My GP told me to get a blood pressure monitor. I read the Choice review. However, they did not really recommend to use digital instead of manual ones. I am an old lady and I am looking for something accurate and simple. I have used the Libre Freestyle for BG on my cat and I am wondering, whether I will be able to connect the blood pressurge monitor in a similar fashion.
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For clarity the Choice review buyers guide (2022) discusses âautomaticâ vs âmanualâ and âwristâ vs âarmâ, not âdigitalâ vs âmanualâ.
Checking a petâs glucose is different from checking a humanâs blood pressure.
The buyers guide, linked above should have enough information to advise you on the simplicity. If you select one or more of the Choice tested products to compare the table will also indicate if there is a computer or smart phone app with it.
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So you are looking for a BP monitor thatâs also app-based? Yes, some of the ones CHOICE reviewed do have apps that collect data, present it as graphs, etc.
If you go to âCompare allâ in the CHOICE BP monitor reviews online and scroll to the bottom of the âFeaturesâ table, youâll find a row for âComputer interfaceâ. Tick the âCompareâ box for each of the ones that has a computer interface so you can easily compare their pros and cons and features.
If youâll be buying in person from a pharmacy, the pharmacist should be able to tell you which of their BP monitors are app-controlled, and perhaps help you decide which one to choose, if there are several options.
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Years ago I bought a Choice recommended Omron. It has a List function. Press the List button and it will show the last reading, keep pressing and it shows the next previous, etc.
Simple to read, and we have taken it in to our doctor to show him how we use it and the readings we get. As we both use it, and there is no way to indicate which reading belongs to who - I did a spreadsheet. I graph the readings against a coloured Low, Normal, High Normal, High background, so Mr Z can see at a glance where his readings sit. Our doctor prefers a list of numbers.
The advantage of the spreadsheet, I can place a note if he requests a non standard reading eg been doing some heavy work / drank strong coffee & heart is pounding. I then filter these out before taking the printed list to the Clinic. You should avoid caffeine for 3 hours, sit & rest for 15 mins before taking a reading.
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I mentioned the Libre Freestyle, which is the one used for humans as well, and it makes it so easy to record data. Since 2022 the blood pressure monitors might have advanced. The GP discouraged used of a wrist one, but otherwise left it to me. Manual would not suit me at all, but maybe automatic vs. digital, although I would prefer the latter.
It is difficult for me to get to a Pharmacy, I was thinking of getting it from Amazon or Omron.
What do you consider a digital vs automatic vs manual BP monitor? Happy to understand further the differences.
My previous GP had one he used with a mercury bourdon tube, hand pumped bulb and listened to the pulse with a stethoscope. That is what I think of as manual.
The other type the GP uses is a battery powered device which automatically inflates the arm sleeve, and subsequently drops the pressure to report. Also what we use at home. Just slip the sleeve on and adjust as directed. Hit the start button and nothing more to do. Output is via a digital display showing the systolic/diastolic blood pressures and pulse rate. It stores those results internally. Iâd call that automatic and digital. Some versions can also save the results to a smart device EG mobile phone using a wireless connection, (EG blue tooth). Handy for home although we simply read the digital display and write the results in a diary.
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When purchasing a BP monitor always check the size-range of the cuff (sleeve) that is included. Some people have larger or smaller circumference arms requiring an additional purchase of an appropriately sized cuff.
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I have a Withings BPM. For some reason the Choice review lists the Withings brand but doesnât seem to actually review the product.
It is very easy to use, and while the reading can be a bit hard to read on the unit itself, it connects to the Withings phone app automatically to record the readings. I also have a Withings scanwatch, so it is helpful to have all the records in one place (heart rate, ECG, Blood oxygen level, activity etc⊠You can export your results to a pdf to give to your doctor.
I also found that my private health insurance covered the cost of the BPM, so if you have PHI enquire about that.
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I presume you mean the list of manufacturer products as shown by
Choice, having finite budgets, selects products to test based on market share.
This has been addressed in multiple other topics over time. One of those responses is
While BP monitor tests do not seem to be updated often you could put in a specific request via
and
to support it being included whenever the BP tests get updated.
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I am still learning all the differences, but I consider digital something that can also be connected to the phone (via bluetooth).
Thanks for the interesting information. I will consider it.
Look for devices described as âsmartâ or âconnectedâ, or sometimes âBluetoothâ, rather than digital.
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Iâm using an Omron HEM7361T which has a Bluetooth connection to a phone/tablet app. It keeps a running record of past measurements in the app and works very well. It also comes with a cuff that is easy to put on and tighten with one hand.
See here for details Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor Atrial Fibrillation HEM-7361T
That web site shows the RRP price but it available for quite a bit less in the competitive pharmacy market.
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Iâve been using Omicon now for 2 years and works well.
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Iâve been using an Omron monitor with Bluetooth connection to my phone for several years using the Omron app. Itâs been very reliable for checking once or twice a day and i can easily show my GP the graph of results during a consult.
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Iâm a volunteer community first aider and also monitor my own BP. Theoretically, the manual cuff with separate stethoscope is ideal, however Iâm also older and find it tricky to juggle all the bits of gear and also hear the pulse clearly if thereâs background noise. I prefer to use an Omron automatic one. My GP has a similar one and I find mine is reliable and consistent in measuring my BP compared to the GPâs readings. I wouldnât worry about apps etc - just adds an extra layer of tech.
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Hi BrisLin, I have meanwhile purchased an Omron 7142T1 and I synchronize it with my phone. It works well, however, I cannot sit for the required 5 minutes as it seems to increase my readings. Thanks for your information.
Hi Bilton, thanks for your reply. I purchased the Omron 7142T1 also with bluetooth.
Thanks zackarii. I have now purchased the Omron T7142T1 and the main hassle I have encountered, seems to be that I cannot even sit still for 5 minutes (I then get readings over 200). However, 2 minutes work fine. I follow all the other guidelines.
I put mine in The Samsung Health App on my phpne
