Omron BP continually monitor reporting Atrial Fibrillation but ECG 'normal' anyone else experience this?

[Raylpa]

I recently invested in a top spec Omron Blood Pressure Monitor (I wanted the App function to track my BP as have been experiencing low BP and was reducing BP meds after 15 years, now been able to stop BP meds, hopefully this as a result of diet, weight and exercise changes not other potential conditions)

Although delighted with dropping the BP meds the dark cloud is my new Omron BP is continually monitor reporting Atrial Fibrillation, I spoke to my GP who arranged a ECG which didn't detect AF. I have previously been diagnosed with a first degree AV Block I have never looked into this but my GP says its 'nothing to be concerned about' this isn't much comfort. I had a stent in 2015 and have been advised I have a minor stenosis of the aortic valves. Other than that I am fit! (-:

Any comments, in particular from anyone who has experienced AF reports from a BP monitor would be greatly appreciated.

[Raylpa]

Many thanks for your response.

My device is the Onron M7 Intellisense. It states it is Medically Certified and has a specific AF setting, however Omron accept its only a indication of possible AF I am hoping it’s ‘just’ my 1st heart block 🙂 thanks again And take good care of yourself

[ph5019]

Hi , l have the intelligent type monitor, I had the same ,the arrhythmia symbol on mine is so small didn't notice it for the first few weeks. I was using the device sat on the couch and this symbol came up most of the time

I was of course extremely concerned, I noticed another equally small symbol, it was movement error. The instructions on mine say remain very still when operating.

I now sit at my desk and operate, not even moving my head and both symbols now don't appear. Very occasionally the symbols reappear, I then retake and remain very still and it's okay.

Ihave deduced my device is so sensitive that any movement causes the arrhythmia symbol to appear.

Hope this helps - Paul

[Sunnie2day]

Omron is a superb brand, very reliable and most medics highly approve it as the brand to choose for home monitor equipment.

But even the most reliable - and fresh out of the box - monitor can be persnickity (meaning it's arrived out of calibration, it's rare but it does happen). The best thing is to take it along to your next appointment to run at the same time the nurse is running your vitals on the clinic equipment. At worst you'll find out your monitor is out of calibration (and that's a simple trip to the chemist and a reasonable fee to re-calibrate), at best the nurse will observe how you use the monitor and thereby be able to explain why your monitor is giving the reading that is concerning. Bonus - the nurse will be able to give you professionally trained advice in use and care (regular calibration checks are vital in keeping any monitor operating properly).

[Qualipop in reply to Sunnie2day]

JUst how do they recalibrate hem? I started to suspect my Omron and took it to our chemist who would only check it against their own but then said they can't/don't recalibrate them.

[Sunnie2day in reply to Qualipop]

I'm surprised to hear that - is your chemist a chain or an indy? I take mine to Boots, they check it and if it needs recalibration they send it off to the contracted provider. A few days to a week later they email and let me know I can come pick-up my monitor, all nice and shiny new calibrated including a little tick in the log with the technician's stamp, date of re-calibration, and when to bring it back.

If your chemist is an independent one, it may be the owner doesn't have a contracted technician. Give Boots or Lloyds a call to see if they do.

[Hidden in reply to Sunnie2day]

Hi Sunnie, do you have to pay for that service?

[Sunnie2day in reply to Hidden]

Yes, and worth every penny of the £20 or so I pay. It includes transporting the monitor to/from the technician. Peace of mind - priceless

[Hidden in reply to Sunnie2day]

Cool 😎, thanks Sunnie.

[Sunnie2day in reply to Hidden]

I have the basic Omron monitor, to replace it now would be around £40 and so the first time I paid for the re-calibration my husband said I should have just bought a new one. Um, no, add to the growing pile of tech-waste, I don't think so!

Besides, I like my monitor, I've even named it (Oscar, don't ask as I have no answer, it just popped into my head and stuck), I don't want the bother of replacing it!

[Hidden in reply to Sunnie2day]

Yes totally agree Sunnie. It’s important that we don’t indulge in the temptation of consumerism, and instead lionise the concept of sustainability.

[Qualipop in reply to Sunnie2day]

Independent. Can't get to Boots. Maybe if I'd bought it from them they'd be more helpful

[Sunnie2day in reply to Qualipop]

Depending on the brand monitor you have, you should be able to post it to the manufacturer for re-calibration. Check their website under the 'Support' link on their site navigation bar to see if they do the re-calibration and what they charge.

For example, I could send my Omron direct to Omron but between post and their charge (£25 last time I checked), it's a bit out of my budget, Boots is faster and less expensive. But if I didn't have that very handy Boots a mere 400 steps up the lane, I'd send it off to Omron every two years without hesitation.

[Qualipop in reply to Sunnie2day]

MIne's Omron. Will look thanks but its' not a new model

[Sunnie2day in reply to Qualipop]

Neither is mine - I bought it (from Boots) in 2012. That is the beauty of buying an Omron, Boots and Omron both will service the monitors no matter how old.