Are Digital Blood Pressure Monitors Accurate?

Key Takeaways

• Everyone should monitor their blood pressure at home, but it is particularly important for people diagnosed with hypertension or who are at risk for developing hypertension.

• Talk to your doctor about what kind of home blood pressure monitor is best for you: upper arm vs wrist, automatic vs digital.

• Clinical validation is an important feature to look for when selecting a home blood pressure monitor to ensure accurate readings.

• Blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day so follow a few easy tips to ensure you’re getting consistently accurate readings.

• OMRON is the #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended brand of home blood pressure monitors. More than 25 of our blood pressure monitors are on the Validated Device List (VDL) and each have been clinically validated for accuracy and reliability.

Who Should Monitor Blood Pressure at Home and Why It Matters

The short answer: everyone! Regular home blood pressure monitoring is a simple, effective way to stay informed about your heart health and detect potential issues early. Home blood pressure monitors are available at a range of price points, making them an investment you can fit into your budget.

While everyone can benefit from regular home blood pressure monitoring, the American Heart Association (AHA) strongly recommends it for those diagnosed with hypertension (aka high blood pressure) or at risk of developing it¹. Why? For people with hypertension, it helps confirm whether treatment is working. For those at risk, it’s a great way to detect high blood pressure before symptoms appear.

Measuring blood pressure at home does not replace regular in-office visits to your physician, and it’s important to share your home blood pressure results with your care team to make more informed decisions about your health.

What to Look for When Buying a Home Blood Pressure Monitor

Home blood pressure monitors are widely available at major U.S. retailers and pharmacies, making it easy to find one in-store or online. When investing in a home blood pressure monitor at any price point, it’s important to choose one that delivers accurate readings.

Here are some things to look for when you’re making a decision about which home blood pressure monitor is best for you.

Upper Arm or Wrist Cuff

Blood pressure can be measured on the wrist or upper arm. Both can be accurate, but upper arm monitors are more similar to the manual method used in many doctor’s offices (with the stethoscope and a pressure gauge, aka sphygmomanometer).

The AHA recommends upper arm monitors. Wrist and upper arm cuff sizes vary, so make sure to measure before purchasing; an ill-fitting cuff can lead to inaccurate readings. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.

Automatic vs Digital vs Manual

The manual method, taken with a stethoscope and pressure gauge, were once standard in clinics². However, unless you’re a trained healthcare professional, it’s difficult to perform this method accurately at home³.

Automatic and digital monitors are now common in both doctor’s offices and households. OMRON home blood pressure monitors deliver accuracy comparable to the manual method, which is one reason we’re the #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended brand.

Here’s the difference:

• Automatic monitors inflate and deflate the cuff for you, using oscillometric technology to capture readings, which appear on a digital display⁴.

• Digital (manual-inflation) monitors require you to inflate the cuff by squeezing a bulb, but also display results on a digital screen⁵.

   

Clinical Validation is Key!

Ensuring your home blood pressure monitor has been properly validated for clinical accuracy is another layer of assurance that your readings are accurate. Inaccurate readings can mask serious heart health issues and delay treatment.

The American Medical Association (AMA) created the U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing (VDL) to help consumers and healthcare professionals identify devices that meet strict accuracy standards⁶. More than 25 OMRON monitors are listed, which is proof of our commitment to precision.

You can check the full list at Validatebp.org.

Skip the Wearables (For Now)

While wearable health devices are advancing quickly, the AMA notes that smartwatches, fitness bands, and similar gadgets aren’t yet accurate enough for diagnosing or managing high blood pressure⁷. As Dr. Michael Rakotz of the AMA explains, “We still don’t have enough evidence to recommend regular use of these direct-to-consumer wearable devices for the diagnosis or clinical management of high blood pressure.”

Things to Keep in Mind When Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home

Congrats, you’ve purchased a home blood pressure monitor and are ready to start tracking your readings.

To get accurate results:

• Measure at the same time each day. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, which is why consistency matters. The AMA recommends measuring in the morning and evening⁸.

•  Plan ahead. Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages, or exercise within 30 minutes of taking your blood pressure⁹.

•  Be still. Allow at least five minutes of quiet rest before measurements. Don’t talk or use the phone while blood pressure is being measured¹⁰.

•  Don't take the measurement over clothes. Place the cuff directly on your bare arm¹¹.

•  Sit correctly. Posture and placement are important when measuring. Sit with your back straight and supported. Your feet should be flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs. Support your arm on a flat surface. The middle of the cuff should be placed on the upper arm at heart level. Check your monitor's instructions for an illustration or have your health care professional show you how¹².

If you have difficulty using your monitor or have questions about your readings, consult your doctor.

OMRON Home Blood Pressure Monitors

For over 50 years, OMRON has been a trusted leader in heart health monitoring and education. All of our home blood pressure monitors are clinically validated and FDA-cleared.

We offer models at a range of price points to fit your health needs and budget, along with OMRON connect, a free and paid subscription app that pairs with select monitors via Bluetooth to store, track, and share your readings with your health care team.

As the #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended home blood pressure monitor brand, we’re committed to delivering accuracy, reliability, and helping you take control of your heart health^13,14.

Explore our full range of monitors here and find the one that’s right for you.