Quick Tips for picking a Blood Pressure Monitor for home use

Tip #1 - Does the BP Machine have the right blood pressure cuff size?

The size of the cuff is the most important feature to check when you're selecting a blood pressure machine. The size relates to the circumference of your upper arm. A cuff that doesn't fit properly on your arm may give you inaccurate readings. These are the recommended sizes:

• Adult Small: Arm circumference of 22 to 26 centimeters (about 8.5 to 10 inches).
• Adult Average: Arm circumference of 27 to 34 centimeters (about 10.5 to 13 inches).
• Adult Large: Arm circumference of 35 to 44 centimeters (about 13.5 to 17 inches).

Tip #2 - Is the BP machine clinically approved and accurate in readings?

Accuracy is one of the most important things to look for in a blood pressure monitor. Ensure that your blood pressure machine is clinically approved for accuracy to obtain accurate results.

Tip #3 - Is the blood pressure monitor interface simple and easy to use?

A user-friendly interface with large numbers and big buttons makes it easier to navigate the blood pressure monitor and understand the results.

Tip #4 - Can the BP Machine store past readings?

Many blood pressure monitors these days are equipped with the function to store readings, even for multiple users. This feature is really helpful if one or more people in your house are suffering from hypertension.

Tip #5 - Is the BP apparatus portable?

Someone who is constantly traveling and on the go might benefit from a portable option.

Tip #6 - Does it have any other additional monitoring capability?

Go for the one that detects an irregularity in the heartbeat too along with monitoring your BP. This way you can keep an eye on potential troubles and health risks.

Tip #7 - Can the BP machine be linked to iOS or Android?

Some blood pressure monitors can link to your iOS or Android device wirelessly using Bluetooth. This is a great option to store the monitored data electronically all in one place so you can refer to it whenever you want.

Upper arm cuff Blood Pressure Monitors

This is the most popular BP monitor available in the market. If you are using a digital model, then the cuff will automatically be inflated and the reading will get displayed. These days most digital monitors come with 'risk category indicators', so you have an additional benefit. Also, the upper arm cuff blood pressure monitors(regardless of whether they are digital or manual) tend to be more accurate.

Wrist mount Blood Pressure Monitors

These monitors are fully automatic as well as easy to use but they are less accurate than the upper arm cuff BP monitors unless you have your arm and wrist positioned exactly at heart level. You must follow the manual very closely because there's a lot of room for error. Wrist monitors are easy to travel with and can be more comfortable than upper arm monitors.

Finger Blood Pressure Monitor

These are very similar to wrist monitors. They're small, easy to travel with, and more comfortable than an upper arm monitor. Again, the main shortcoming is that it's not the most accurate.

A blood pressure monitor integrated inside a Smartwatch/Fitness Watch

Today, in the world of wearable devices, you can use a blood pressure monitor watch to measure your blood pressure levels by reading your systolic and diastolic pressure levels. Blood pressure monitor watches and fitness trackers give you the freedom to take measurements as often as you choose to, even on the go. Some of these devices also count steps or monitor sleep patterns.