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Recs for BP and/or HR monitors?

Ocean

Senior Member
Messages
1,178
Location
U.S.
Can anyone recommend accurate blood pressure monitors and/or heart rate monitors (either both in one unit or two separate is fine with me). I was thinking of a heart rate watch and a blood pressure cuff.

I've read reviews on Amazon and some posts on here, but all the reviews I find on Amazon have some where people say the monitors, even high rated ones, were totally inaccurate so I'm confused about which to order.

I have been slow to reply to PMs and some threads I've started. Been in a crash and haven't been able to reply but really wanted to try to get these items ordered soon. I apologize in advance for being slow to reply till I get out of my crash.

Thank you!
 

Sushi

Moderation Resource Albuquerque
Messages
19,935
Location
Albuquerque
Can anyone recommend accurate blood pressure monitors and/or heart rate monitors (either both in one unit or two separate is fine with me). I was thinking of a heart rate watch and a blood pressure cuff.

I've read reviews on Amazon and some posts on here, but all the reviews I find on Amazon have some where people say the monitors, even high rated ones, were totally inaccurate so I'm confused about which to order.

I have been slow to reply to PMs and some threads I've started. Been in a crash and haven't been able to reply but really wanted to try to get these items ordered soon. I apologize in advance for being slow to reply till I get out of my crash.

Thank you!

An autonomic specialist recommended a CVS BP monitor with a pump-up cuff (not automatic because pump up allows you to pump to your own comfort) and a digital read out and memory. I checked with his cuff in the office and it was accurate and with in-store coupons it was very cheap.

I have tried several heart rate monitors. Most of the ones that have chest straps and a watch seem good. What I have found is that one of the good ones--Polar--doesn't let you replace the battery yourself. There are 2 batteries--one in the watch and one in the chest strap. Sending them back to the factory for replacement is expensive and a hassle, so I would look for one that lets you replace the batteries yourself.

These monitoring tools are very helpful. I hope you find what you need.

Best wishes,
Sushi
 

Sallysblooms

P.O.T.S. now SO MUCH BETTER!
Messages
1,768
Location
Southern USA
I have used Omron BP monitors for years. I am on my 2nd one! Wore the arm part out after I got POTS!!!!! LOVE the brand.

I have several heart rate monitors. I love this one, Health Smart. So nice looking. Has a chest strap for accuracy. I tried buy them without a strap, they were WAY off. I wear it with my medical alert bracelets. I have two. One is dressier and one for home. :D

heartratewatchsm.jpg
 

Ocean

Senior Member
Messages
1,178
Location
U.S.
Thanks for the recommendations Sushi and Sallysbloom. Sushi, for the manual pump up one, I want to do the "poor man's tilt table" test for myself, do you thinking pumping up the cuff myself will affect that in any way or it should be fine? Thank you!
 

Sushi

Moderation Resource Albuquerque
Messages
19,935
Location
Albuquerque
Thanks for the recommendations Sushi and Sallysbloom. Sushi, for the manual pump up one, I want to do the "poor man's tilt table" test for myself, do you thinking pumping up the cuff myself will affect that in any way or it should be fine? Thank you!

I used to do the "poor man's tilt" with it (I also had the bells and whistles version at a hospital). It would only interfere if the effort of squeezing the bulb was too energy consuming for you. If so, you could always get someone else to pump you up. I was OK pumping myself as it didn't take many squeezes of the bulb to get the pressure high enough.

The reason I like the pump one is that you have no control over the automatic and they always pumped up way too high for me. My blood pressure was usually low and I did not have to pump past about 175 to get an accurate reading. I found the automatic one squeezed my arm quite painfully.

You could ask to try different kinds in a pharmacy. Most pharmacies carry different types and ranges.

Hope you find one you like for a good price. The big name pharmacies usually have specializes going on one brand or another.

Best,
Sushi
 

Ema

Senior Member
Messages
4,729
Location
Midwest USA
I have an Omron-711 that I have used for over a year and am very satisfied with its performance.

Just make sure to prop your arm up to heart height when taking a measurement.
 

Ocean

Senior Member
Messages
1,178
Location
U.S.
Thanks Sushi and Emma for the tips. I'm looking forward to trying my at home tilt table test and see how I do.
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
Thanks for the recommendations Sushi and Sallysbloom. Sushi, for the manual pump up one, I want to do the "poor man's tilt table" test for myself, do you thinking pumping up the cuff myself will affect that in any way or it should be fine? Thank you!

You probably shouldnt do the pumping up yourself if it isnt auto as the more you move around, the more you will affect the test you are doing. (Patients undergoing proper tilt table test are told not to chat or move... they are watched so they dont even wiggle toes).

I strongly suggest to have someone else present when you test yourself in case you faint (or something worst occurs).
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
The BP monitor which was an expensive which I recommend NOT TO GET is a BOKANG brand one.

I didnt know till I had it that it actually says in the manual which comes with it that it shouldnt be used in people who have arrthymia... its that which probably causes it to error out a lot on me. It cant handle the heart irregularities which happen when I go from laying to standing.