A medical device that every family should have at home: together with an expert, We talks about the best blood pressure monitors in 2022 and the rules for choosing this device
Tonometers for the home. Photo: Globallookpress
Previously, only a doctor in a hospital, clinic or ambulance could measure the pressure of a patient. These times have passed, and now everyone can cope with this simple operation: no special knowledge and skills are needed. The main thing is to follow the recommendations during the measurement, then you can independently control the indicators.
There are a large number of manufacturers of blood pressure monitors and the devices themselves on the market today. How to choose the best one? The editors compiled their own rating of tonometers based on expert advice.
Editor’s Choice
Hartmann Tensoval Comfort
Hartmann Tensoval Comfort. Photo: Hartmann
Tonometer with cuff fixation on the shoulder. Measures pressure using two modes. The basic method provides accurate readings in normal measurement. At the same time, if the pulse is difficult to listen to (for example, if you are overweight), the device automatically switches to a special mode. Stores up to 60 measurements from two users. The error of indications is minimal, but at the first use they are often incorrect, from the second everything returns to normal.
The tonometer is the best in terms of price and quality. Provides highly accurate readings, the cuff fits most users. Also, the device is of high quality. Can be used by two family members without the need to keep a special measurement diary.
Main characteristics
Type of
on the shoulder
Cuff size
22–32 cm
Information display
LCD screen
Food
from batteries
Functions
pulse measurement, automatic memory of the last measurement, memory for two users
Pros and cons
Minimum measurement error, ease of use
May show incorrect values on first use
Top 10 best blood pressure monitors in 2022
1. Microlife BP A2
Microlife BP A2 Easy + adapter. Photo: Microlife
An easy-to-use sphygmomanometer. Equipped with a small screen, which displays large numbers of readings. This is especially helpful for the elderly, whose eyesight often deteriorates with age. The device remembers up to 30 last measurements, so you don’t have to keep a special diary. You can control the device with one button, which means that anyone, even the most technically inexperienced person, can handle the measurement. Some note the inconvenience of the cuff, made in the shape of a cone.
Main characteristics
Type of
on the shoulder
Information display
LCD screen
Cuff size
22–42 cm
Food
mains, batteries
Functions
pulse measurement, automatic memory of the last measurement, one-button operation
Dimensions
57x82x136 mm
The weight
338 g
Pros and cons
Large cuff, large numbers, ease of use
Slight discrepancy in values, uncomfortable cuff
2. AND UA-888E
AND UA-888E. Photo: AND
High-precision tonometer on the shoulder. The memory is designed for 90 measurements, so you can compare current readings with previous ones without starting a special diary. There is also a WHO scale, it shows what pressure is normal and when there is a deviation from the norm. The device is compact enough that you can take it with you whenever you need to leave the house. The cuff is quite stiff, which is not suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Main characteristics
Type of
on the shoulder
Information display
LCD screen
Cuff size
22–32 cm
Food
mains, batteries
Functions
pulse measurement, multi-measurement mode, one-button control, WHO scale
Pros and cons
Compact, easy to use
Stiff cuff, too sensitive
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3. B. Well MED-57
B. Well MED-57. Photo: B.Well
Tonometer on the wrist. The accuracy of measurements is ensured by the indicator of the correct fixation of the cuff. The memory is designed to store the last 60 measurements. The device is equipped with a traffic light display, each of the zones of which clearly demonstrates the level of pressure: low, high or normal. Differs in the readable display with large, well distinguishable figures. Readings may vary slightly when measuring pressure with a short time interval.
Main characteristics
Type of
on the wrist
Information display
LCD screen
Cuff size
13.5–21.5 cm
Food
from batteries
Functions
pulse measurement, automatic memory of the last measurement, WHO scale
Pros and cons
Compact, inexpensive, large numbers
Not always accurate readings, difficult to change batteries
4. Omron M2 Basic
Omron M2 Basic. Photo: Omron
Easy-to-use automatic blood pressure monitor with fixation of the cuff on the upper arm. Works both from a network, and from batteries. Controlled with a single button. Equipped with a large display, which displays large numbers showing the values. Therefore, the device is easy to use for visually impaired people. Readings often differ by 10–15 units when measured with a short time interval. There is no screen backlight, because of this, the tonometer cannot be used at night.
Main characteristics
Type of
on the shoulder
Information display
LCD screen
Cuff size
22–42 cm
Food
mains, batteries
Functions
pulse measurement, automatic memory of the last measurement
Pros and cons
Easy to use, large cuff, high speed operation
No screen backlight, readings vary
5.Full-Automatik RAK 189
Full-automatik RAK 189.
Compact tonometer on the wrist. It is controlled with a single button. It is equipped with a large screen and will be convenient for use by the elderly and visually impaired people. In addition, the device fixes the date and time of measurements. This will be convenient for those who regularly need to monitor indicators. There is no need to keep a measurement diary. However, due to the lack of backlighting, the device is useless at night. Also, many buyers noticed an overestimation of the readings.
Main characteristics
Type of
on the wrist
Information display
LCD screen
Cuff
universal
Food
from batteries
Functions
pulse measurement, automatic memory of the last measurement, one-button operation, automatic fixation of the cuff on the arm, date and time fixation
Pros and cons
Lightweight, compact, easy to use
No backlight, exaggerates readings
6. ELECTRONIC RAK289
ELECTRONIC RAK289.
Shoulder tonometer. Equipped with a universal cuff that will suit both thin and large people. Operates with a single button and stores up to the last two measurements in memory. The instrument is easy to use and highly accurate. Some difficulties may arise due to the lack of instructions in Russian.
Main characteristics
Type of
on the shoulder
Information display
LCD screen
Cuff
universal
Food
from batteries
Functions
pulse measurement, automatic memory of the last measurement, one-button operation, automatic fixation of the cuff on the arm, date and time fixation
Pros and cons
Convenient, accurate
No instructions in Russian
7. Little Doctor LD51A
Little Doctor LD51A. Photo: Little Doctor
Tonometer with cuff fixation on the shoulder. Equipped with a large screen, indications are displayed on it in large numbers. In this regard, the device will be convenient for people with poor eyesight. It has two memory blocks with saving the result of the last 90 measurements. Thanks to this, the readings of two family members can be compared. The device is not suitable for people with large hands, as the cuff is small.
Main characteristics
Type of
on the shoulder
Information display
LCD screen
Cuff size
25–36 cm
Food
mains, batteries
Functions
pulse measurement, automatic memory of the last measurement, memory for two users
Pros and cons
Large digits, large screen, easy to use
Sometimes shows incorrect values, not suitable for large hands
8. Meditech MT-60
Meditech MT-60. Photo: Meditech
Inexpensive tonometer on the wrist. Easy to use. Works both from a network, and from batteries. Indications are displayed in large numbers, which is convenient for the elderly. Due to its compact size, the tonometer can be taken with you on trips. The memory is designed to store the last 120 measurements. The cuff is quite rigid, so the device will be inconvenient for people with sensitive skin. Users note the slow speed of the device and a slight increase in pressure readings.
Main characteristics
Type of
on the wrist
Information display
LCD screen
Cuff size
13.5–21.5 cm
Food
mains, batteries
Functions
pulse measurement, automatic memory of the last measurement, multi-measurement mode
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9. Jziki Link Instruments
Jziki Link Instruments.
Tonometer with cuff fixation on the shoulder. Easy to use, gives accurate readings. Information is displayed on the screen in large numbers. Thanks to this, the use of the device will be convenient for people with poor eyesight. Thanks to a special technology for measuring irregular heartbeats, the device will help identify and possibly prevent dangerous conditions of the cardiovascular system in a timely manner. Automatically turns off when inactive for 1 minute. Users note frequent software failures and the fragility of the device.
Main characteristics
Type of
on the shoulder
Information display
LCD screen
Food
mains, batteries
Functions
pulse measurement
Pros and cons
Measurement accuracy, ease of use
There are software failures, fragile
10. Nissei WS-1011
Nissei WS-1011. Photo: Nissei
Tonometer on the wrist, equipped with a large screen. It is convenient for the elderly and people with poor eyesight. The device independently determines the optimal inflation of the cuff, depending on what pressure the person has at the moment. Memorizing the measurements of two users allows the device to be used by several people without keeping a special diary. A small drawback is the touch button, because of which the tonometer may turn on at the wrong moment.
Main characteristics
Type of
on the wrist
Information display
LCD screen
Cuff size
12.5–22.5 cm
Food
from batteries
Functions
pulse measurement, automatic memory of the last measurement, multi-measurement mode, memory for two users
Pros and cons
Compact, accurate, large display, easy to use
Overly sensitive touch button
How to choose a tonometer for home
For help in choosing this device for home use, the editors turned to Denis Medvedev — head of the cardiology department of the hospital. V.V. Vinogradov, general practitioner, cardiologist, candidate of medical sciences.
Popular questions and answers
What are tonometers?
To date, tonometers are divided into mechanical, semi-automatic and automatic. The progenitor of all tonometers was a mercury tonometer, which gave fairly accurate results, however, due to the fact that it contains mercury, it is not advisable to use it, and its counterparts have a fairly high accuracy in determining blood pressure.
What to look for when buying?
In semi-automatic sphygmomanometers, the pre-inflation of air is carried out manually — this can reduce the reliability of the results. In automatic models, the entire procedure is performed by the device itself — the greatest accuracy is ensured. Automatic blood pressure monitors are carpal and shoulder. For elderly patients, preference should be given to the cuff, which is attached to the upper arm.
How to measure blood pressure with a tonometer?
Do not smoke, do not drink caffeinated drinks and avoid physical activity 30 minutes before the measurement, empty the bladder at least 5 minutes in advance, measure blood pressure at home only on the bare arm. Sit upright with back support (on a chair, not on a couch) with your feet flat on the floor and not crossed. The bottom of the blood pressure monitor cuff should be directly above the crease of the elbow.
Why do you need a blood pressure monitor if you have a fitness bracelet?
Currently, smart watches and fitness bracelets have appeared that count steps, calorie consumption and have the ability to measure blood pressure and heart rate. But bracelet manufacturers do not guarantee the accuracy of the results. This is because the method of measuring pressure on the device is different from the tonometer. Therefore, you cannot use a smart bracelet to adjust a treatment plan or take medication.
