Are you interested in buying a home wrist blood pressure monitor? Monitoring your blood pressure at home is a smart decision to make. It’s a great way to monitor your blood pressure which will improve your doctor’s strategy on how to help any blood pressure problems you may have.
Buying a home wrist monitor is the same as buying an upper arm monitor. You can either buy a good one the first time, or you can waste your money until you finally get something of quality that will last and give you more accurate readings.
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This post is pretty thorough with lots of information, but here’s the short version of what I recommend. My recommendation for a good quality wrist blood pressure monitor for a reasonable price is the Omron Gold Series Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor (click here)to see current price on Amazon – Compare Price on Ebay. I’m extremely happy with the accuracy, value and quality. I compared the readings more than once against a traditional BP reading with the nurse, at home to my upper arm monitor and it was accurate each time.
Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon associate and eBay partner, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This wrist monitor is not the most money. They have some that sell up to $1,000. It’s also not the cheapest, but it is reasonably priced. I’m not trying to convince you to spend more money. I’m trying to SAVE you money because if you get a decent monitor, you’ll be happy with it and it will last for years. There will be no need to buy another one in 6 months because the cheaper one just wasn’t good enough or accurate.
Why I chose The Omron Gold Wrist Monitor
Omron Gold Wrist Monitor Check Price on Amazon – Compare Price on Ebay: I’ve seen for myself and heard about how inaccurate wrist blood pressure monitors are. There are many reasons why this is. Sometimes it’s because they are mostly not accurate or the person is not using it properly. I haven’t experienced this with the Omron. Here are my reasons for recommending it.
- Accuracy: This is my #1 reason. Without an accurate blood pressure reading what’s even the sense in taking it? My personal experience, checking it at the doctor’s office and at home compared to my upper arm monitor, this wrist monitor is accurate. In addition, while conducting my research I’ve read numerous reviews where the owner is happy with the accuracy.
- One of the most important features in this wrist monitor is the heart zone guidance. It tells you when the monitor when it’s at heart level.
- Omron is the leading online brand name. Nobody will be disappointed if you choose the Omron brand and they’re reliable.
- The Omron has the capability to store up to 100 readings for 2 different users.
- The Omron has bluetooth which allows you to track your readings on your smartphone with the Omron Wellness App.
- The Omron has a large display.
- The Omron is comfortable and easy to adjust.
- The Omron Gold is extremely quiet.
Features To Look For In A Quality Home Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
- Clinical-grade technology and accuracy: When it comes to something as serious as blood pressure, the accuracy of your blood pressure readings are extremely important.
- Heart zone guidance: This ensures the wrist is at heart level when taking your blood measure.
- Bluetooth connectivity: It’s nice to have a home monitor that connects to an app downloaded on your smartphone. You can send your blood pressure readings to the app and have them with you when you visit the doctor. It’s easier than bringing the monitor or a written log.
- Comfort: A tight cuff can feel uncomfortable. Having the right size cuff adjustment makes the inflation process feel better and more important, take accurate readings. This cuff is extremely comfortable.
- Users: Some wrist monitors can store readings for 2 users. This is a nice feature to have if more than one family member needs to log their readings.
- Display screen: A larger screen with bigger size numbers makes it easier to see your blood pressure numbers.
- Accessories: It’s nice when a home monitor comes with extras that are not normally included. The Omron Gold comes with a carrying case which I also use for storage.
“I’ve always wanted to monitor my blood pressure at home with a wrist monitor. I’m definitely going to get one! Thanks for the recommendation and advice.” – Jessica
Home Blood Pressure Monitor Tips
Before taking your blood pressure at home make sure you follow these 11 important tips. Proper technique is critical for obtaining blood pressure readings you can trust at home and accurate. Tip #1 is if you decide to buy an upper arm monitor.
- Make sure your cuff size is right for the size of your arm. Measure your arm using a cloth tape measure. Place it on your upper arm between your elbow and shoulder. Evenly wrap the tape around the circumference of your upper arm. The tape should be secure but not too loose or too tight. Compare your measurement to the cuff size range of your monitor.
- Don’t smoke or drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
- Make sure you have 5 minutes of quiet rest before measuring and empty your bladder.
- Don’t take blood pressure measurements over clothes.
- It’s best to sit in an upright position, back straight and supported like in a dinning room chair and not on a sofa.
- Your feet should be flat on the floor, and your legs should be uncrossed.
- Your arm should be supported by a flat surface such as a table or arm rest with your upper arm at heart level.
- Place the cuff directly above the bend of the elbow. You can check your blood pressure monitor instructions for pictures.
- Take your blood pressure readings the same time every day such as morning or night and take your readings daily.
- Every time you take your blood pressure readings, take 2 or 3 of them one minute apart and record all your results.
- If your blood pressure monitor has a built-in memory to store your readings you can take it with you to your doctor appointments. If not, record your readings in a log and bring that to the doctor.
#1 Mistake People Make When using A Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
Regardless what kind of blood pressure monitor you’re using there are certain guidelines that must be followed to get an accurate reading. And the #1 mistake that people are doing goes for all monitors but is committed more when people are using a wrist monitor. This mistake is in regards to the height of the blood pressure cuff at the time of measurement.
To get an accurate blood pressure reading with a wrist monitor the cuff must be at the same level as the heart. Blood pressure measured below or above the heart will reflect hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure in blood vessels is caused by the weight of the blood above it in the vessels.
It will be lower above the heart where blood has been pushed up against gravity. It will be higher below the heart where the weight of the blood above the measurement point will add to the pressure contributed by the heart.
This explains why, whenever possible, blood pressure should be measured with an arm cuff. This is so because when the person is either sitting or standing it usually puts the cuff at heart level. But if you find it necessary to use a wrist monitor, make sure your wrist cuff is at the same height as your heart.
The easiest way to do this is to start with your upper arm at the side, close to your torso. Bend at the elbow raising your forearm up and across your chest with your wrist at the level of your heart.
Check The Accuracy Of Your Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
If you have a wrist blood pressure monitor, take it with you on your next doctor appointment. Your doctor or nurse can check your blood pressure with both a standard upper arm monitor and your wrist monitor. Both results can be compared to check if your wrist blood pressure monitor is accurate. Bring your device in about once a year to make sure it remains accurate.
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