Blood Pressure Monitors: Ratings of Sources

Our AssessmentAlthough the nonprofit British Hypertension Society (BHS) doesn't test blood pressure monitors itself, it lists various types of units that have been tested by others using BHS or other well-accepted protocols. Only devices that are tested and achieve a grade of at least B for systolic and diastolic measurements are listed; the result is dozens upon dozens of approved monitors divided by their intended home or clinical uses. Arm and wrist units are described as suitable for home use, but the BHS says arm blood pressure monitors are recommended because they're less prone to error. All of the monitors are available in the U.K., and many can be purchased in the U.S. None of the monitors receives much in the way of discussion, so it's impossible to single any out as better than the others listed; however, this is a useful reference if you wonder how well your blood pressure monitor holds up against established standards.

Our AssessmentEditors at Choice magazine, an Australian publication similar to ConsumerReports.org, test 14 automatic blood pressure monitors and rate them on accuracy, ease of use, comfort and other factors. A detailed comparison chart is included. Only two of four recommended models are available in the U.S., however. Additional sections include a description of features to look for, information on managing high blood pressure and how to measure blood pressure.

Our AssessmentThis Internet retailer lets customers post opinions about products -- including blood pressure monitors -- after they're bought. Although the reports lack the precision and depth of professional reviews and medical journal articles, they are a good way to gauge minor differences among the many blood pressure monitors on the market, particularly how easy and comfortable each monitor is to use. The user feedback here is especially valuable when considered in conjunction with the accuracy reports from the British Hypertension Society and elsewhere.

Our AssessmentWalmart.com stocks a variety of low- to mid-priced blood pressure monitors, many of which receive user reviews. Several models stand out with particularly large numbers of reviews (more than 200 for the ReliOn Auto Inflate Digital Blood Pressure Monitor) and good ratings.

Our AssessmentFive hundred automatic blood pressure monitors are evaluated in this study, which finds that about 72 percent of the units are inaccurate. Researchers find that devices meeting the British Hypertension Society's (BHS) standards are much more likely to be accurate.

Our AssessmentThis medical journal article tests the accuracy of three Omron blood pressure monitors. Two are designed for home use -- the Omron M5-I (upper arm) and Omron R5-I (wrist) -- and the third is a professional model. The article also highlights the importance of self-monitoring by patients at home.

Our AssessmentIn this medical journal abstract, two researchers report on their tests of two blood pressure monitors. The HoMedics BPA-200 and BPA-300 -- both upper-arm monitors -- fail to meet standards set by the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol.

Our AssessmentThis article cites the importance of home blood pressure monitoring for patients with hypertension and those at risk for other health problems. A scientific committee representing the American Heart Association, American Society of Hypertension and the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association cautions patients to use only monitors that have been validated for accuracy and reliability according to standard international testing protocols. The article doesn't recommend specific units but lists features patients should look for in a home blood pressure monitor.