Updated: 26 Aug 2010

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Introduction

We've tested 8 monitors you can use to check your blood pressure at home.

If you're worried about high blood pressure, home monitoring can help. We tested the monitors for accuracy and assessed their comfort, instructions, screen quality and more. 

We also explain what high blood pressure is, look at ways to lower your blood pressure, and provide tips for buying and using a home monitor.

Models we tested

This report contains test results and recommendations for the following blood pressure monitors:

Checklist

If you're thinking about buying a blood pressure monitor, here's what to consider.

Why monitor?

Some people like to monitor their own blood pressure because it gives them a sense of control over their treatment for high blood pressure. It can also be a good motivator if you're trying to lower your blood pressure by changing your lifestyle.

Your doctor may recommend home monitoring to assess changes in your medication. It's important you take a range of readings over several months and interpret the results with your doctor.

Some people become so anxious when they visit the doctor, their blood pressure shoots up. This is called "white coat hypertension" and it affects about 1 in 5 people. Home monitoring can help identify these people and eliminate unnecessary treatment.

Features to consider

• The cuff can be an arm or wrist type. Our test found that the wrist monitor was as accurate as most of the arm models. Following the instructions on the placement of the cuff is important. It must fit snugly – too tight will give you a higher reading and too loose may not give you one at all.
• Irregular heart beat display indicates that the heart rate is not steady.
• Hypertension indicator warns when your blood pressure is too high – time to see your doctor.
• Mains-power adaptor can be handy if you run out of spare batteries.
• Data storage (also called memory) allows you to flick back through your previous readings. Monitors with double (“2x”) capacity can record readings for two people.

Buying tips

• Get the shop to demonstrate the monitor before you buy.
• If you're buying an arm monitor, make sure the cuff is the correct size for your arm. A cuff that's too narrow may overestimate your blood pressure and a cuff that's too wide may underestimate blood pressure.
• Make sure the buttons and displays are easy to see and read.
• When you first get your monitor take it to your doctor to have its accuracy checked and your technique. Repeat this every 6 months or so. Also get the monitor checked if you drop it or if readings change suddenly.
• Read the instruction manual first to familiarise yourself with the monitor and recalibrate according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Using your monitor

• Don't test your blood pressure within 30 minutes of eating, drinking caffeinated drinks, or exercising.
• Relax for a few minutes before testing.
• Remove any jewellery or clothing that interferes with the cuff.
• For arm monitors, rest your arm on a waist-high table. For wrist monitors, keep your wrist level with your heart. It's important to use the same arm position each time you check your blood pressure. If you are seated keep both feet on the floor.
• Take 2 readings, about 1 to 2 minutes apart. If results differ by more than 5 points take a third reading and record an average of the results.
• Keep a record of all results and discuss these with your doctor.

Home monitors are not a substitute for the regular measurement of blood pressure by your doctor. Don't change your medication based on home readings – check with your doctor first. And talk to your doctor about the most appropriate monitoring regime.

About high blood pressure

One in five adults know they have high blood pressure, but there are many more who don't recognise the problem.

If your blood pressure stays high for a long time, it can greatly increase your risk of heart disease, strokes and kidney failure.

Blood pressure is created by the force of the heart pumping blood around your body. It's measured as two numbers. The higher number (known as "systolic") is the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart contracts. The lower number ("diastolic") is the pressure when your heart is relaxed between heartbeats.

Normal adult blood pressure is around 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or lower, though it'll vary. Your blood pressure will be higher if you're stressed, smoking or if you've been exercising a lot. It'll be higher in the afternoon than in the morning. It also increases as you get older and after consuming certain food and drink, like caffeine or salty food.

How high is too high?

There's no magic number that means your blood pressure is dangerously high - only your doctor can tell you. But as your blood pressure rises you increase your risk of heart disease and other health conditions.

In general, a doctor will consider it elevated if it's consistently over 140/90. But elevated blood pressure, also called hypertension, doesn't necessarily mean you're at high risk of heart disease. And, conversely, your doctor might think you're at risk even if only one of the two blood pressure measurements is elevated.

In weighing up your risk, your doctor will consider other factors such as your age, gender, cholesterol levels, ethnicity, family history, weight and whether you are a smoker.

High blood pressure may be inherited. It can also be brought on by illness, pregnancy or certain medicines.

Lowering your blood pressure

Some people can lower or control their blood pressure with a combination of diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes.

• Eat a diet high in fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, and low in fat, especially saturated fat. Reduce the amount of sodium in your diet.
• Be active. On most days, try to spend at least 30 minutes being active. But check with your doctor before you start any vigorous exercise.
• Try to lose excess weight and maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Don't smoke.
• Consider stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, pilates, and meditation or prayer.

If lifestyle changes aren't enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication. Medication falls into four main groups - you may be prescribed one or a combination.

Diuretics reduce the amount of salt and water in your blood. This reduces the strain on your heart because there is a smaller volume of fluid to pump around.

Beta-blockers stop the action of the hormone adrenalin. This reduces the workload of the heart by reducing your pulse rate and blood pressure. It also limits the amount your heart rate increases when you exercise.

Calcium channel blockers prevent the movement of calcium through the muscle cells of the blood vessel walls. This causes the arteries to relax, widening the blood vessels, and reducing the pressure inside them.

ACE inhibitors block the production of angiotensin, an enzyme that narrows blood vessels. This allows the artery walls to relax and dilate, which helps reduce the pressure in your blood vessels.

All drugs can have side effects and some should not be used if you have certain conditions. Tell your doctor if you think yours have side effects. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any new medication, including herbal remedies.

Low blood pressure

If you have low blood pressure, you probably won't need to do anything about it. Though some people faint or feel tired, most people with low blood pressure don't have any associated health problems.

 

More help

• The Heart Foundation - www.heartfoundation.org.nz
• Find out your risk of heart attack or stroke - www.knowyournumbers.co.nz

 

Report by Bev Frederikson.