A user needs to press only one button to get a blood pressure readings. All the measurements will be shown on a large LCD display which is easy-to-read even by seniors.
Stores one last measurement only.
Produced by one of the leading brands, the Omron HEM-7120 device packs quite a punch. It's a fully automatic monitor that uses advanced IntelliSense technology for accurate and comfortable measurements without re-inflation and has a memory function for the last reading. It's also very compact and easy to read thanks to a large display.
Automatic
4 AA batteries (included) or AC adapter (optional)
0-299 mmHg
±3mmHg
40-180 bpm
±5% of display reading
Upper arm
22- 32 cm
Memory option, IntelliSense™ Monitor, Cuff Wrapping guide, Hypertension indicator, Body Movement detection, Irregular Heartbeat detection, Low battery detection, Automatic power off
1 year
The free Dr Trust app (available on the Apple Store/Google Play) allows you to track the results of the unlimited number of users and then send them to a doctor via e-mail.
The buttons of this BP device could operate smoother.
Thanks to the voice feedback (Hindi and English) and 3-colour backlit display, it's an ideal blood pressure monitor for those who have weak eyesight. Also, it's a good option for individuals who need an ultra-sophisticated monitor.
Automatic
4 x AA batteries (included)
30-280 mmHg
±3mmHg
40-180 bpm
±5% of display reading
Upper arm
22- 42 cm
2 x 120 memories for 2 users (SYS, DIA, Pulse), Dr Trust App connection, Dual talking (Hindi and English) feature, 3 colour hypertension backlight indicators, Irregular Heartbeat detection
1 year (with 5 years extended)
The monitor Provides and keeps individual measurement results of four users. So, all your family members can have their own history of readings to show a doctor.
This one takes a reasonable time to deliver the results.
For those looking for a practical thing for the whole family use, the Dr. Morepen BP 09 will be the best choice. It has all of the extras you'd get from other models, plus it also boasts a 4 user interface for measuring the blood pressure of several people.
Automatic
4 AA batteries (included) or AC adapter (optional)
0-299 mmHg
±3mmHg
40-180 bpm
±5% of display reading
Upper arm
22- 36 cm
4-user interface (4x30 readings), Irregular Heartbeat detection, Low Battery detection, WHO Pressure Classification indicator, Automatic power off
1 year
Safe storage and transportation of the device are guaranteed thanks to the plastic case that is included in the package.
Replacing the batteries is a bit complicated process.
If you seek a really compact device for on-the-go use, we recommend the Citizen CH650 wrist blood pressure monitor. It fits all sizes. It can be easily shoved in a briefcase. Plus, using it is not more difficult than wearing a wrist watch.
Automatic
2 AAA batteries (included)
0-280 mmHg
±3mmHg
40-180 bpm
±5% of display reading
Wrist
13.5 - 21.5 cm
Stores up to 60 readings, Body movement indicator, Irregular Heartbeat indicator, Storage case included, Low Battery detection, Automatic power off
5 years
This blood pressure device alerts you when detects irregular heartbeat. This way, it can help you diagnose different abnormal functions at the early stage.
There may be a delay in a low battery notification.
The Healthgenie BPM01W is a budget-friendly device that will suit those who aren't interested in extra frills but are rather looking for convenience of use, accuracy and practicality. With 2 buttons only, it's very easy to use and read.
Automatic
4 AA batteries (included) or AC adapter (optional)
0-300 mmHg
±3mmHg
30-180 bpm
±5% of display reading
Upper arm
22 - 36 cm
2-user interface (Memory Bank 2×60), WHO Pressure indicator, Irregular Heartbeat detection, Automatic monitor off, Low Battery detection
2 years
By the Leader
What we have on hands is a modern blood pressure monitor by Omron, one of the leaders in the industry of health products. Like all devices by the brand, this blood pressure monitor is ultimately accurate and precise. Its range varies from 0 to 299 mmHg with an accuracy of ± 3mmHg. This is an excellent rate for any medical equipment.
Using the Omron HEM-7120 doesn't require any special skill; there's a single button on the front of the device that needs to be pressed. It comes with a large LCD display which is very easy-to-read even by a senior user.
In order to provide users with more precise information on their health condition, these devices also feature additional indicators. If you notice that the Irregular Heartbeat indicator lights up, you will know that the measurement procedure hasn't been done correctly and you need to take your blood pressure once again.
In case you see the Hypertension Indicator blinking, you will know that your blood pressure is much higher than the normal and it's time to take high blood pressure medication.
Lastly, we would like to emphasise that this small and smart device works off 4 batteries (already included in the set) and enables you to get up to 1000 measurements before they need replacement.
How to Take Measurements Correctly
Before taking a measurement, it's important to relax and take a comfortable position. Sit down with your back straight, don't cross your legs. Then put your arm in the cuff and firmly fix it with velcro at a height of 1-2 centimeters above the elbow. Make sure that the arrow on the cuff is in the middle of the inner part of the arm. In case you didn't fix the cuff the proper way, the device will inform you about it with a message on the screen.
Take note that the measurement method of the Omron blood pressure monitor is fully automatic owing to the high-quality Enhanced Intellisense™ technology. That means you will not need to fill the cuffs manually. Instead, the device will inflate the cuff automatically to the point it provides the necessary pressure on your arm. For this reason, this Omron blood pressure monitor will become an ideal solution for people whose pressure often changes
Additional Info
Full of Useful Extras
The folks from Dr Trust team are driven by the desire to promote wellness and overall health through their high-quality medical pressure monitors. Backed by innovative technology and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, this is a premium product that has quite a lot to bring to the table.
To begin with, this medical device measures pulse rate, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, extremely accurately and displays all the data on the large digital display. However, if you have weak eyesight or suffer from other vision problems, you can activate a Dual talking feature and the loud voice will tell you the measurement in either Hindi or English. If you don't need voice feedback, you can easily mute it with a touch of the button.
Another nifty feature is the WHO indicator. The device automatically evaluates your blood pressure levels according to the World Health Organization's guidelines and alerts you if something goes wrong. The result is displayed on a bright red background if your blood pressure is severely above normal. Yellow notifies about elevated BP levels, and green indicates optimal BP. This way, you'll know your results at a glance.
Smart Capabilities
One more perk of the monitor is its supreme memory. Actually, the Dr Trust A-One Max Connect can save data by unlimited people, thereby ridding them from the need to manually record their measurements. And if you're one of those who seriously track the results, the company has upped the ante by offering the proprietary Dr Trust App. This app allows you to connect the BP monitor to your Android and iOS mobile device via Bluetooth to get the most out of it.
After setting up a user profile, you'll be able to check your previous readings in your smartphone (an informative graphical representation). Also, you'll be able to send these results to your doctor or instantly share your measures with your family members via e-mail. With all these awesome benefits, instant monitoring is easier than ever before!
Last but not least, the company has taken a step further and equipped the blood pressure device with a micro US port. That means you'll get a fantastic opportunity to power the device right from your laptop, tablet or other compatible gadgets. Also, it works with 4 AAA batteries.
All this makes the Dr Trust A-One Max Connect monitors one of the most sophisticated medical devices on the market. And with its voice feedback and 3-colour hypertension backlit indicators, it's one of the best products for people with vision problems.
Additional Info
Incredibly Easy to Use
As it's often the case with Dr. Morepen medical devices that are famous for their user-friendly interfaces, this BP 09 is very straightforward to use. On a big screen, you will see several indicators such as a current day, time, blood pressure, and pulse. All data are displayed in a big easy-to-read font, so the elderly people can clearly see the measurements.
What also makes it very appealing for seniors is the fact that the device is fully automatic and doesn't require any manual adjustment. There are only two control buttons on the device - "Power On/Of" and "Measure", so it will not be a problem to figure out how to use it.
Once you put your arm in the cuff and press the button, it will do the job for you. The cuff is made of soft and pleasant-to-touch material and fits standard and large arms from 22 all the way up to 36 cm.
On the left part of the device, you'll find the unique WHO Pressure Classification Indicator that will tell you about the slightest deviation of your readings from the norm.
For Multiple Users
If there are two or more hypertensive people in your family, it's better to use a blood monitor pressure that has a function to store the readings of several users. In this regard, the BP 09 monitor really shines. It may become an excellent choice for multiple users due to its ability to store the logs of up to 4 different users at once. That means that all of your family members will have their own history of readings to show to the therapist and get the right treatment. This very feature also makes the device a good offering for small senior centres and residential homes.
One more thing that makes the Dr. Morepen BP 09 blood pressure monitor suitable for heavy use is the fact that it offers multiple power supply option. That is to say, there are two ways in which the BP 09 can operate - either off batteries or from the mains. If you choose to run it off batteries, make sure to monitor the charge indicator. It will start to blink when the level of charge starts to drop. Although, in general, the batteries last pretty long due to the automatic switch-off function.
In all, the Dr. Morepen BP 09 is a decent heavy-duty blood pressure monitoring device that can save the logs of up to 4 different people.
Additional Info
On the Guard of Your Health
If you look for a reasonably priced and reasonably accurate device, the Citizen CH-650 Blood Pressure Monitor is a perfect offering. The incredible accuracy rating of ± 3mmHg for blood pressure and ±5% for pulse readings brings this blood pressure monitor by Citizen on par with many other popular products by costly brands. With such a device at hand, you won't ever miss warning signs in your body and will be able to treat the problem when it is there.
The internal memory of the CH 650 allows for storing up to 60 last readings so you can have the history of your logs to show your doctor, for example. The cuff fits from small adult up to a very large size wrist. To be more precise, the cuff length is adjustable from 13.5 cm to 21.5 cm, so it is well suitable for whole family use.
With care to people having cardiac diseases, manufacturer supplied the device with a handy plastic case. Hence, the device will be much more convenient and also safer to transport during your short and long-haul trips. When transporting the device in the case, you will not need to worry that the LCD screen may get broken or smashed in a result of an accidental collision with some other objects. By the way, the CH 650 monitor is covered by a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer, which speaks a lot about its high quality and makes it one of the most reliable monitors out there.
The Benefits of Wrist Monitor
As you've probably noticed, the Citizen CH 650 looks nothing like other monitors in our review. Actually, it's not a blood measuring device that should be used on your upper arm with a bulky cuff but a neat and compact wrist monitor.
That's why it can become a real salvation for people who can't have their blood pressure measured at the upper arm because of obesity or surgery. Also, it'll suit those who find standard upper-arm blood pressure devices too strong and can't tolerate the pain.
Also, the obvious advantage of any wrist blood pressure monitor is the fact that you can always take it to a doctor's appointment or the nearest shop. However, take note that Citizen CH 650 is extremely sensitive to body position. And to get accurate readings, your arm and wrist must be at your heart level. Nevertheless, the Citizen CH 650 wrist monitor is obviously the best option for those individuals looking for a BP device to use on-the-go.
Additional Info
No Errors
The Healthgenie BP Monitor BPM01W is a highly accurate device for controlling blood pressure and checking a pulse rate. It's a standard upper arm blood pressure monitor that boasts superior accuracy and durability. It gives precise readings with zero errors.
To begin with, it uses an oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement and provides +/-3mmHg pressure and +/-5% pulse. The pulse range it can measure is from 30 to 180 beats per minute. The monitor has a really huge storage capacity and can record up to 120 readings.
However, the best part about the Healthgenie BPM01W is that it can also indicate irregular heartbeat. Once the monitor detects the irregular pulse, it alerts you about that with a blinking indicator. This very feature will help you diagnose different abnormal functions such as hypertension, bradycardia, and some others.
The product is fully automatic and extremely easy to use. Even if you have never had any blood pressure monitor before, you'll quickly get the hang of using the Healthgenie BPM01W. Also, it's pretty comfortable, as it doesn't create undesirable overinflation or any other type of discomfort. Simple, accurate, comfy! What else to wish for?
A Few Words about Design
The item has a handy LCD screen that is as large as 45 x 30 mm. The display is user-friendly and easy-readable. Plus, the results appear pretty quickly on it.
Speaking about the cuff, it is suitable for arms that are somewhere between 22 -36 cm in circumference. If required, you can buy an extra-large cuff separately. The cuff and the monitor come with a pouch for the convenient storage.
To check your blood pressure using the Healthgenie BPM01W, first sit at a table or desk. It's advisable to sit quietly for 3-5 minutes beforehand. Then place your arm on a tabletop at your heart level. Stretch out your arm with palm facing upward. Place the cuff on your bare upper arm 2-2.5 centimetres above your elbow. Make sure that the sensor is correctly placed. Next, wrap the cuff evenly around your arm. It should fit pretty tight, however, your skin mustn't pinch as the cuff inflates. Finally, press start. Be quiet as the monitor begins measuring. Once the reading is complete, the LCD display will show your blood pressure and pulse. So, if you need a portable and user-friendly blood pressure monitor, this one hits the sweet spot.
Additional Info
What Is a Blood Pressure Monitor?
To live a healthy life, people need to take care of their health. For this purpose, in addition to regularly visiting your therapist, it is important to keep track of the concentration of glucose level in your blood as well as to measure blood pressure. And if you or someone from your family has heart or circulatory disease, having a blood pressure monitor is a must for you. With a blood pressure monitor machine at hand, you will be able to keep track of your blood pressure readings anytime when it's suitable for you, without having to pay unnecessary visits to your doctor. Modern blood pressure monitor machines are very easy to use. You don't need to have any special skills: it's enough to put its cuff on your arm, press one single button and the readings will be shown on the display in the blink. Using it is so easy even your senior relative should be able to handle it without help.
We've mentioned the importance of keeping track of the concentration of glucose levels in the blood; for that, you may need to buy a glucometer. And you definitely need to make sure that you have an ear thermometer in your medicine cabinet.
What Features to Compare
To choose a blood pressure monitor that will be the right one for you, you need to consider a few things. Here they are:
Cuff Style
There are a few types of blood pressure monitors you can buy: those that measure the blood pressure at your wrist, those that measure it at your finger, and traditional models that measure the blood pressure at your arm. Which one to choose mostly depends on individual preferences. What is important is that the cuff is the right size and wraps your arm (wrist or finger) snugly, leaving only a tiny bit of space enough for two fingertips to slide underneath. This will ensure the most accurate measurement readings. Keep note though that most blood pressure monitors come with standard, mid-sized cuffs, so if your arms are smaller or larger than that, you may need to look into buying a different-sized cuff optionally.
Functionality
A wonderful addition to your blood pressure monitor will be a Bluetooth connectivity function. It will allow you to store your results on the computer or smartphone, sparing enough of the internal memory of the device for new readings (most devices remember only the last three measurement readings). Also, you will get a chance to send your readings to your therapist, so both of you will be able to track your blood pressure. Obviously, with the Bluetooth connectivity, you will also be able to share your results with other people who might be in charge of your health. Another thing some people find important is the size of the device itself. For those who plan to use a blood pressure monitor machine at the office or at the gym, we recommend opting for lightweight, small and compact models. Usually, these are featured with automatic inflation and operate using a few AAA batteries. And if you want to measure your blood pressure at home, it might be a good idea to select a device offering you two ways of powering it - using batteries and via a power cord.
Accuracy
No matter what type of blood pressure monitor you choose, accuracy is what matters most. Make sure that a device you choose is clinically validated. This is really important because if a blood pressure monitor is not approved for use in your country, you won't be able to get it serviced when the need be. Plus, choosing a validated blood pressure monitor, you're guaranteed to obtain accurate results that you and health care professionals will be able to trust.
FAQ:
Q: Is it normal for my blood pressure to fluctuate?
A: Blood pressure changes throughout the day and night, it is normal. Many factors, such as stress levels, food or drink intake, and your activity levels affect the measurements and that's why the blood pressure varies minute by minute.
Q: Does the cuff size matter?
A: Using the right cuff size is crucially important as it guarantees accurate and consistent readings. Studies show that a too small cuff causes an increase in systolic blood pressure readings.
Q: How can I measure my upper arm circumference?
A: You should use a cloth tape measure for this purpose. Place it midway between the elbow and shoulder and wrap it around your upper arm not pulling the tape too tightly. Write down the measurements and compare them to those provided by manufacturers.
Q: Why do I get inaccurate readings?
A: Maybe you are using the wrong cuff size or fix it incorrectly on your arm. We recommend you to rest for 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure and wrap a cuff over the bare skin but not over clothing.
Q: Why do I obtain blood pressure readings that are higher than expected?
A: Mood, the time of day, activities all influence blood pressure. But there are some factors that cause temporary deviations in the readings. Coffee and alcohol consumption, as well as smoking, can cause your blood pressure fluctuate between 5 and 40 mmHg. Exactly the same applies to talking, crossing your legs and taking the measurements with a full bladder or with your arms, feet, and back unsupported.
Q: Should I take a blood pressure reading on the right or left arm?
A: Blood pressure differs by a few points between arms, although this number shouldn't vary enormously and be more than 10 points. This could indicate a serious problem. The left arm is preferred because of its close proximity to the heart so it shows truer numbers. The right arm is used for doing a blood pressure when the left arm is injured.
Q: Which number is more important, systolic or diastolic?
A: Generally, systolic blood pressure is given more attention to as it may be the indicative of various cardiovascular diseases. However, your systolic pressure will rise with the age as you arteries would become stiffer. Every person from age 40 to 89 should do a blood pressure to be aware of the slightest changes in the readings, as every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic increase the risk of death.
Q: Why blood pressure is measured in mm Hg?
A: The mm Hg is the abbreviation that means millimetres of mercury. The first sphygmomanometers were invented in the 18 century and they contained mercury. Their use has been banned in the 21 century since mercury is a toxic element. However, this unit of measurement is used as the standard one in medicine thus far.
Sources:
1. Get the Most out of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring, Mayo Clinic. July 8, 2015.
2. Sue Byrne Find the Best Home Blood Pressure Monitor, Consumer Reports. February 26, 2016.
3. Dallas Franklin How to Choose the Best Blood Pressure Monitor, KFOR. July 31, 2015.
4. High Blood Pressure | Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home, Family Doctor. November 2010.
5. Sphygmomanometer, Wikipedia. August 14, 2016.
6. Best Blood Pressure Monitor, Thoroughly Reviewed.
7. How to Choose the Right Blood Pressure Monitor, Blood Pressure UK.
8. Checking Your Blood Pressure at Home, WebMD. May 29, 2015.