The Omron Gold Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor was rated the best by Health.com due to its easy setup and clear indications of high, normal, and low blood pressure. Omron’s 3 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is an affordable choice with an easy-to-use interface.
Among the benefits of a blood pressure monitor, according to former nurse Marie Paulemey, is the ability to relax and take standard readings in a relaxed environment. “When you go to the doctor’s office, you’re kind of a little nervous … so that alone makes [your reading] go up,” she says. Laurence Gerlis, GMC, MA, MB, MRCP, who treats patients with high blood pressure, agrees. “I find that measuring blood pressure in clinical settings always gives slightly elevated readings,” he says.
Health.com recommends upper arm cuff monitors, which are most similar to the style used by physicians. In addition to the doctors Health.com interviewed, the American Heart Association does not currently recommend wrist and finger monitors. For home use, upper arm monitors are extremely accurate, and many doctors and patients agree that readings at home are more accurate.
Read full results of the test here.
