Home blood pressure monitoring...any recommendations for brand/model?

[coffeelover]

Hello valvers,

Can anyone recommend an economical,reliable home blood pressure monitor?

 

[yotphix]

I've been really happy with my OMRON, although it's a fancier model that has keeps track of two users. Others in my family really like their OMRONs too, and they have models for under $30. The wrist type have not tended to be as reliable or accurate as the traditional arm cuff. Maybe look at something like this? http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=Uh8bT-urEIaSiQLMvPjHCA&ved=0CFkQ8wIwAg

 

[Lionheart]

You might consider getting one with the ability to check for an irregular heartbeat as occurs with atrial fibrillation. Otherwise the arm cuff versions are the best for accuracy. There might be some earlier threads on this subject if you search the archive.
John

 

[Jkm7]

My surgeon suggested Reli On Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor. I used it in the weeks and few months post op my first surgery and then put it away. I never use it now as my blood pressure is consistently in good range.

This is an arm cuff version and was very accurate to the readings I got at doctor's visits.

 

[Paleowoman]

I have an arm cuff monitor (A&D medical) which I use to check my blood pressure every few months - for a period of a couple of weeks I check it every day at different times and record the results so that I can see any changes in trend. I've been told that blood pressure actually gets lower as aortic stenosis gets worse. I've had a couple of really low readings when I was feeling nauseous and very tired so I know now that nausea and tiredness can mean abnormally low blood pressure with me, ie 75 over 53

An important thing to remember when taking your own blood pressure is to do it absolutely correctly as, no matter how good the monitor, if you do it incorrectly the result will be inaccurate. Cuff must be at heart height. Do it after you've been sitting still for at least five minutes. Legs not crossed. Not directly after food or drink. Not with a full bladder. No talking. I also take my monitor to my doc's once every couple of years and check my blood pressure on mine and then he checks mine with his monitor - checking to see my monitor says roughly the same as his. No two consecutive readings are ever the same but they should be near enough.

 

[JimL]

I've used the LifeSource UA-767 Plus for over a year now with no problems. I'm still on my first set of batteries.

 

[epstns]

My cardio recommends Omron units. Also, if it means anything, my dentist also uses an Omron.

We've had an Omron wrist cuff unit for 10-15 years and it is now becoming inconsistent. We checked it against one at my cardio's and my unit now shows about 10 points too high on both systolic and diastolic measurements. Time for a replacement, but over 10 years isn't too shabby.

 

[nngbwh]

I been using the Omron 3 series. It's been accurate and reliable for me.

 

[coffeelover]

Everyone,
Thank you so much for your posts about home blood pressure monitors-- I plan on buying a unit this week.Will take my list of suggested models with me so I can choose a reliable home kit.
Thanks again!

 

[normofthenorth]

And I bought a really cheap one ($20 or less), wrist model, and it seems to work well enough. It may depend on how much precision and accuracy you really need, between appointments. Me, I was using it as much for Heart Rate as for BP anyway. . . (I posted about it in detail, here somewhere.)

 

[tobagotwo]

Omron and A&D are made by the same company, and I have had two GPs and two cardiologists who like their BP testing products best. The arm cuff is considered much more accurate for most people than wrist or finger bands. I have an Omron that shows (and records) arrhythmias, and records several months' worth of data for two users and has a separate "guest" setting. It can also do things with the data, but I just use it to keep a list. It tests the cuff fit and positioning each time, and can do fancy BP tests like "average of three," where it takes three BPs quickly in a row and averages the results.

It doesn't make coffee, though, and there's no cupholder built in.

Best wishes,

 

[RobThatsMe]

Shop on-line for some good deals.

I got my Omron from Amazon, and it was a real deal.

Rob

 

[Superbob]

I've had the same Lumiscope Model 1092, a wrist cuff, for the past 10 years and it has worked beautifully for me. I don't remember even having had to change batteries, but I must have had to a time or two. It gives readings that are comparable to those taken by the nurses in the doctor's office. You can check them out at www.lumiscope.net

I don't remember the price from a decade ago, but I think it was reasonable.

 

[coffeelover]

Valvers,
Thanks for great info.Will be looking for the models mentioned in your posts.
Thanks again!

 

[coffeelover]

Thanks for helpful advise!