Panasonic blood pressure monitors come with a special Precise Logic Measurement system. This system does two checks on the strength and shape of your pulse and verifies them. In turn, the manufacturer says that consumers get consistently accurate blood pressure readings than they would from other systems. One thing that impressed this reader most is that Panasonic is one of the few companies putting accuracy information into a comparative format for their line of blood pressure monitors. This is very helpful when shopping for a system suited to your needs.
Panasonic Blood Pressure Monitor Models:
Panasonic has four main upper arm systems and one wrist blood pressure monitor. The prices range from around $35 to $129 depending on sales.
The upper arm systems include the EW31225, EW3106W, EW3152A and the EW3109W. The major differences pretty much boil down to design features:
* EW31225: Hypertension warnings, remembers up to 84 readings, uses batteries or an AC adapter and weighs just over one pound. * EW3106W: Has no hypertension warning, remembers only 21 readings and does not have a compatible adapter. * EW3152A: Offers a cuffless design, two person memory (90 per each user), and an available AC adapter sold separately. This machine weighs about 5 pounds *EW3109W: Weighs in under a pound making it very portable. Adapter sold separately. Remembers 90 readings.
For the wrist version there’s the EW3006S that sells for about $60.00. This system remembers 90 readings and has an auto inflate feature.
Panasonic Blood Pressure Monitor Reviews:
What Consumers are Saying:
The vast majority of buyers rate Panasonic products at a 4 out of 5 stars for overall satisfaction. When tested at their primary physician’s office readings were within expected accuracy ranges. People say the various machines are easy to use and the price point is on par with many other blood pressure machine manufacturers. About the only complaint is that some of the arm monitors do NOT include the sleeve, which isn’t included in the package (and you need it to use the system). This changes the pricing somewhat but it seems a little odd not to include an integral component for measuring blood pressure with the machine.
Microlife products bring Eastern and Western philosophies together in their products particularly from a conceptual standpoint. Their hope is creating lines of products that “fit” the diversity of a global culture, and ones that prove useful for improving people’s quality of life. Each of their product listings include information as to whether the system is automatic or semi-automatic, if it can be used for pregnant women, if the system offers “danger” warnings for hypertension, and if it has been clinically tested or not.
Microlife Product Offerings:
Upper Arm units:
Microlife blood pressure monitors come in automatic, semi-automatic and aneroid. The automatic monitor is useful to people who are uncomfortable with getting a blood pressure cuff filled with air. The semi-automatic also makes this easier. The aneroid unit is fully manual but perfectly good for simple, regular daily blood pressure readings.
Wrist Monitor:
the Microlife wrist monitor is more compact than other units, making it perfect for someone who travels regularly.
Professional Devices:
are used in tandem with a physician where closer monitoring is necessary. This system comes with specific guidelines for home monitoring , but also has the capacity to function in an office or ambulatory situation.
What Consumers are saying:
People who have purchased Microlife blood pressure monitors have mixed feelings about the product. Several buyers have reported a “dead on arrival condition”. The company’s return time was a little slow so many people have taken their non-working units directly to a store. Even the machines that did not work properly were well priced and came with an arm cuff (or wrist), carrying case, AC adapter and in some cases computer software.
Once the product was exchanged customers rated this manufacturer’s blood pressure monitor at a 3-4 out of five stars for durability, accuracy and portability
Blood pressure monitor accuracy should be an important criterion for you when choosing your monitor. After all, a 10% error in blood pressure reading can either set a false alarm or give you a false sense of security when in reality you should be concerned.
For example, if your blood pressure is 140/90, which means pre-hypertension, a 10% error can place you in the safe range: 126/81. Or it can signal that you are nearing a hypertension crisis: 154/100.
You can do two things to make your blood pressure readings most accurate:
Buy a blood pressure monitor with good track record of accuracy
Learn how to take your blood pressure readings correctly to reduce error
Here is a CBC radio interview with a vice-president of the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation. In five minutes, you will find out why it’s important to make sure your personal blood pressure monitor is working properly. The only problem is, they send you to Hypertension.ca for the review of best blood pressure monitors where that review is yet to be found. There is a lot of other useful info on that website, especially booklets and tracking forms that you can download for free.
Lumiscope Blood Pressure Monitor is not a newcomer to the market. Since 1920 the Lumiscope company has been supplying diagnostic products to the market. It wasn’t until the mid 1970s, however that they approached the everyday consumer managing to produce an electronic blood pressure monitor in 1978 for home use. From that point forward Lumiscope continues making a line of blood pressure monitors that could be used on the arm or the wrist.
In creating their equipment Lumiscope has focused on swift readings and the least discomfort possible. Their monitors are all automatic so that no one has to pump or measure their pulse alone. The systems also have built in memory for a set number of historical readings and an automatic turn off feature just in case you walk away and leave it on, thereby saving energy.
Models of Lumiscope Blood Pressure Monitors
Lumiscope 1143
This system comes in at a very reasonable price tag of $20 and holds up to 85 readings. The display is liqud crystal and a carrying case is included. Requires 2 AA batteries.
Lumiscope 100-021 SelfTaking Monitor
This is one of the few manual style monitors in this manufacturer’s line. Price: Average $14. Comes with cuff and stethoscope. Note that if you want an adjustable gauge, latex free version try the 100-610 system.
1147 Advanced Monitor
This blood pressure monitor holds up to 396 readings, which means if you only have to test once daily you’ve got a year’s worth of history that your physician can use. Price $26.
Model 1133
Automatic Touch pad monitor. Memory for this system is 85 readings. Features touch pad control and low battery indicator for about $60
Lumiscope Delux
This system has a price tag of about $50 and includes 99 reading memories, irregular heartbeat, an alarm clock, Blood Pressure Classification, stand and AC adapter (system uses 4 AA batteries otherwise).
What Customers Say
When a company has been in business for as long as Lumiscope, customers tend to be a little tougher in reviews. Sever customers, even those with medical training, complained about rather dramatic inaccuracies vs. the Doctor’s office. Some buyers said that buttons broke easily. The average rating for Lumiscope is 2.5 to just above 3 out of 5 stars at various review sites.
Having said that their price is competitive, but the question becomes what you’re getting for your dollar.
Have you heard of a Relion blood pressure monitor? Relion is one of the top competitors of two very well known brands: Omron and Lifesource.
Relion makes a variety of blood pressure monitors that you can use at home to help track and control your blood pressure in a private, relaxed environment. Some people call them “reli on blood pressure monitors”, but in fact the brand name is Relion.
Key Features of Relion Blood Pressure Monitors
Features available in this series of monitors include irregular heartbeat detection, pulse rate indicator, advanced averaging, medication reminders, and extra-large digits. Extra large digits is an important feature for seniors and people with bad vision.Some of these features are only available on upper arm machines vs. wrist style.
Relion Model Options:
Relion has three upper arm models and one wrist model.
The Compact automatic monitor for the upper arm is the most basic of their offerings with only one year warranty. This system only remembers the last reading taken.
The Automatic upper arm monitor detects irregular heartbeat, averages reading, and indicates hypertension. It may be used by two people and has a memory of 60 readings. Warranty: 5 years.
Relion’s premium upper arm monitor has all the features of the automatic but it comes with a case, remembers 120 readings, has two cuffs and a medication reminder alarm.
Finally, the wrist monitor is small and portable and comes with a carrying case (1 yr. warranty).
What Consumers Say
Consumer reviews are split on Reliion systems. Some were very happy with their purchase and reported no problems. Other consumers struggle with getting the information out of memory storage. They complain that Relion does not seem to be as durable or accurate as some home blood pressure machines. Price wise, these machines are competitive with Omron.
Relion is sold in Walmart among other places. You can also get it online. On the Walmart website, customers reported 92% satisfaction, which is quite high.
One of just several negative reviews stated: “We bought this cuff so that I could keep track of my blood pressure at home. It is impossible to place the cuff on your arm by yourself. It requires two hands. So you can forget taking your blood pressure unless there is someone home with you. The readings can vary depending on where you place the cuff as well. If it is not placed properly on the arm it will show inaccurate. If the cuff is not placed firmly enough on the arm you will get an error message upon deflation while it is reading. I am not satisfied at all with the product.”
Here is one of the typical positive reviews: ” I was very relieved when I finally got my Relion blood pressure monitor. I had purchased two others over the years, and they were very fickle and not very reliable. The last one (not bought at Walmart) said my blood pressure was 168/110 — and I went right in to the doctor where it was 120/83. We took that one back.
My ReliOn monitor was easy to use and keep track of data. When I went for a checkup, I took my monitor with me and we checked the accuracy against the doctor’s equipment. Right on the money!
Great product!”
Another review: “This product is really a great deal for the price. It is all I expected it to be and I would recommend it to anyone who needs to keep track of their blood pressure on a regular basis. I love the fact that I can use batteries or plug in.”
Lifesource blood pressure monitors come in a variety of sizes including extra-large for muscular or heavy individuals. The monitors offer:
an alert for irregular heartbeat,
an illuminated start button and
a large display for ease of reading.
Lifesource systems will retain a record of 60 readings, each with a date and time stamp so you can provide your physician with an accurate history of home readings. Lifesource monitors come in a variety of styles with different features and cost between $40 and $110 on average. The British Hypertensive Society rates Lifesource among the top blood pressure monitors for accuracy
Model Options:
UB 521: an inexpensive, light weight, small monitor that’s great for taking on the road with you. This system tracks up to 90 readings, averages readings, and identifies an irregular heartbeat. Comes with protective carrying case. 2 AAA batteries required.
UA-631: The 631 is similar to the UB521 except that it only tracks 60 readings and has a five year warrantee instead of lifetime. This system uses 4 AA batteries or you can purchase an AC adapter.
UB-512: Offers am and pm memory (30 readings each). The small wrist monitor is great for travel. Other features include a guest mode, averaging, carrying case and a lifetime warranty. 2 AAA batteries required.
UA-767: The UA-767 is an automatic monitor that stores 30 readings. It monitors for irregular heartbeat, provides reading averages, and contains no latex in the manufacturing design. Comes in three different sizes all of which offer a lifetime warranty. 4 AA batteries required.
UA-774 or UA774AC: Lifesource blood pressure monitor UA774AC is a dual memory monitor that also offers a guest mode, meaning it will track blood pressure of two people and one guest. Each memory houses 30 readings per user. Operates on either an AC adapter or AA batteries. AC adapter and two cuffs of different sizes are included. To make it easy to use by a couple, it is equipped by two buttons, one per user. Each button can store up to 30 measurements.
As with many of the other lifesource products, this has an irregular heartbeat feature, latex free construction, illuminated display and a lifetime warrantee. Irregular Heartbeat feature alerts user of an irregular heart beat during reading. Quick start instructions are provided on several languages: English, Spanish and French.
Lifesource blood pressure monitor UA774AC is a high end monitor geared towards specific group of users – when two people in the family suffer from high blood pressure, this monitor provides space savings and smart features making it convenient like no other monitor.
Besides these you can also consider the UA-853 with a TimeWise monitoring system and programmable alarms, the UA-787 that retains 280 readings, or the UA-789 that accommodates larger arms.
What Consumers are Saying:
Consumers like that Lifesource offers an AC Adapter that conserves battery life (this is not, however, included in the monitor package). The carrying case is a nice feature, and consumers say that the product is very easy to use and relatively consistent for accurate readings. The monitor is louder than some other similar machines, but otherwise it appears to live up to its advertising.
Considering buying an Omron blood pressure monitor? There is a reason why scores of consumers prefer this brand.
The manufacturer of Omron blood pressure monitors claims to have created an affordable machine that provides consistently accurate results. The company uses independent organizations to complete each model’s testing, which gives more credence to this claim.
Omron offers cuff style blood pressure monitors ranging from $50-$109, the higher end (10 Series+) offers PC connectivity. All models have built in irregular heartbeat detection. Omron also has wrist model blood pressure monitors for $60-$80, the higher priced one providing a two-user mode.
Specific Models:
3 Series: The 3 series features one touch use and the ability to detect irregular heartbeats. Additionally it stores 14 previous readings at a time using only 4 AA batteries.
5 series: Has a two user mode with separate memory for each. This system averages your last three readings, detects for irregular heartbeat and has an indicator that alerts you to hypertension. Memory wise, this store 30 readings PER USER. It also requires 4 AA batteries.
7 series: The 7 series comes with an adjustable arm cuff and a cuff wrapping guide to improve the accuracy of your readings. Like the 5 Series it has advanced averaging and irregular heartbeat detection. Other features include a BP level indicator and an AC adapter that eliminates the need for batteries. Memory storage is 60 readings. 4 AA Batteries required when the adapter is not in use.
10 series: 10 series blood pressure monitors kick up the number of features quite a bit. This system has a calibration check, two user mode, TrueRead, and Day/night time averaging on top of all the 7 series offerings. Memory storage is now 200 readings with a date/time stamp. The 10 Series PLUS goes even further by including Microsoft HealthVault compatibility, and a two user plus guest mode.
What Consumers Say:
The majority of people who have purchased the Omron seem very happy with their machines. They appreciate the ease of use and compact design. Upon taking the blood pressure monitor to a physician to check accuracy, the Omron systems seem to live up to their claim of dependable accuracy. The optional A/C adaptor is highly recommended by consumers so that you don’t run out of battery power. Overall it is rated among the best blood pressure monitors in this price range.
When you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure, your physician may recommend getting a blood pressure monitor for home. This isn’t your average everyday purchase! Selecting the right blood pressure monitor is important. Why?
Top reasons why people get home blood pressure monitors:
Because it will help you track how diet and environment affect your blood pressure as well as monitor how well your current treatment plan is working. When on the DASH diet, it is beneficial to measure your blood pressure at home to be able to switch to low sodium DASH diet if your regular DASH diet plan is not working well enough
It can be life saving to have a high blood pressure monitor at home in situation when your blood pressure spikes and reached dangerous levels. It helps you decide whether to go to emergency and avoid provoking a stroke.
In short, because high blood pressure is a silent killer, you might want to get a device that allows you to make it visible and measurable.
You don’t need a prescription to get a monitor, but this purchase may be covered under your insurance plan. Exactly what type of monitoring system you require depends on various physical conditions. For example, individuals with partial hearing loss require a machine with a visual display where someone with poor eyesight could use a system with sound signals. Your physician will be able to recommend different home monitoring systems, but it helps to understand the terminology they use.
Best blood pressure monitor. Decision #1: automatic vs manual
When selecting the best blood pressure monitor your first decision is whether you want a manual or an automatic machine. The manual or Aneroid monitor is budget-friendly. Nonetheless if you have arthritis you may find putting the cuff on or inflating it using the bulb is difficult. By comparison digital machines (automatic) run on batteries and cost a little more, but they are very easy to use (and some come with electrical plugs for charging the system).
Best blood pressure monitor. Decision #2: Price
The price range on blood pressure monitors varies dramatically from style to style and manufacturer to manufacturer. Some cost as little as $20, while other run over $200. This is where your physician’s recommendations and consumer feedback can help you greatly. You don’t want to give up accuracy for a few dollars, but you also don’t need to spend hundreds to get an effective home system.
Best blood pressure monitor. Decision #3: Accuracy vs. Convenience
People find wrist blood pressure monitors the most convenient.
Though not as convenient, blood pressure monitors that use upper arm readings are the most accurate (at least according to The American Heart Association ). The main reason that wrist monitors don’t provide as precise readings is that your wrist needs to be at the level of your heart to get a reading. Finger monitors have similar limitations and may be affected by body temperature. Both a wrist and a finger monitor will cost more than an arm cuff too.
Now, it’s important to realize that your home blood pressure reading may be different than what you got at the doctor’s office even on the same day – this is perfectly normal. First of all, you may get “white coat effect” where your blood pressure goes up at the doctor’s office. This is a completely well documented reaction. The best thing to do is take your chosen monitor to the doctor’s office. Let them take your blood pressure using their equipment and then you use your own machine to take your blood pressure again. Now you have a viable comparison. So you know if your monitor runs high or low, and by how much.
Best blood pressure monitor. Decision #4: Digital vs. Analog
Another question that comes up frequently when selecting the best blood pressure monitor is whether digital or analog is best. Digital monitors are more popular thanks to the ease of use and readings. However, be aware that digital readings can be adversely affected by physical movement. People with irregular heart rates also may find them difficult. By comparison, analog devices offer reliability and accuracy but they take longer to learn how to use effectively.
Other Important Features
So what features should you look for in a home blood pressure monitor? There are three major elements that are the most important.
First off the size of the monitoring system must be right. If you get the wrong size cuff your readings will also be wrong.
Secondarily, if you choose a system with a stethoscope try it to make sure you can hear clearly. If not, the system will not work for you.
Last but not least, from a visual standpoint look for a monitor with clearly defined numbers.
You should also consider whether you need to have a blood pressure monitor with you continuously, 24×7. Do you need a device that also measures heart rate? What about printing your readings, tracking results for two people, and downloading them on your PC? There are blood pressure monitors that have intelligence to do that.
Summary
Selecting the right blood pressure monitor is not as difficult as you may think, but take your time and shop around. This is an important tool on your road to recovery, so get one that fits your lifestyle and physical needs in the best possible way. Compare most popular home blood pressure monitors using criteria that I have listed above, and hopefully you will select one that will be easy for you to use and won’t break a bank.
