Home BP monitor for permanent AF

[xdbx]

Can anyone recommend a home BP monitor that works with permanent AF? I bought an Omron one that says it ‘detects’ AF but it doesn’t give a BP reading, just an error message. It works perfectly on my husband so it’s not faulty - just doesn’t like my AF!

[BobD Volunteer]

Very few do even when they say they do.

[xdbx in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD, do you know which one/s do?

I know I have AF so I don't need it to tell me that - I just want one that can read my BP despite permanent AF.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to xdbx]

Sorry NO.

[Hidden]

Omron monitors have a good reputation but as Bob says they do not provide accurate BP readings. As far as I know, only the old fashioned mercury BP (sphygmomanometer) offers accurate readings for folk with AF and these are no longer available but might be worth googling.

I was told to use my Omron and take the average of 4 readings with at least a 15 minute gap between each reading which is a bit of a faff and only provides a guide. Getting the cuff in the right place was difficult too!

[xdbx in reply to Hidden]

Thank you FlapJack, I've tried two different ones now, an Omron Evolv and another from my pharmacist but they both say ERROR even though I'm very careful to follow the instructions to the letter. I wonder if they're too sophisticated as they both say they display irregular heartbeat. Perhaps a simpler machine would be designed to do less and be more effective. Any suggestions much appreciated!

[mav7 in reply to xdbx]

Good advice from   Hidden on how to take BP with afib.

I have an Omron 3 series that has served me well for a number of years. I notice the Evolv is a wireless type which may be more prone to errors. You may want to contact Omron for their advice and a possible exchange.

If you have the instruction booklet for the Evolv or can find one online, it should list error codes and possible cause. On my 3 series if there is an error (normally batteries) it will state "ER D2 or similar code. So there should be a code instead of just Error. If it is the batteries, just check the batteries by rubbing to make sure they are making contact. Other errors can be if the cuff is not on properly, etc.

[Rainfern]

I was recommended Microlife Home A, by British Heart Foundation as the most accurate for AF. It's a good old fashioned BP and HR monitor giving the average of 3 consecutive readings. Costs around £90. You can find it on BHF website. I use it same time most days to record what's happening in resting heartbeat. I've no idea what's happening when I'm struggling upstairs and heart is racing - guess I'd need one of those expensive apple watches!

[Threecats in reply to Rainfern]

I can second the Microlife. I’m in AF at the moment but it’s still happy to give me readings without issue.

[Hidden]

I have same device as Rainfern - Microlife Home A. Trouble is I no longer have identifiable AF, so all it does is give me a BP reading. I am prone to be asymptomatic so I might take a BP when in AF, and not know I'm in AF.

[mjames1]

What is your blood pressure at your doctor's office? I would also ask your ep if home monitoring is useful or not, as it's utility may be different since you're in afib. When I was in afib, my Omrons worked sometimes and sometimes it didn't. It may have been the cheaper one that worked, but cannot attest to the accuracy.

Jim

[TracyAdmin Partner]

A BP machine purchased from a reputable retailer or pharmacist often record BPM and detect AF. If you are looking for a device to record AF episodes, have you considered the AliveCor Kardia Mobile? You will find a demo video on how it operates heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... as well as details on how to purchase one: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

[NooNoo14]

I have permanent AF and in January was called into my GP surgery to have my BP checked. I had my BP taken 6 times - 3 with an automatic machine and 3 with the ‘old’ type machine where the pressure is hand pumped. Following the tests I was told by the nurse that he would write be writing on my file that my blood pressure should only be taken by the manual type.

[sleeksheep in reply to NooNoo14]

I have the same with my BP ( White Coat induced high BP )

They always take mine with the Sphygmomanometer which 99% of the time is exactly what my home BP reading is.

I use the Rossmax upper arm monitor . Slightly different to whats sold now as its over twelve years old.

amazon.co.uk/stores/Rossmax...

[champdoberman]

apple watch; quite a remarkable tool; heart beat monitor, afib warnings, ecg,sleep results, o2 readings, Well worth the money, cardiologist don't like it because it doesn' list missed beats; but you can see them in the ecg and the heart beat variability readings