How to choose a home blood pressure monitor

Upper arm or wrist: which is better?

The wrist vs arm BP monitor question comes up often. The International Society of Hypertension (ISH) recommends a validated upper arm cuff device for home use. Use a wrist monitor only if an upper arm cuff is not possible for you, for example because of a very large arm, pain or limited movement.

Wrist readings change a lot if your hand is below or above your heart. If you do use one, rest your elbow on a table and hold the wrist level with your chest every time.

Getting the cuff size right

A cuff that is too small can give a reading that is too high. A cuff that is too large can give one that is too low. The ISH advises choosing the cuff size according to the size of your upper arm.

• Most monitors come with a medium cuff that suits average adult arms.
• If your upper arm is larger or smaller than average, look for a model with a large or small cuff, or one sold in a "large size" version.
• Measure around the middle of your upper arm with a tape and compare it with the range printed on the box.

Features worth paying for

Basic automatic monitors do the job well. Extra features are useful only if you will actually use them.

• Large, clear display. Helpful for older parents or anyone with weaker eyesight.
• Memory. Stores past readings so you can show them to your doctor. A paper diary works just as well.
• Two user profiles. Handy if a husband and wife both check their blood pressure.
• Irregular heartbeat indicator. Some models flag an irregular rhythm during a reading. This is not a diagnosis, but it is a reason to speak to your doctor.
• Mains adapter. Saves on batteries if you measure every day.
• Validation. Look for a model that has been clinically validated. International lists such as STRIDE BP show which models have passed. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.

Blood pressure monitor prices in the UAE

At BMG Pharmacy, the BP monitor price in the UAE ranges from around AED 100 for a simple automatic upper arm model to around AED 470 for monitors with advanced features or larger cuffs (prices at the time of writing and may change). A mid-range model from a well-known brand is a sensible choice for most homes.

Many people ask for an Omron BP monitor in the UAE, and we stock several Omron models alongside Beurer, Braun, Hartmann Veroval and others. The brand matters less than the fit, the type and how you measure.

How to take an accurate reading at home

Good technique matters as much as the device. These steps follow measurement advice from the ISH.

1. Avoid caffeine, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before.
2. Empty your bladder first.
3. Sit quietly for five minutes with your back supported, feet flat and legs uncrossed.
4. Rest your arm on a table so the middle of your upper arm is at heart level, and keep your hand relaxed.
5. Put the cuff on bare skin, not over a sleeve.
6. Stay still and do not talk during the reading.
7. Take two readings one minute apart and write both down.

Try to measure at the same times each day, usually morning and evening, unless your doctor gives you a different plan. If you are fasting in Ramadan, keep a note of whether readings were taken before or after iftar.

The ISH says an average home reading of 135/85 or higher indicates high blood pressure. Your doctor will tell you what your own target should be.