modes which will let two different people keep track of their health. A handy irregular heartbeat detecting feature comes standard with this BP monitor. If you are looking for a simple to use BP machine that is easy to read, this is the one for you.

Omron 10 Series Wireless Upper Arm

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“I was looking for a blood pressure monitor that was easy to carry. I travel a lot of work and wanted a unit that I could fit in my overnight bag. This one was the perfect choose and it works very well.”

The completely wireless blood pressure machine comes with a large display screen so that you can actually see your numbers. Great for those whose eyesight is not the best, the backlight helps your readings standout. The unit comes with a standard cuff that fits both small and large arms allowing multiple users to benefit from this device. This highly advanced machine allows you to keep track of up to 100 readings which is great for monitoring blood pressure. Smartphone compatible this unit will let you quickly connect to your Android or Apple device via Bluetooth technology. Great for travel the BP monitor will easily store in your carry-on bag or in a purse. A built in irregular heartbeat feature will help keep you healthy. A multi-colored readout makes it easy to compare your number to that of a normal blood pressure reading. This unit is one of the best on the market and it has been approved for home use by many doctors and nurses.

Microlife 3MC1-PC Ultimate Automatic

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“Last spring my mother turned ill and she had to go into the hospital. After coming out her doctor suggested that we keep track of her blood pressure so we decided to buy this machine. It works great and she is able to easily see the readout.”

If you are looking for an easy to use blood pressure machine, then the Microlife 3MC1-PC Ultimate Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor is for you. This unit has a large LED display that allows you to quickly see your readings and compare them with normal levels. Built-in Averaging Technology will let you compare your different readings to give you a more accurate understanding of your blood pressure. Another feature that comes standard on the BP machine is an irregular heartbeat detector which will alert you if something is not right. The sturdy unit is designed for home use and is great for those looking for better health. This model can store up 99 different BP readings so that you can keep track of your health. This will allow you to show your doctor your progress. If you are looking for the perfect home blood pressure unit that will help you keep track of what’s going on, this is the one for you.

Ozeri CardioTech BP3T Upper Arm

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“When my blood pressure got very high I know I needed to get control of it. So I purchased this monitor and it has helped me keep track of my goals. I was able to bring my BP down to safe levels thanks to this machine.”

This blood pressure monitor is one of the easiest to use. Made for the home market this model is highly advanced but yet it is very simple to use. This unit comes with intelligent hypertension detection that will alert you to dangerous blood pressure levels. With one push of a button, you will get to see your blood pressure averages which is a very nice feature to have. You can store up to 120 blood pressure readings so that you and your doctor can keep track of your overall pressure. Powered by an impressive CPU this unit has some of the best features around. A large LED screen that is backlighted in blue makes it easy to see. If you are looking for a BP monitor that has a lot of bells and whistles this is the one for you!

The Importance of Blood Pressure Monitoring

If your blood pressure is high enough, your doctor may advise you to start doing regular checks in between doctor visits. You can either find a pharmacy monitor or for more accurate and more convenient monitoring, you can purchase a blood pressure monitor that can be used easily at home.

One of the benefits to at home monitoring is that it can get rid of a type of high blood pressure that comes from being in a doctor’s office. Some people are just very nervous and anxious in the doctor’s office and this will lead to false high readings. Another name for this is white coat hypertension. Being able to monitor your pressure at home where you are more relaxed, will give you an accurate reading to report to the doctor.

On the flip side of that, there is another problem that is called masked hypertension. This is when your blood pressure shows up as fine at the doctor’s office but is high at home.

The only way to truly detect this is to be able to regularly check your blood pressure in the same place on a daily basis. A home blood pressure monitor can provide this.

When you can use a blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at home on a daily or even twice daily basis, you will be able to give the doctor accurate readings that are unaffected by any other factors.

Cuff Size can Affect Accuracy

One mistake that people make when purchasing a blood pressure monitor is not getting the appropriate size cuff. A cuff that is too small for your upper arm will give false readings and if it is too big, it won’t restrict the blood flow properly, also resulting in false readings. Measure your upper arm before you shop for your blood pressure monitor and make sure that the cuff will fit properly. All cuffs are sized so finding one that fits your arm shouldn’t be too difficult.

Most Important Features

There are many different features that one can find in a blood pressure monitor, depending on the model you choose. Look for the features that you will need and have use for when choosing a monitor.

Complete Readings – A complete blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Both are important in determining whether a person has high blood pressure or normal. Make sure that the monitor you are considering tracts both numbers and measures your pulse rate as well.

Memory – Many units keep track of the blood pressure readings of those who use it. Some models can track and save the readings for several people which is beneficial is more than one person is tracking their blood pressure.   With advanced technology being what it is, some blood pressure monitors have the capability to connect to your computer and save the readings there. You would need a USB cable to do this which would normally be provided with the blood pressure monitor that offers this feature.

Inflates Automatically – Some blood pressure monitors have the traditional style with the tub and bulb at the end that you squeeze to inflate. Others inflate automatically which is very convenient and much easier to use. The auto-inflate monitors tend to be a little more accurate making them a better choice between the two.

Large, Easy-to-read Displays – The best monitors have large displays that are easy to read. Many are backlit as well so you can see the readings clearly, even in lower light conditions. You don’t want to struggle to see your readings, so make this a feature that your chosen monitor has.

Irregular Heartbeat Alerts – Sometimes a blood pressure monitor will track other things like irregular heartbeats. This is a good feature for alerting you to other potential problems. These alerts may be in the form of a flashing light or an icon might show up on the display. Monitors that have this indicator can provide peace of mind that if there IS an irregular heartbeat, it will be detected so additional safety measures can be taken to correct it or protect the person from additional health problems.                                                                                

Power Sources – The majority of blood pressure monitors are battery powered with either AA or AAA batteries. There are some that have AC adapters which are convenient in one sense, that they can be run off of a house current but they are not as mobile as the battery operated units are.

Some additional power features that are available with some models include battery life indicators to let the user know when batteries are running low, and an automatic shut off that will help save battery life by powering off the unit when it is idle for a certain length of time. Lithium-ion batteries are the strongest and longest lasting and you can use rechargeable as well to save even more money.

Easy to Operate – Even though this isn’t a specific feature, it is important. When a unit is complicated to use or read, the person using it will opt for easier methods and it becomes a waste of money. One button models are always nice because they literally require the press of one button to inflate the cuff and then show the reading. The less fuss a unit requires, the more likely you will be to use it which is the whole point of having a blood pressure monitor to begin with.

You want to find the units that are easy to operate, easy to read and easy to change the batteries if they use them. You can tell by the description of a unit whether it is easy to use or not, but if there is not sufficient information about this in the description, check the customer reviews to see what people are saying about it. 

What are the Different Blood Pressure Levels?

Blood pressure levels are broken down into 4 different stages. These stages are what a doctor uses to determine whether regular monitoring is necessary.

Normal – In a normal blood pressure, the systolic level will be 120 and under and the diastolic level will be 80 and under. If your numbers are under these, you are in the normal range and no monitoring is really indicated unless something changes. Checking once every 6 months or a year will normally be sufficient when levels are normal.

Pre-Hypertension – In this next stage, the systolic level will be between 120 and 139 and the diastolic will be between 80 and 90. This stage is called pre-hypertension and it is a warning signal that things are not as they should be. At this stage the doctor may want you to monitor your blood pressure every so often and modify a few lifestyle things such as adding too much salt and maybe even losing a few pounds.

Pre-hypertension, left unchecked, can turn into hypertension, so while it is not something to be upset about, it is not something to ignore either. By taking precautions and making some changes now, you can prevent the pre-hypertension from turning into full blown hypertension later.

Hypertension – Stage 1 – For this first stage of hypertension, the systolic level is between 140 and 159 and the diastolic is between 90 and 99. At this stage, the doctor is more than likely going to start you on a medication of some kind. Typically, this first medicine might be a diuretic.

He or she will also suggest that you make some changes to your lifestyle including but not limited to losing weight, adding exercise to your routine and monitoring the foods you eat. You will need to monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis when you have stage 1 hypertension to ensure it is not getting worse and that it is responding to the treatment and lifestyle changes.

Hypertension – Stage 2 – This level is nothing to take lightly. At stage 2, your systolic level will be 160 and above and you diastolic will be 100 and above. If these are your levels, your doctor will prescribe regular blood pressure medications, require regular blood pressure monitoring and lifestyle changes are a must. This is nothing to play with and making the necessary changes as soon as possible is in your best interest. Don’t be upset if your doctor prescribes two medications to handle your blood pressure if your numbers are this high. Once you bring the levels down through weight loss and lifestyle changes, more than likely one of the medications will be able to be dropped but don’t drop it on your own without your doctor’s approval. 

Take Your Blood Pressure the Right Way

Making sure that you are taking your blood pressure properly is important so you know the numbers are correct and also so you can report accurate results to the doctor for future information that he or she will use to treat it.

If you don’t take your blood pressure correctly, it won’t matter what model of blood pressure monitor you have, the results won’t be reliable and that could endanger your health unnecessarily. Below is some blood pressure taking tips that will help you take an accurate and reliable blood pressure reading easily and efficiently.

1. Sit in a straight back chair, like a dining room or kitchen chair, with your feet flat on the floor and stay that way for about 5 minutes before you take your blood pressure reading.
2. If you have been smoking, exercising or drinking coffee, wait for a minimum of 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure. All of those activities raise blood pressure, so taking it right after those activities have been done will give you a false high that may or may not be accurate.
3. Before you take your blood pressure, be certain to empty your bladder. It will affect the reading to take it while your bladder is full.
4. When you are taking your blood pressure reading each day, take it 2 or 3 times and make sure to rest at least one minute between each reading.
5. Take your blood pressure readings at the same time every day so you can note fluctuations that are not related to day to day activities.       One of the best times to take it is first thing in the morning, even before you get out of bed. Be sure to keep a record of your levels so you can show it to your doctor at your check ups.
6. When taking your blood pressure, keep your feet flat on the floor and make sure you arm is on a flat surface at the heart level.       Place the cuff around the upper arm just above the elbow and the tube running down. Make sure the tube doesn’t get compressed during the process of inflating the cuff.

Proper Care and Storage

Keeping the blood pressure monitor maintained and clean is very easy. Wipe the casing of the monitor down with a soft dry cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners of any kind. Avoid submerging any part of the monitor in water. If you need to clean the cuff, just open up and wipe down with a cloth with a mild soap and damp rag.

When it comes to storage, the main thing is to store it in a cool, dry place and not anywhere where moisture and humidity can get to it. You also want to keep it out of extreme cold or heat and not let children play with it. If you will be having it out of commission and in storage for awhile, be certain that you have removed the batteries.

Conclusion

Monitoring your blood pressure is a very important part of keeping healthy and getting healthy again once you have a blood pressure problem. Blood pressure monitors are an excellent way to regularly monitor your blood pressure when you are at home so your doctor can get an overall picture of your blood pressure and what it is doing on a day to day basis.

The doctor will use this regular monitoring to make sure that you’re responding to the medicine and they can make adjustments as necessary based on the numbers you provide. For this reason, it’s important to get a good quality blood pressure monitor that provides reliable readings in a fast, efficient and reliable way.

With the information in this guide, you will be able to choose the right blood pressure monitor that will help you keep track of your numbers. Being able to monitor your blood pressure reliably will help you keep track of your blood pressure and help you improve your health.