How do you choose a blood pressure monitor?
Choose a blood pressure monitor
Although all blood pressure monitors look similar, there are many differences to keep in mind. Consider the following topics during your search for a suitable blood pressure monitor.
- Do you measure via the upper arm or wrist?
- Which cuff do you use?
- Do you want an app connection?
- With how many people will you share the blood pressure monitor?
- Do you want to calculate your average blood pressure?
- Is the device recommended by the Dutch Heart Foundation?
Reading via the upper arm or wrist?
There are 2 different types of blood pressure monitors, blood pressure monitors that measure via the upper arm and blood pressure monitors that measure via your wrist. The upper arm blood pressure monitor is the most used type. This is because a blood pressure monitor is most accurate when it's at heart level. Unlike the upper arm blood pressure monitor, the wrist blood pressure monitor isn't necessarily placed at the same level as your heart. That's why there's a greater risk of an unreliable measurement. Still, wrist blood pressure monitors have their advantages. We've listed the pros and cons of both blood pressure monitors for you.
Pros and cons of measuring locations
Upper arm blood pressure monitor
- Automatically measures close to the heart.
- Monitor can be placed on the table for easy visibility.
- It's easier to take on a correct posture for the reading.
- The cuff needs to go around a bare upper arm, so you'll have to completely take of clothing most of the time.
- For older people or people who are less flexible, it's harder to put the cuff around the upper arm.
Wrist blood pressure monitor
- Easy to use.
- Clothing can stay on.
- Easy to take with you, thanks to the small size.
- You have to take on a specific posture for the reading with a wrist blood pressure monitor, with your wrist at the height of your heart.
- Because of the specific posture, there's a bigger risk that you'll accidentally move and that you'll get an unreliable reading.
How do you choose the right cuff?
The cuff is the part of the blood pressure monitor that you attach to your upper arm or wrist. It's important that the cuff is securely attached, or you'll get an incorrect reading. Most cuffs are highly adjustable. Do you have wide upper arms? Choose a blood pressure monitor you can adjust up to 42cm. Do you find it hard to attach the cuff to your arm? Choose a cuff with a special 360-degree attachment system or an EasyClip system.
Need a blood pressure monitor with app connection?
Want to save your results and keep them organized? Choose a blood pressure monitor with an app connection. Many brands, including Omron, Beurer, Withings, and Medisana, have their own application. You simply connect your phone to the blood pressure monitor via Bluetooth. After that, you always have your reading at hand in a clear overview. Are you using a blood pressure monitor without an app connection? Make sure the blood pressure monitor has enough memory slots to store your previous readings. That way, you won't forget them.
Need multiple user profiles?
Planning to use the blood pressure monitor with multiple people? It's useful if you can set a number of user profiles. A blood pressure monitor with multiple adjustable user profiles has memory slots for multiple users. This means you can review your personal measured values, without seeing the values of other users.
Do you want to calculate the average blood pressure?
Since your blood pressure fluctuates during the day, it's important to calculate the average of several readings. This gives you the best impression of your blood pressure. There are blood pressure monitors that calculate the average value of the last 7 measurements in the mornings and evenings. This usually is an average doctors are interested in. Such readings are always taken at the same time and provide clear insight into your blood pressure.
Is the blood pressure monitor recommended by the Dutch Heart Foundation?
A blood pressure monitor recommended by the Dutch Heart Foundation can be found on the Dabl list. This means the blood pressure monitor has been tested several times by the Dabl Institute to determine the reliability. They recommend these blood pressure monitors because they're very reliable and accurate.
