Blood pressure is the best indicator of your heart health, and here are various types of blood pressure monitors to help you measure it at home. More here.
Quick Summary
- There are different types of blood pressure on the market, but each of them is designed for a specific category of people.
- You might be aware of the automatic and manual ones, but there is more to it, and there are new technologies in blood pressure monitoring.
- Knowing the various types of technologies existing in the market will help you choose the best product type that fits your need.
Modern blood pressure monitors are important tools for monitoring and managing hypertension, which can help prevent life-threatening health problems like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
When it comes to monitors, there are different types available on the market. It’s good to be aware of the different types because the market is bombarded with new tech every day.
It’s important to consider the type of monitor that best suits your needs, whether it’s the ease of use, portability, or the need for long-term monitoring.
Technically, you need to start from scratch and know what a blood pressure monitor is.
In this article, we will learn all types of blood pressure monitors so that you will have a battery of info while making a purchase for yourself.
Also, we will suggest some of the most popular types of blood pressure monitors to help you with decision-making.
Without pouring more here, let us jump into the crux of this article.
What Are The Types Of Blood Pressure Monitors?
There are different types of monitors, and each of them is designed due to a specific benefit in usage. Understanding how a blood pressure monitor works will help you troubleshoot and reduce errors that might occur while using it.
- Automatic cuff monitors: These monitors use an inflatable cuff to measure blood pressure by inflating and deflating the cuff automatically. They are either worn on the biceps or the lower arm and are considered to be accurate when used correctly.
- Manual cuff monitors: These monitors use a manual pump to inflate the cuff and a stethoscope to listen to the blood flow. They require more skill and experience to use properly.
- Wrist blood pressure monitors: These monitors are small, portable, and can be worn like a watch. They use the oscillometric method to measure blood pressure. They have been found to be less accurate than cuff monitors.
- Ambulatory blood pressure monitors: These monitors can be worn for a period of 24 hours to capture blood pressure readings throughout the day. They use automatic cuffs and store the data.
- Smartphone-enabled blood pressure monitors: These monitors connect to a smartphone to track and store the data. They use automatic cuffs as a separate unit to measure blood pressure and a smart device to store, track and analyze the data.
- Smartwatch-based blood pressure monitors: These typically use a technique called photoplethysmography (PPG) to measure blood pressure. PPG uses a small sensor that is placed on the skin, usually on the wrist, to detect changes in blood flow. Some smartwatches also use a technique called ballistocardiography (BCG), which uses the accelerometer to detect the movement of blood in the arteries, which are later converted to readings using algorithms.
- Finger blood pressure monitors: These monitors use a sensor that is placed on the finger to measure blood pressure, they are portable and convenient but may not be as accurate as other types.
Which Is Better?
The type of blood pressure monitor that is best for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences.
The general question starts with how accurate at-home blood pressure monitors are because it is the easiest metric that a layman can judge.
Automatic cuff monitors are considered to be the most accurate when used correctly. They use an inflatable cuff and are easy to use. They are also widely available and can be purchased at most pharmacies and online retailers.
Manual cuff monitors are the best in terms of accuracy, but they require more skill and experience to use properly. However, the need for an expert professional makes it the least accessible choice.
The accuracy of wearable blood pressure monitors, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers that measure blood pressure, is still under research and may not be as accurate as traditional cuff monitors.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2019 found that out of the 7 devices tested (5 smartwatches, 1 fitness tracker, and 1 clip-on device), none of them met the criteria for accuracy established by the American Heart Association (AHA).
Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2018 found that the accuracy of wrist wearable devices varied widely, and none of the devices met the criteria for accuracy established by the AHA and BHS.
It’s important to note that blood pressure measurement is a complex process and can be influenced by various factors such as cuff size, the position of the device, and even the subject’s movement.
It is recommended to use wearable blood pressure monitors as a complementary measure to traditional blood pressure monitors and not as a replacement.
Consult with your doctor before deciding to purchase a wearable blood pressure monitor and evaluate your readings. Moreover, one must know how to use a blood pressure monitor to make the best out of any type.
What Are Some At-Home Blood Pressure Monitors You Can Consider?
There are many blood pressure monitors on the market, but the CheckMe BP2, and QardioArm stand out for their accuracy and convenient features.
CheckMe BP2
The CheckMe BP2 is a compact and portable device that can be carried in a pocket or purse. It is easy to use, with one-touch operation and a large, easy-to-read display. The device also stores up to 50 readings, allowing users to track their blood pressure over the app.
Qardioarm
The QardioArm is a sleek, stylish device that connects to a smartphone app for easy tracking and analysis. The QardioArm is also FDA-approved and has received accolades from the American Heart Association.
Overall, these two blood pressure monitors offer accurate readings, convenient features, and stylish designs.
Conclusion
 In conclusion, there are different technologies employed in blood pressure monitoring available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Automatic cuff monitors are considered to be the most accurate when used correctly, and they are widely available and easy to use.
Manual cuff monitors are also considered to be accurate, but they require more skill and experience to use properly.
Wrist blood pressure monitors are small, portable, and can be worn like a watch, but their accuracy is still under research and may not be as accurate as cuff monitors. While ambulatory is mostly a clinical choice that is expensive and bulky.
Wearable tech is yet to be deemed a safe choice due to technological immaturity, and it might take another 5- 10 years to graduate into a clinically reliable mode of blood pressure monitoring.
When it comes to reliability and accuracy, manual blood pressure monitors are considered to be the most accurate and reliable. However, home-based blood pressure monitors can also be trusted if they are used correctly.
You can always do a clean survey on the internet to find a suitable product or consult your healthcare provider for a recommendation.
Robin Backlund is a dedicated journalist and a medical student who has written several articles and essays exposing the falseness and hollowness of online resources in the medical science niche.