Written by Megan Smith, PT
Hypertension, a leading preventable cause of heart disease, often goes unnoticed until a routine doctor's visit. However, individuals with conditions like diabetes or kidney issues and those experiencing anxiety in clinical settings benefit from monitoring their blood pressure at home. Key features to evaluate when choosing a blood pressure monitor include its accuracy, ease of use, and ability to store and track readings over time.
 | 1) Drive Medical Economy Automated Blood Pressure Monitor, Upper Arm View Product |
The most important consideration when choosing a blood pressure home monitor is a cuff that fits properly. If the cuff doesn’t fit, it won’t provide accurate measurements. Wrist monitors are generally the easiest for most people to find a good fit, followed by forearm monitors and upper arm versions. If you are in doubt, ask your healthcare provider what kind and size you should purchase.
A user-friendly monitor is more likely to be used and used correctly. It should also fit into your daily routine, so it needs to be convenient to keep close by, easy to put on, and simple to read. It shouldn’t take too much time to tell you what you need to know. Storing readings in memory is a valuable tool for tracking, so being able to call up previous readings for an instant comparison over time is helpful for monitoring trends.
An accurate home blood pressure monitor is necessary to ensure valid readings. If you question the accuracy of your blood pressure monitor, bring it to the doctor and have it validated against the one in your health care provider’s office.
Blood pressure is expressed in two numbers. The top number, systolic pressure, measures the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle contracts. The bottom number, diastolic pressure, measures the pressure when the heart is in between beats. Both numbers are important; if they are above the ideal range, the reading indicates your heart is working too hard.
Home blood pressure readings can fluctuate from 5 to 15 percent, but they are still a valuable monitoring tool. Blood pressure measurements, no matter how they are taken, can vary throughout the day depending on everything from movement to meals to moods. Every monitoring method should include multiple readings so an average can be determined.
Wrist blood pressure monitors are most accurate when the instructions are followed exactly. These monitors are sensitive to body position, and to get an accurate reading, the arm and wrist must be held at heart level.
Most home blood pressure monitors will last between two and three years.
 | Seca mVSA 535 Spot-Check Blood Pressure and Vital Signs Monitor View Product |
Ranked number 5 on our list, the Seca mVSA 535 Spot-Check Blood Pressure and Vital Signs Monitor is a versatile and highly efficient device used in hospitals, urgent care, doctor's offices, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. This monitor provides fast and precise blood pressure (NiBP), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart pulse rate, and temperature measurements. It features an intuitive interface that staff can easily operate at any level, streamlining workflows and improving patient care. With its ability to store up to 70,000 measurements and seamlessly transmit data to any Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, the Seca mVSA 535 is a valuable addition to any healthcare facility.
 | Digital Blood Pressure Monitor for Wrist by Medline View Product |
Ranked number 4 on our list, the Digital Blood Pressure Monitor for Wrist by Medline is a portable and easy-to-use device ideal for medical settings and home use. It provides quick and precise readings of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as pulse rates. This monitor features an adjustable cuff that automatically inflates and deflates, fitting wrists measuring between 5.3 and 8.5 inches in circumference. Its compact design allows use anywhere, making it perfect for on-the-go monitoring.
 | Automatic Forearm/Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor by HealthSmart View Product |
At number 3 on our list is the Automatic Forearm Blood Pressure Monitor by HealthSmart. This cordless battery-powered device is powerful and portable and comes with a handy carrying case. In addition to monitoring blood pressure, it can detect irregular heartbeats. It automatically averages the prior three readings and shows healthy blood pressure parameters for users to compare with their own. With a backlit screen that’s easy to read, this forearm blood pressure monitor can be used in any lighting. It comes with four AA batteries, and the forearm cuff can accommodate a circumference of 11 ¾ inches to 16 ½ inches. Its memory holds up to 120 readings, 60 each for two people.
For a “big picture” view, this monitor’s memory and comparison readings provide valuable trend-tracking information from a device that’s accurate and easy to position on the forearm.
 | Deluxe Automatic Upper-Arm Blood Pressure Monitor by Drive Medical View Product |
Deluxe Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor claims the number 2 spot on our top 5 list. Made by Drive Medical, one of the most respected names in the health equipment industry, this simple-to-us, one-touch blood pressure monitor is packed with features. Its easy-to-read extra-large display detects blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and pulse rate. The portable design and travel case make this device ready to take anywhere. It will turn itself off to save battery life and comes with an AC adapter.
It has been proven to be as accurate as a reading taken by a trained professional using a cuff and stethoscope measurement method. It has a date and time tracker for recording trends, averages the previous three results, and stores up to 60 readings each for two people with a cuff that fits arms ranging from 8 ½ to 14 inches in circumference.
This professional-grade monitor is the top choice on our list. Its portability makes it convenient, and its user-friendly design makes it easy to operate properly. It has a long list of features that enable it to deliver very accurate readings while providing a detailed overall picture.
 | Drive Medical Economy Automated Blood Pressure Monitor, Upper Arm View Product |
Ranked number 1 on our list, Economy Automated Blood Pressure Monitor by Drive Medical is an easy-to-operate and economically priced device packed with features. It is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and designed for home and healthcare facility use. This monitor offers one-touch operation and a large, easy-to-read screen displaying date, time, and digital error messages. It can detect irregular heartbeats, store 120 readings, and average the last three results, making it a reliable choice for consistent blood pressure monitoring.
Nearly half of the adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and the ability to monitor the condition from home is an important part of effective treatment. Checking and tracking your blood pressure at home doesn't have to be complicated or bothersome. Blood pressure monitoring at home is cost-effective and convenient and provides valuable data to help determine if treatment options are working. Tracking measurements and noting trends over time impacts decisions regarding types and dosages of medications and could help you avoid complications and enjoy better health.
Although all of our blood pressure cuff options could be beneficial for most, we chose the Economy Automated Blood Pressure Monitor by Drive Medical as our top choice.
Ranked number 1 on our list, this monitor is an easy-to-operate and economically priced device packed with features. It is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and designed for home and healthcare facility use. This monitor offers one-touch operation and a large, easy-to-read screen displaying date, time, and digital error messages. It can detect irregular heartbeats, store 120 readings, and average the last three results, making it a reliable choice for consistent blood pressure monitoring.
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Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
