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The Best BP Machines

You can monitor your blood pressure at home to help manage high blood pressure. Because several devices are available on the market as of 2010, it is important you choose the right one for you. Keep in mind that home monitoring is not for everybody. For example, individuals with an irregular heartbeat may not get an accurate reading using a home blood pressure monitor. Avoid public blood pressure machines available at many pharmacies.

  1. Omron HEM-790IT

    • This digital monitor that retails for $75 to $84 has received many favorable reviews and is the most versatile for people with big arms, meaning those with an upper-arm circumference of 13 inches or more. Out of the 545 people who reviewed it on sites such as Amazon, Drugstore and Shopping, 328 gave it five stars and only 48 gave it one star. Reviewers like it because it is easy to use, is accurate and has long battery life. It has many extra features, including the ability to detect irregular heart beats. According to Consumer Search, "experts find the averaging function makes [it] easy to detect and keep track of morning hypertension, a condition that is a risk factor for strokes and heart attacks."

    Wrist Monitors

    • Omron produces wrist monitors, which are effective for those who cannot use the more common upper-arm blood pressure monitor like very obese individuals or those with huge muscles. It sells for around $40. Model HEM-650 has received many good user reviews at Amazon and Epinions. This particular model takes into account the likelihood of a less accurate reading because of improper positioning by providing sensors that ensure correct positioning. Consider Model HEM609V, another Emron wrist monitor.

    A&D Medical LifeSource Quick Response UA-787EJ

    • Consumer Search places this blood pressure machine at the top of overall best-reviewed model, though it has not received quite as favorable a billing on Wize. This model uses an AC adapter instead of batteries for power, and it has a memory that can store up to 60 previous readings, and a feature that averages stored readings. Good for users with big upper arms, this monitor will cost you $70 to $90.

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