Blood pressure monitors
We test the accuracy of blood pressure monitors.
To check accuracy (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate), we compared the results with those obtained from a hospital grade calibrated blood pressure monitor.
Readings were taken from six men and four women. The men were aged from 22 to 52 years. The women were aged from 22 to 65 years.
Overall score breakdown
Overall accuracy is comprised of:
heart-rate accuracy (20%)
systolic accuracy (40%)
diastolic accuracy (40%).
Before testing begins, each triallist was well rested and hadn’t consumed caffeine in the previous 30 minutes. There was a one-minute interval between each reading to allow blood pressure to return to resting. Two readings were taken with each monitor and the results averaged.
The study was undertaken by researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington, Centre for Translational Research.
We didn’t give models an ease of use score. Although some monitors are cumbersome to use initially, with regular use we don’t think any would be difficult to use.
We've tested 11 blood pressure monitors.
Find the right one for you.
