Digital BP monitors, of course, are the easiest to use. You press a button, and the machine takes care of the rest! Jisha Krishnan lists the best BP monitors available in the market.

By Jisha Krishnan

Hypertension, or high blood pressure (BP), is a silent killer and the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Uncontrolled BP also leads to strokes, kidney failures, and other medical complications.

Not surprisingly, BP monitors – sphygmomanometers – are in high demand today. A vital health management device, they help users keep tabs on their BP, right at home. However, given that the market is inundated with options, choosing the right BP monitor can be a challenge.

It’s important to know that BP monitors can be classified into three categories: Mercury Sphygmomanometers (traditional mercury-based devices); Aneroid Sphygmomanometers (the modern alternative to mercury-based devices); and Automatic Digital Sphygmomanometers (devices with electronic pressure sensors and digital displays).

Digital BP monitors, of course, are the easiest to use. You press a button, and the machine takes care of the rest! However, not all digital machines are made equal. Based on the accuracy and consistency of readings, ease of use and comfort, we have shortlisted seven digital BP monitors that do the job well:

#Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

If all you want is an easy-to-use device that provides accurate BP readings as well as detects an irregular heartbeat at an affordable price, Omron 10 Series is the best bet. Once you attach the device on your arm and press the start button, it automatically displays the average of your last three measurements taken within 10 minutes. The two-user mode allows two people to track their readings and store up to 200 readings per person. You can also chart your readings on the Omron app and share them with your doctor.

#Care Touch Fully Automatic Upper Arm Digital Blood Pressure Monitor

Arguably the fastest BP monitor, this FDA-approved device can measure systolic pressure and diastolic pressure in less than a minute. The easy-to-read LCD display and color-coded bar make it an ideal choice for novices. The monitor can keep track of two user’s readings and store up to 250 readings for each. The irregular heartbeat indicator is an added advantage. For those who are uncomfortable with the cuff on the upper arm, the company also manufactures a wrist BP monitor.

#iProven Digital Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor Wrist

Conventionally, upper arm BP monitors are considered more accurate than the wrist-style options. However, among the wrist BP monitors, iProven’s compact model that employs a double-pulse detection algorithm has the finest reputation. The device can monitor the readings of two users, with storage of 60 readings per user. Additional readings can be availed of via iProven Health App that connects to iOS and Android smartphones. The device also works as a heart monitor and alerts users to irregular heartbeats, if any.

#Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

There are BP monitors with smartphone apps, but none can match the suave of the Withings wireless model with no display whatsoever. The user wraps the cuff around his/her arm and connects it to the Withings Health Mate App (downloaded from the App Store or Google Play) to sync the data automatically. The lightweight, portable device is just what the doctor ordered for folks on the go! Besides displaying and storing the readings, it also enables users to send detailed reports to their doctor. The hitch? It’s more expensive than most BP monitors.

#QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

Another smart and sleek BP monitor that is perfect for frequent travellers. The QardioArm BP monitor works wirelessly with one’s smartphone, tablet, Apple Watch, or Wear OS by Google to record BP readings effortlessly. The dedicated app makes it easy to track and access readings at any time as well as to share the data with friends, family, and the doctor via email. What’s more, you can view your results against the World Health Organization (WHO) BP chart to know where you stand.

#Greater Goods Blood Pressure Monitor Cuff Kit

Armed with an intuitive interface, a date and time get attached to each reading on this device, making it easier to analyse one’s BP fluctuations through the day. Besides clearly-labelled, large display and colour-coded bars that help users interpret their BP results, the BP monitor also detects irregular heartbeat patterns. It is ideal for older users who prefer a non-fuss, one-button operation. Also, the device comes with an A/C adapter (in case you run out of batteries) and a cuff that can be folded up in a handy storage bag.

#Healthsense HeartMate BP100 Classic Digital Blood Pressure Monitor

Fancy a BP monitor that talks? Healthsense has designed the first Indian digital BP monitor with a ‘talking’ function. The upper arm digital BP monitor delivers instructions and reads out BP measurements in English, enhancing the user experience, especially for elderly users. The automatic digital device boasts of the latest WHO-compliant oscillometric technology that ensures the BP readings are accurate. The biggest USP, though, is its ease of use, courtesy the body movement indicator and voice command function.