Experiences of heart monitoring devices

[KhandiBar]

I'm sure this has been asked before but I couldn't find any posts directly related to this topic. We have a very good blood pressure monitoring device but were wondering if any members have experience of using off-the-shelf heart monitoring devices. If so, can anyone recommend one as I want to buy one and there are quite a few to choose from. I am not so interested in the smart/wrist watch type, as constant monitoring is unnecessary. I just want something to use, say once a week or if feeling unwell. Thanks.

[Hidden]

Hiya, I bought an oximeter off amazon which is HR and oxygen levels. I double checked the reviews before I bought it to make sure it was as accurate as pos and I use it occasionally! It’s pretty accurate and trustworthy.

[not2worry]

Whatever you decide on take it with you to your next Doctor appointment and compare it to their BP reading. Many of the newer models can simultaneously read your pulse as well. We have one that plugs into our electrical outlet so it’s always full charged.

Yours From Across The Pond

[Lezzers in reply to not2worry]

We did that and was surprised how accurate our monitor is. It's 's the same one the NHS use but we'd had it a few years & wasn't sure if it had a lifespan or if it needed to be calibrated every so often

[Sunnie2day in reply to Lezzers]

I take mine (Omron, BP and pulse) to the chemist once a year (had it since 2011) to check. So far no need to recalibrate but the chemist always says 'See you next year'.

[LaceyLady in reply to Sunnie2day]

Is your chemist an independent one

[Sunnie2day in reply to LaceyLady]

No - it's Boots, the same one I bought the monitor from. I think any chemist will do the check, though they may charge if it's not the chemist the monitor was bought from.

[Lezzers in reply to Sunnie2day]

Thank you, we were gonna change the one we have and I was looking at Omron, was your suggestion I believe. I didn't know you could get them checked out at the chemist.

[Sunnie2day in reply to Lezzers]

When I bought mine, the Boots chemist said to bring it in once a year for a check - free as I'd bought the unit from them. I've got the owner guide around here somewhere but from memory it seems the booklet said it should be checked annually and to go to the purchase point or to the GP for the check. I've never taken mine to the GP so I don't know if that's still an available option.

[LaceyLady in reply to Lezzers]

Re calibration, I’ve got an old A&D machine, rang them up about calibration and basically better off just buying a newer on! That’s what I was told.

[Sunnie2day in reply to LaceyLady]

Probably owing to age but if it's still accurate against the GP or cardiology ones, for example - I have a friend who takes her BP just before going to the surgery then notes her in-surgery result; if the two agree(ish, within a point or two), she's happy, I'd keep it. Does it check pulse/heart rate - the newer ones do and that may be why someone is advising 'an upgrade' (or they're trying to make a sale).

[LaceyLady in reply to Sunnie2day]

Yes it shows irregular heart beat and pulse. Some people say that they don’t think they show A Fib.

Sadly didn’t have a good night, BP was high and pulse. I may have got too hot yesterday and not enough water🙁 Early days with meds.