The blood pressure It is one of the bodily elements that we should take the most care of throughout life, especially in special circumstances such as pregnancy, risk of hypertension or the passage of age in the cardiovascular system.
Precisely, the digital arm blood pressure monitors They are devices that measure blood pressure quickly, accurately and without having to go to the pharmacy or health center. In this comparison, a 66-year-old relative of mine has thoroughly tested four brand devices, observing their strengths and weaknesses as told in first person.
| CHARACTERISTICS | MEDISANA | OMROM | BEURER | A&D MEDICAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EASY TO USE | HIGH | HIGH | HIGH | MEDIUM-LOW |
| SCREEN READABILITY | HIGH | HIGH | MEDIUM-LOW | HIGH |
| IRREGULAR BEAT DETECTION | YEAH | NO | YEAH | YEAH |
| MEASUREMENTS MEMORY | 90 | NO | twenty | 30 |
| BRACELET SIZE (IN CMS) | FROM 22 TO 36 | FROM 22 TO 32 | FROM 22 TO 42 | FROM 22 TO 32 |
| CLINICAL VALIDITY / CE SEAL | YEAH | YEAH | YEAH | YEAH |
Which blood pressure monitor is the best?
Although the arm blood pressure monitors analyzed give similar readings, work in an almost identical way and are quite reliable in their measurement, there is one that stands out above all: the Medisana BU 510.
I think that your value for money It is the best and, for example, on Amazon it is already among the seven best sellers. As for the similarities, all the devices have batteries (something that is appreciated because they are not always on hand), almost all of them have a case and are of ideal dimensions for transport.
Its simplicity is its strong point and this implies a design designed for any age range, but above all, in those elderly or with reduced mobility. Also mention that none of your bracelets should tighten the arm too much because the measurements are distorted and there is a risk of feeling heaviness or some temporary local pain.
Medisana BU 510 arm blood pressure monitor
Why we recommend it: It is the one I liked the most in general terms. It has a good presence, great stability as it is wider and lower than the others, its screen is the largest of all and the drawings, legends and numbers are read perfectly. Its power button, highlighted in green, seems very appropriate to me to have it controlled at a glance.
The cuff is long, so you don’t have to fight with it at any time and you can be sitting while using it not only in a chair, but on a sofa reclined forward or in bed semi-raised, to give some examples. And the bracelet of it is so comfortable that a single person can handle it freely.
Its weak points: I find the warning sounds very high-pitched and too insistent, especially when the device is processing the data. In silence, as happens at night, I have to say that it gets a little annoying.
As for memory, I would like it if measurements from previous dates could be displayed by navigating between them and not just backwards. But hey, you can always press the power button to get to the last recorded measurement.
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OMRON X2 arm blood pressure monitor
Why we recommend it: I start talking about its bracelet because it seems very light, finished with good stitching, has a standard size extension and feels pleasant to the touch. It is one of the ones that takes me the least time to put on.
Regarding its screen (medium size), although it is an arm blood pressure monitor that has a greater inclination due to its height, its numbers are read very well and are spaced correctly throughout the panel. On the other hand, my feeling is that it is a very fast device in all its functions.
Its weak points: I have had quite a fight with the opening and closing of the case of this model. It does not have an ergonomic tab and is more difficult to manipulate, using too much force and bending its cardboard sides.
Since these devices are usually used more frequently by people my age, that is, over 65 years old, I think that the attachment of the cuff that is linked to the measurement panel could be improved. It is not intuitive at all and you have to apply a lot of pressure every time you put it in or take it out, fearing that it could be damaged.
Beurer BM 27 arm blood pressure monitor
Why we recommend it: Its weight is the lightest of the models analyzed. This makes it very easy to hold with one hand, given its flattened shape with a slight inclination. Therefore, its base is the most stable.
As for other features, something that I really liked is that a symbol appears warning whether you have put the bracelet on correctly or not in each measurement. Although I find it curious that it does not make any sound both before it starts working and during the process or at the end of it. It would be nice if it offered a smooth sound, at least.
Its weak points: As it is the smallest arm blood pressure monitor in the comparison, it has been impractical for me to read the symbols and numbers that appear. In particular, the measurement of heart rate, a data of vital importance so that it does not appear highlighted.
Regarding the design of the bracelet, it has a disproportionate length with respect to its cuff, almost as small as that of A&D Medical. One of the joints of its velcro could become detached from the base where it is attached. And I’ve only used it for eight days!
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A&D Medical UA-611 arm blood pressure monitor
Why we recommend it: It has a compact size, it is the smallest next to the Beurer brand model. The A&D Medical blood pressure monitor comes out of the box easily, making it very easy to remove. Because? Its opening has an easy-to-manipulate tab that allows the release of its upper part with respect to the rest of the container.
Of all the models analyzed and if we look at their design, the battery status appears on the measurement panel using a symbol that can be read from a distance, which for people of a certain age, as is my case, helps us predict the moment exactly when the batteries should be changed.
Regarding its connection with the bracelet, the hook that the tube has at its end is very practical and safe both for removing it and putting it on.
Its weak points: The length of the cuff leaves a lot to be desired. It seems too short to me if I compare it with the OMRON one. In addition, this is added to the fact that it is the device that takes the longest to place properly before activating it. I feel its bracelet is more rigid and less malleable, which makes me impatient having to handle it for longer.
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How many measurements have been made in this comparison?
In eight days of exhaustive analysis of each of the arm blood pressure monitors, more than fifty measurements. Always trying to execute them at more or less the same time and almost all of them being carried out individually, that is, without the help of a second person.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
How does an arm blood pressure monitor work?
There are a number of indications to correctly use a digital arm blood pressure monitor. Above all, you must try to be calm, have stopped eating between 15 and 30 minutes before and try not to talk in the minutes before the measurement.
After this, you must sit in a comfortable and relaxed position, with legs and ankles not crossed. Leave the left arm still on the table, always place the cuff two fingers above the bend of the elbow and start the blood pressure monitor. The most significant blood pressure values will appear on the panel, such as systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and heart rate.
If the measurement needs to be repeated, how long should I wait?
If the measurement has been erroneous or needs to be repeated for any other reason, you can always repeat the operation waiting for a time range of two to three minutes.
What is the normal blood pressure measurement?
An adequate blood pressure should range between 120 (systolic pressure) and 80 (diastolic pressure) and have an average pulse between 60 and 90 beats.
Which blood pressure monitor to buy: arm or wrist?
Overall, both blood pressure monitors have the same functions but differ in certain aspects. For example, arm devices are easier to read, are suitable for people with large hands, and have a variety of additional functions. On the other hand, wrist blood pressure monitors are more comfortable and faster to use, less bulky and, as a rule, cheaper.
How much does a blood pressure monitor cost?
Online platforms have democratized the price of digital arm blood pressure monitors. They are products with high demand and rotation, in a cost range of no less than 20 euros and no more than 60 euros. Some of them usually present additional discounts.
*All purchase prices included in this article are current as of January 18, 2024.
[Recuerda que si eres usuario de Amazon Prime, todas las compras tienen gastos de envío gratuitos. Amazon ofrece un período de prueba gratuito y sin compromiso durante 30 días.]
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