in the UK, 1 in 3 adults suffers from hypertension. And 53% of hypertensives do not control their blood pressure. However, the use of an electronic blood pressure monitor allows the patient to follow the evolution of his health condition. Whether they are arm, wrist or connected, blood pressure monitors all have a cuff and are based on blood pressure measurements. But it is easy to get lost between brands (Omron, Braun...), features and prices. So, which electronic blood pressure monitor should you choose?
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Our selection
"Supplied with 2 cuffs in sizes S-M and L-XL, the Braun BP6200PHEMEA ExactFit 5 easily adjusts to different arm sizes. It is comfortable and can…"
"The iHealth Track KN-550BT connects via Bluetooth 4.0 to a smartphone for storage and analysis. Available on iOS and Android, the iHealth MyVitals app serves…"
"The Omron X3 Comfort Intelli Wrap offers great accuracy. Simple, it has an Intelli Wrap cuff allowing measurements to be taken in any position. This…"
"This blood pressure monitor can sync via Bluetooth to Omron Connect or other apps like Google Fit. Despite the accurate measurements, we regret that it…"
Supplied with 2 cuffs in sizes S-M and L-XL, the Braun BP6200PHEMEA ExactFit 5 easily adjusts to different arm sizes. It is comfortable and can detect high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.
See priceDespite its 599 g and rather simplistic design, the Braun BP6200PHEMEA ExactFit 5 is more powerful than it looks. Highly appreciated by both individuals and physicians, it has received clinical validation from the European Society of Hypertension (HSE) for its good performance. Its inflatable technology provides comfortable blood pressure measurement.
The Braun BP6200PHEMEA ExactFit 5 can easily detect irregular heartbeats as well as hypertension. Supplied with 2 cuffs in sizes S-M and L-XL, it is able to switch to 2-user mode (2 × 60 measurements). Thus, it provides 3 modes of averages: the day, the last 7 mornings and 7 evenings.
The iHealth Track KN-550BT connects via Bluetooth 4.0 to a smartphone for storage and analysis. Available on iOS and Android, the iHealth MyVitals app serves as its interface for regular monitoring.
See priceThe backlit LCD screen of this device changes color depending on the result obtained. This makes it easy to interpret the data collected. Before synchronization, it can store up to 60 measurements. Moreover, the dedicated space is unlimited when the iHealth Track KN-550BT is combined with a smartphone containing the free iHealth MyVitals app.
This connected electronic blood pressure monitor uses the oscillometric technique with inflation and automatic measurement for greater accuracy. It is ideal for measuring your blood pressure and pulse. Among the accessories provided, we note the presence of a cuff, 4 AAA batteries and a user manual.
The Omron X3 Comfort Intelli Wrap offers great accuracy. Simple, it has an Intelli Wrap cuff allowing measurements to be taken in any position. This electronic upper arm blood pressure monitor is a reference.
See priceThe Omron X3 Comfort Intelli Wrap is fast and accurate. Recommended by cardiologists, it can monitor 2 users + one guest. It can store up to 2 × 60 measurements. Its Velcro cuff has a guide to pinpoint the exact location around the arm. With this device, inappropriate movements are easily detected thanks to a built-in sensor.
To increase the accuracy of this electronic blood pressure monitor, simply stand still. Operating with a single button, press START to start the measurement. At the end of the measurement, the results are displayed on its screen. Among other things, the irregularities of the cardiac rhythm, if any, and the presence of hypertension are displayed.
This blood pressure monitor can sync via Bluetooth to Omron Connect or other apps like Google Fit. Despite the accurate measurements, we regret that it can not manage 2 users and that its memory is limited to 30 records.
See priceThe Omron RS3 Intelli IT takes the measurement when the air tourniquet is inflated, unlike most blood pressure monitors. Weighing only 80 g, it can go anywhere with you, thanks to the included storage case. Of course, the measurements are accurate and reliable. To set up, you will only have to put the monitor on your wrist, raise it to the level of the heart and wait 3 s.
All measurements are sent to the Omron Connect app, which interprets them. This makes it possible to have a relevant follow-up and to note the evolutions over time. Cuff accepts arm contours between 13.5 and 21.5 cm. As with other blood pressure monitors of the brand, you will be entitled to the indicator of high blood pressure and detection of heartbeat. On the other hand, the OMRON RS3 Intelli IT manages a single user and can only store 30 measurements.
Any specific needs?
The best electronic blood pressure monitor in 2021
The best entry-level electronic blood pressure monitor
The best high-end electronic blood pressure monitor
The best wrist electronic blood pressure monitor
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
8/10 |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Braun BP6200PHEMEA ExactFit 5
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iHealth Track KN-550BT
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Omron X3 Comfort Intelli Wrap
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Omron RS3 Intelli IT
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Supplied with 2 cuffs in sizes S-M and L-XL, the Braun BP6200PHEMEA ExactFit 5 easily adjusts to different arm sizes. It is comfortable and can detect high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.
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The iHealth Track KN-550BT connects via Bluetooth 4.0 to a smartphone for storage and analysis. Available on iOS and Android, the iHealth MyVitals app serves as its interface for regular monitoring.
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The Omron X3 Comfort Intelli Wrap offers great accuracy. Simple, it has an Intelli Wrap cuff allowing measurements to be taken in any position. This electronic upper arm blood pressure monitor is a reference.
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This blood pressure monitor can sync via Bluetooth to Omron Connect or other apps like Google Fit. Despite the accurate measurements, we regret that it can not manage 2 users and that its memory is limited to 30 records.
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Accuracy
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Number of measurements kept in memory
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100
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60 before synchronization
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60
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30
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Number of users
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2
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1
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2 separate users + 1 guest
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1
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Type
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Bracelet Blood Pressure Monitor
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Upper arm blood pressure monitor
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One-armed blood pressure monitor
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Bracelet Blood Pressure Monitor
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Ergonomics
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The electronic blood pressure monitor is generally intended for individuals for self-measurement of blood pressure. Preferably, it should be simple so that the patient can use it alone at home. The cuff should be easy to put on and comfortable, with automatic inflation and deflation for one-handed use. Also, the monitor should be as small as possible to follow the user everywhere.
Blood pressure is the blood pressure exerted on the artery walls. A good electronic blood pressure monitor should give 3 measurements: the systolic pressure calculated when the heart contracts and pushes blood into the vessels; the diastolic pressure calculated when the heart relaxes and fills; and finally the number of heartbeats in 1 min.
Even a personal blood pressure monitor must be reliable and accurate. Indeed, it is difficult to measure your blood pressure and follow its evolution if the device used sends back erroneous data. Moreover, the patient has the duty to communicate the results to his or her doctor. Hence the obligation to have a device that has undergone serious clinical testing and is approved by a state agency.
A major advantage of electronic blood pressure monitors concerns their ability to memorize the results of diagnoses that have already been made and to automatically provide an average blood pressure based on the various measurements taken. Some models even specify the date and time the measurements were taken. For regular monitoring and to communicate results to your doctor, make sure the monitor you want to buy has enough memory to store at least 30 measurements. There are even devices that are programmed to store the data of several people, which is very convenient for couples or families.
Read the instructions for your monitor carefully and find out if the device has received clinical validation. If not, send it back. In the past, the Afssaps (French Agency for the Safety of Health Products) had drawn up a list of recommended blood pressure monitors. But it has not been updated since 2012.
Electronic blood pressure monitors usually come with a screen to display the measurements taken. For greater reading comfort, prefer large LCD screens with a legible and distinct display of the data. If you take your blood pressure several times a day, it is better to have a device with a backlit screen.
There are many features to consider when choosing a blood pressure monitor. These include irregular heartbeat detector, risk category indicator, multiple user memory, multi-brush, memory download capability, large digit display, and averaging function.
Some advanced monitors come with additional features such as a correct cuff placement indicator andAfib or cardiac arrhythmia detection. There are even models with special mobile applications that allow the user to share the data with friends and family or with the doctor.
It is best to rest for 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure. Sit with your legs uncrossed and face a table. Make sure your feet are flat and put the device down. Put the cuff around your wrist or arm, 1 to 2 cm above the joint. If you are using a wrist monitor, then bring the cuff up to your heart. Do not talk, do not move, stay relaxed and start the measurement.
Once the measurements are taken and displayed, remove the cuff. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to the letter to avoid falsifying the result. Take your blood pressure at least 30 minutes after taking a bath, smoking, exercising, drinking alcohol or energy drinks. One last thing: keep away from computers, smartphones and tablets while taking your blood pressure. There is a risk of magnetic interference.
Write down your results in a notebook. Include the date and the data obtained after each measurement. There are also pre-calibrated sheets available on the internet. For connected blood pressure monitors, the app automatically records the measurements on your smartphone or tablet, and draws up curves. In any case, do not interpret them instead of your doctor. Just show them to your doctor.
As a guide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued standards measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). For systolic pressure, measurements are normal if they remain below 120 mmHg, to be monitored between 120 and 139 mmHg and high from 140 mmHg.
For diastolic pressure, the measurements are normal if they are below 80 mmHg, to be monitored between 80 and 89 Hg and high from 90 mmHg. You should know that the screen of the electronic blood pressure monitor displays, from top to bottom, the systolic pressure, the diastolic pressure and the heartbeat.
The measurements stored in memory vary from one electronic blood pressure monitor to another. Some give access to the last 100, while others are satisfied with 5, 10, 30, 50, 60... in short, everything below 100! The consultation of the history on the screen of the monitor is not very practical. Indeed, it is not really intended for that and does not give an overview.
On the other hand, connected blood pressure monitors provide long-term monitoring. No need to write down the numbers in a notebook. In addition, the application draws up tables, graphs and curves to be classified by week or by month. Many blood pressure monitors can manage 2 users. Some have a guest mode, allowing to take a blood pressure without archiving it.
Low or high blood pressure does not necessarily indicate a problem. It also depends on your age and cardiovascular system. For example, a blood pressure that is considered abnormal for some people may well be the norm for others. Don't take your results for granted and talk to your doctor.
In general, health professionals evaluate the blood pressure of patients using a manual or electronic blood pressure monitor. The latter is also intended for individuals. There are 3 types of electronic blood pressure monitors.
This is the type of blood pressure monitor recommended by doctors
. It is equipped with a screen, backlit or not, connected to the cuff. Sometimes the screen is on top. The inflatable bag is also on the cuff. It is activated at the beginning of the blood pressure measurement, when you press the button. In addition, many models can handle 2 or more users.
After the measurement, the display shows the systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and heart rate. Some upper arm monitors do not have a screen. They display the results on a cell phone or tablet. Avoid them and measure your arm circumference to be sure it will fit in the cuff.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
Anyone who needs to monitor their blood pressure regularly can get an upper arm blood pressure monitor. Doctors also use this type of device.
It
works in the same way as the upper arm monitor. But this time, the cuff wraps around the wrist
. The display also attaches to the cuff, making the device lightweight and compact. Wrist mounting rarely causes problems with size, unlike arm mounting. Installation is also easier.
On the other hand, you will have to adopt a rather complex position, with the obligation to place the wrist equipped with the blood pressure monitor close to your heart. The risk of incorrect measurements is therefore higher. Moreover, doctors recommend this type of blood pressure monitor only to experienced users.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
This type of device is best suited for experienced users and those who travel frequently. If you need to take your blood pressure several times a day, regardless of location, you need this monitor. If you are just starting out, choose an upper arm blood pressure monitor.
A connected blood pressure monitor is actually an upper arm monitor or wrist monitor paired with an app for measuring and tracking blood pressure. The manufacturer develops its own smartphone app: OMRON Connect, Braun Healthy Heart, My Diary... The device can also work with other apps like Google Fit or Apple Health.
Some models do not have a screen and cannot work without a smartphone or tablet to connect via Bluetooth. We recommend connected blood pressure monitors that can be used both with and without the app. The app should be used to manage and store the history on the smartphone to facilitate the monitoring of blood pressure.
Finally, there are applications that propose to take your blood pressure by asking you to place a finger on the smartphone camera. None of them are reliable or approved as medical devices.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
Those who need to regularly monitor their blood pressure and know its evolution will be interested in connected blood pressure monitors. On the other hand, those who are resistant to technology will have difficulty with these sophisticated devices.
Most electronic blood pressure monitors use 2 to 4 batteries. You won't have to change them often, unless you use the device 3 times a day. Some models have a lithium-ion battery. This avoids the purchase of batteries while increasing the size of the device. Finally, there are blood pressure monitors that can be connected to the mains. But the adapter is not usually included.
The electronic blood pressure monitor has a screen and a medium-sized case. This is then connected to a cuff that is placed on the arm or wrist. This device is very useful for closely monitoring blood pressure. To turn it on, you simply put the cuffs on and press its "on" button. With its easy handling, it is very convenient to take blood pressure measurements yourself, and anywhere.
Moreover, the electronic blood pressure monitor offers the possibility to know the evolution of your health condition on a daily basis. Moreover, it helps to identify in advance any type of high blood pressure. Its only drawback is that it can display incorrect values. This means that it does not replace the effectiveness of blood pressure monitors at the doctor's office or hospital.
Generally used by medical personnel, the manual blood pressure monitor is used with a stethoscope to measure blood pressure. It consists of a cuff, a small rubber hand pump and a manometer to indicate the pressure. To determine the blood pressure with this tool, the doctor inflates the cuff. The air is then carefully released until the pulse is again perceptible.
The real strength of a manual blood pressure monitor is its simplicity and reliability of reading. However, this type of blood pressure monitor has one major drawback: it is complicated to position the manometer and the cuff exactly. In addition, the slightest movement can distort the readings.
Technically speaking, the electronic blood pressure monitor is more interesting and easier to handle. If you are not a health care professional and are looking for a blood pressure monitor solely for monitoring your health, the electronic blood pressure monitor is the best choice.
The figures are chilling. in the UK, 1 adult out of 3 suffers from high blood pressure. Even worse, 50% of people over 80 years old have high blood pressure. And according to the IPSOS survey for Quantum Genomics conducted in 2020, 50% of English people believe that hypertension does not kill!
Today, blood pressure problems are among the most common pathologies affecting individuals. The electronic blood pressure monitor allows regular monitoring of your blood pressure without necessarily going to the doctor. This practice, called self-measurement of blood pressure, can be very useful for hypertensive people undergoing treatment.
Some patients experience an unnatural increase in blood pressure when they are in a medical setting. This phenomenon, called the "white coat effect", can sometimes bias the results obtained by the treating physician.
The electronic blood pressure monitor allows people who cannot tolerate the medical environment to self-diagnose regularly, and then transmit the results to their doctor.
It is very easy, especially since some devices can store the results of several measurements, while others come with mobile applications to send the data directly to the doctor's phone.
50% of hypertensive patients are on medical treatment with antihypertensive drugs. In their case, the use of an electronic blood pressure monitor is almost vital. It informs the treating physician about the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment, but also in case of a new treatment, which must therefore be monitored and evaluated. The doctor will only have to indicate the times of blood pressure measurement to the patient, which avoids regular trips to the doctor's office.
Self-diagnosis is a very good way to involve the patient in the treatment of his pathology. It allows him to know at any time his blood pressure and act accordingly: make appointments with the doctor, respect dietary restrictions and diets, avoid risky behaviors...
An electronic blood pressure monitor can be used at home, but it can also accompany us when we travel or on vacation. The new models are very sophisticated, with advanced features that simplify the use of these devices. This is the case of backlit LCD screens with large displays that make it easy to read and understand the results of measurements taken.
Connected objects are everywhere: in sports, entertainment, well-being... and health. However, most of them are not recognized as medical devices. And for good reason, their manufacturers are not obliged to rely on medical and scientific references. The worst remains the applications on smartphones claiming to measure blood pressure by processes all more fanciful than the others. On the other hand, the design of a blood pressure monitor must comply with restrictive standards and be declared to the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM).
In our opinion, the best brands of tensiometers in 2022 are :
The Japanese brand is the world's leading manufacturer of blood pressure monitors and nebulizers. The reliability and accuracy of the devices are clinically validated in rigorous tests conducted by leading health organizations. Moreover, doctors and pharmacists use and recommend OMROM, which also manufactures connected scales, activity monitors, thermometers and pain relief devices.
Braun is best known for its electric shavers, hair trimmers and pulsed light epilators. But did you know that Braun also manufactures electronic blood pressure monitors? In fact, its models are among the very best.
Hartmann designs, produces and distributes medical devices. Founded 200 years ago, it manufactures bandages, blood pressure monitors, laxatives, disinfection and sterilization products, as well as gloves and bandages.
This brand continues to grow and become a must-have. It designs medical devices such as blood pressure monitors, baby monitors and infrared thermometers. It also manufactures appliances that contribute to household comfort.
The French brand has long specialized in kitchen scales and bathroom scales. Recently, it has diversified its products and also manufactures battery-operated arm and wrist blood pressure monitors, thermometers, connected bracelets and baby scales.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Make sure that the result is not wrong.
Before using an electronic blood pressure monitor for the first time, ask your doctor to compare it to their model and adjust it if necessary.
It's better when it's connected.
By
purchasing a blood pressure monitor that can sync with an app, you can take your readings with you everywhere - to the doctor, on vacation, and more
.
Know your body and your health.
If
you don't know your normal blood pressure, it's wise to familiarize yourself with that data. That way you'll know when your blood pressure is abnormal, even if you have a basic monitor that only tells you your blood pressure without alerting you when it's not normal.
Prepare yourself in advance.
You
should not smoke, drink caffeine, or exercise within 30 min of taking your blood pressure. If you need to urinate, do so before you take a measurement. Use the bathroom and rest quietly for 5 min before taking a reading.
The right position.
For best results, sit in a chair with your back supported, feet flat, and legs uncrossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface such as a table. If you are using a wrist monitor, raise your hand near your heart. In any case, stay very still while taking your blood pressure.
The best electronic blood pressure monitor depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
In general, you will have to choose between the wrist monitor and the upper arm monitor. The latter is the most recommended by doctors, as it is easier to use. There are also connected blood pressure monitors, which are mainly upper arm or wrist monitors with an application for compiling, analysing and archiving the measurements.
Whether wrist, arm or connected, blood pressure monitors use the same measurement process. Technically, their reliability is identical. Only a wrong position could falsify the measurements. By the way, measurements with a wrist monitor are more prone to errors. If you are a beginner, choose an upper arm model. As for connected models, they are reliable. However, they are not suitable for elderly people because of their complexity.
Physical exertion, exposure to stress and body position affect blood pressure. Take at least 5 minutes of rest before taking your blood pressure. If possible, sit in a chair with your arms on a table. Follow the instructions in the leaflet. Preferably, take your blood pressure in the morning after waking up and in the evening. And at each session, take 3 measurements at least 1 minute apart. Keep only the most reliable values.
Although automated, electric blood pressure monitors work the same way as the one used by your doctor. A pump inflates the cuff's pneumatic tourniquet to a value above the normal blood pressure. Once this threshold is reached, the pump stops and the system begins to watch for the characteristic beat of the blood flow with each heart contraction. The cuff gradually reduces its pressure and memorizes its value at the moment the typical noise appears. The pressure continues to drop until the noise disappears completely and the pressure is stored at that moment. The blood pressure monitor then gives the systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
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