Home BP monitors

[francesw47]

Hi

My BP has been lowish since AVR +++ in June 2019. I'm looking for a good home BP monitor. Anyone any advice about what to purchase please?

Thanks

[Sunnie2day]

I have an Omron, had it for years and it works well. I check the calibration every year (as recommended) at the chemist and so far so good. I got mine at Boots on-line with in-store delivery.

[LaceyLady]

I have had an A&D machine for years, it was due to this machine I knew something was really wrong with me, the flashing heart, which means an irregular beat was flashing! I was diagnosed with Supra-ventricular Tachycardia. Supposed to be good machines.

[francesw47 in reply to LaceyLady]

Thank you both. Its a bit of a minefield, but adivce really helpful.

Frances

[siouxbee19]

I swear by Omron, have had 5 now over the years. And one actually detected an abnormal rhythm, turned out to be ventricular tachycardia!

[Qualipop]

An arm monitor by Omron. Don't get a wrist monitor.

[Sunnie2day in reply to Qualipop]

Great point! The wrist ones (and the fingertip ones) don't seem as accurate as the arm wrap ones. I tested all three types before choosing the arm wrap - it gave the most consistent readings.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Sunnie2day]

The wrist ones tend to become inaccurate over 40 as the arteries may harden slightly, c.f. claudication in lower legs. Finger ones are just gimmicks!

[pibrom]

I believe the Boots own brand ones are made by Omron.

[francesw47]

It looks as if the Omron brand is the most popular and when I spoke to the pharmacist he indicated (of course could not recommend!) that the Omron monitors are pretty accurate. He also advised visiting the pharmacy to check calibration.

My BP has been low to very low since my AVR plus in June and the cardiologists in hospital wanted me to start taking ramipril to support heart function - but not whilst my BP is as low as it is.

Before I go spend any money I wanted to check to see which monitor appears most reliable.

Thanks everyone. Your input really very much appreciated.