Millions of Americans live with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension. And contrary to popular belief, it’s not just limited to older adults. Nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 44 have high blood pressure. About 1 in 3 U.S. adults with high blood pressure aren’t even aware they have it and are not being treated to control their blood pressure. The best blood pressure monitors can help users identify and monitor their condition from the comfort of their own home.“Home blood pressure monitors can help people check their blood pressure levels and may help healthcare professionals identify conditions that require treatment more quickly,” says Medical News Today. “This may help prevent complications from hypertension.”
Typically, high blood pressure develops over time. Things like unhealthy lifestyle choices (ie; not getting routine exercise or physical activity), health conditions like diabetes or obesity contribute to high blood pressure. Pregnant women can also develop this condition. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. It can also cause damage to important organs like the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Taking small steps to change your lifestyle can help prevent more serious conditions in the future. If properly managed, you can lower your blood pressure and risk for other serious health problems.
There are number of ways you can lower your blood pressure naturally. The two easiest changes to make are to lower your sodium intake and exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help you lose weight or keep off the extra pounds. Healthline writes that “losing 5 to 10 pounds can reduce your blood pressure. Plus, you’ll lower your risk of other potential medical problems.” Making sure you eat a healthy balanced diet and quitting smoking will also have a large impact on your blood pressure. Overall, choosing to live a healthier lifestyle is the best choice you can make for your body.
If you want to start taking your measurements at home, StudyFinds has rounded up the top five blood pressure monitors to stay on top of your health. We searched the web for the five best blood pressure monitors across ten expert websites. Our list is made up of the top recommendations across these sites. Have a favorite brand or model of your own? Let us know which one in the comments below!
The List: Best Blood Pressure Monitors, According to Health Experts
1. OMRON Platinum BP5450 Blood Pressure Monitor
The top choice amongst many site, the OMRON Platinum is known for being the best option for morning blood pressure checks. The smartphone compatible device connects via bluetooth, literally putting your health in your own hands. “OMRON Platinum has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with smartphones and Alexa devices. The monitor can also register readings from two users, storing up to 100 readings per user,” writes Medical News Today.
The device will calculate your morning blood pressure and alert you when results are out of the safe range . The wireless functionality makes it easy to take readings and easily travel with your monitor. “Allowing you to check readings on the go through a smartphone-compatible app, or even email results directly to your doctor or family member,” says Good Housekeeping.
2. OMRON Silver Blood Pressure Monitor
Another top rated Omron device, the Silver “has an irregular heartbeat detector, a BP risk category indicator, data averaging function and includes a one-size-fits-most cuff,” writes Consumer Reports. It’s also highly acclaimed by doctors and pharmacists for “its incredible accuracy.”
The OMROn Silver is also about half the price of the OMRON Platinum. You’ll lose a few features like wireless and smartphone ability, but it still gets the job done. “Given that it compares readings with your normal home levels, while monitoring for irregular heartbeats, it’s an instant win,” says Good Housekeeping.
3. iHealth Track Blood Pressure Monitor
Voted “Best budget blood pressure monitor” by Healthline, and “Best Cuff Option” by Forbes Health, this monitor gives a straightforward blood pressure reading in an affordable package. Enjoy a model that’s easy to use with no extra setup or calibration. Get your reading easily, straight out of the box. “The company states that it is easy to use as it has a large multicolored backlit screen. Additionally, it does not require any calibration,” writes Medical News Today.
The iHealth monitor is one of the cheapest approved by the FDA, and can hpld up to 99 readings on its own, or an unlimited amount when connected to the accompanying app. “This device also monitors heart rhythm, something not typical at this price range,” Healthline continues.
4. Microlife WatchBP Home Afib Blood Pressure Monitor
The Microlife WatchBP was selected as “Best Data Display” by Health and “Best Data Storage” by Very Well Health making it critically acclaimed for how it handles data.The display also “offers feedback on accurate readings and data storage” and gives an Afib indicator if detected during consecutive daily readings.
The monitor stores up to 250 blood pressure readings, making it extremely efficient in tracking readings over time. “Once you’ve taken your reading, the monitor automatically stores the data and previous readings can be accessed by the “M” button on the machine,” writes Very Well Health.
5. Greater Goods Smart Blood Pressure Monitor
The Greater Goods Smart Blood Pressure Monitor is another budget-friendly option according to Safewise and voted “Best Kit” by Forbes Health, this bluetooth compatible kit is a good option for routine blood pressure checks.“And while it’s not the cheapest option you’ll find, we think the Greater Goods BPM offers the best mix of affordability, accuracy, and user-friendliness,” writes Safewise.
Wirecutter selected it as top pick, writing that “this Bluetooth monitor and its corresponding app are very easy and intuitive to use.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Sleep Trackers
- Best Fitness Trackers
- Best Blood Pressure Monitors
- Best Ways to Quit Smoking
- Best Glucometers
Sources:
- Medical News Today
- NIH
- Good Housekeeping
- Consumer Reports
- Healthline
- Forbes Health
- Health
- Very Well
- Health Safewise
- Wirecutter
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links.