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Which wrist blood pressure monitor is best?
If you have hypertension, a heart condition or other health issues, it can be essential to monitor your blood pressure. A wrist blood pressure monitor isn’t quite as accurate as a bicep model like those used in your doctor’s office, but it can record your blood pressure reliably and is usually much easier for home use.
Wrist blood pressure monitors run on batteries and take automatic readings, which helps reduce user error. The Paramed Blood Pressure Monitor is a favorite because it’s highly durable and one of the easiest home blood pressure monitors to use.
What to know before you buy a wrist blood pressure monitor
What is high blood pressure?
A blood pressure reading includes a systolic pressure reading and a diastolic pressure reading. The systolic reading is the first number, while the diastolic reading is the second number that appears on the monitor. A normal reading is usually 120/80 or lower. Doctors typically consider a systolic reading of 130 to 139 and a diastolic reading between 80 and 89 as prehypertension. Higher numbers indicate hypertension or high blood pressure.
Risk factors that can make you susceptible to high blood pressure include smoking, heavy drinking, stress, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and being over 60 years old. You’re also more likely to have hypertension if you eat a high sodium diet or have other health conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems or heart disease. Finally, some medications can raise your blood pressure.
Even if you lead a healthy lifestyle, having a family history of hypertension can also put you at risk because genetics can play a significant part in developing high blood pressure.
Accuracy
Blood pressure monitors that measure at your upper arm or bicep are generally more accurate than those that wrap around your wrist. A wrist blood pressure monitor is usually more comfortable to use, though, and can be much easier to travel with due to their compact design. In addition, they often have a digital display that’s easy to read and use, too.
You can ensure wrist blood pressure monitor accuracy and fairly reliable readings if you use it correctly. Proper positioning on your wrist is essentia, and you need to keep your batteries fresh.
Cuff size
Wrist blood pressure monitors usually have an adjustable cuff that can fit a wide range of wrist sizes. However, if you have an extremely small or large wrist, check the cuff’s measurements to make sure it fits properly. A cuff that doesn’t fit correctly can lead to inaccurate readings.
What to look for in a quality wrist blood pressure monitor
Interface and design
A wrist blood pressure monitor with a simple, clear interface and button controls is usually easiest to use. Opt for a large display screen with easy-to-read numbers that allows you to check your blood pressure quickly and efficiently. It also helps to choose a monitor that clearly indicates if your blood pressure is out of the normal range with some type of alert.
Memory function
If you’re looking to track your blood pressure over time, choose a monitor with a memory feature. It can store your readings, so you’re able to see if your blood pressure has increased or decreased. Consult its product specifications to determine how many readings it can store and opt for a wrist monitor that can remember at least 60.
Multiple users
Some wrist blood pressure monitors allow you to create multiple user profiles to store blood pressure readings for other household members as well as you. Most can support at least two user profiles. If you plan to use your monitor for multiple people, make sure that the cuff is adjustable to fit various wrist sizes.
Case
If you travel regularly, choose a wrist blood pressure monitor that comes with a carrying case. It can protect your monitor during travel, and can also keep it from getting wet or dusty in storage.
How much you can expect to spend on a wrist blood pressure monitor
Most quality wrist blood pressure monitors cost $35-$50. Those that cost less than $35 usually don’t offer much accuracy, but paying more than $50 for a unit doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the most accurate readings, either.
Wrist blood pressure FAQ
How do I use a wrist blood pressure monitor?
A. Start by reading the instructions that come with your monitor to know how your model works. In general, you should be seated in a chair with your feet on the ground when taking a reading. For the most accurate reading, raise the wrist with the monitor to bring it to heart level.
How can I lower my blood pressure?
A. Most doctors recommend starting with lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet, managing your stress and exercising regularly are all considered good starting points. In particular, try to cut the sodium in your diet.
If you have a family history of hypertension, though, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to bring your blood pressure down. In that case, your doctor may suggest medication to help get your pressure under control.
What’s the best wrist blood pressure monitor to buy?
Top wrist blood pressure monitor
Paramed Blood Pressure Monitor
What you need to know: This extremely user-friendly wrist monitor is durable and easy to read.
What you’ll love: It gives a reading quickly and easily, on a screen that’s clear and uses a large font to make it easier to see. It holds up to repeated use, travels extremely well and stores up to 90 measurements of pressure in its memory.
What you should consider: Some users report getting higher readings than those at a doctor’s office.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top wrist blood pressure monitor for the money
What you need to know: This budget-friendly monitor offers a memory function that can store up to 120 readings.
What you’ll love: It features one-touch readings of blood pressure and pulse and has a hypertension indicator alert. The cuff comfortably fits wrists up to 10 inches.
What you should consider: It doesn’t come with the two AAA batteries required for use.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Greater Goods Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
What you need to know: This convenient blood pressure monitor offers many handy features for easy monitoring.
What you’ll love: It includes a case for storage and travel and features a backlit screen that makes it easy to read. It accommodates two user profiles.
What you should consider: It can run through batteries pretty quickly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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