Comparison of Blood Pressure Monitors
The table below compares a range of some of the best selling blood pressure monitors.
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| Manufacturer Model |
Omron HEM 790IT |
Omron HEM-780 |
Panasonic EW3106W |
Omron HEM-432C |
| Price | $71.27 | $65.24 | $46.75 | $27.43 |
| Automatic inflation | √ | √ | √ | X |
| Cuff Size inches* |
9 to 17 | 9 to 17 | 7.75 to 13.25 | 9 to 13 |
| Memory Readings Stored |
200 | 200 | 21 | 14 |
| Number Users | 2 users + "guest" | 2 users + "guest" | 2 users | 1 user |
| Averages Readings |
√ | √ | X | X |
| Software | √ | X | X | X |
| Shows Pulse | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| High Pressure Indicator |
√ | √ | √ | X |
| Morning High Pressure** |
√ | √ | X | X |
| Irregular Heartbeat*** |
√ | √ | X | X |
| Large LCD panel |
√ | √ | √ | √ |
| Warranty years |
Five | Five | One | One |
| Batteries included |
4 AA √ |
4 AA √ |
4 AA √ |
4 AA X |
| AC adapter |
√ | √ | X | X |
* The correct cuff size is important for accurate readings. The Omron monitors with automatic inflation (Intellisense) will inflate the cuff to the correct size and pressure. This eliminates changes in readings due to different cuff pressure, and so any fluctuations in blood pressure can readily be detected.
Which monitor?
What type of blood pressure monitor to buy depends on both your budget, and which features you think you need.
If you do not currently have high blood pressure it is a good idea to be able to detect increases in blood pressure, if, and when they happens, so that steps to can be started immediately before there is any damage. In this case a more basic monitor is probably adequate.
If you already have high blood pressure, then a monitor with more features may be a better choice.
The features can be divided into those that make it easier to use the monitor and keep track of your readings, and those that give more information about your blood pressure and heart.
The two main features that give more information are detection of a morning surge in blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.
** Those with a morning blood pressure surge have an increased risk for stroke and other cardiovascular disease. Often medication is changed and there may be recommendations such as not doing very physical activity first thing in the morning.
*** Many things can cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia or dysrhythmia), some of which have no health consequences and others are a sign of a problem.