Hypertension Sisters? Suggestions for home BP monitoring

I'm not sure what you mean by "electronic". I have used Omron and calibrated it with Dr. office and it was accurate. When I needed one with a larger cuff I got a Lifesource one that is also accurate.

The only ones I find unreliable are the wrist monitors.

Can you give examples of what you mean bymanual and electronic?

I use a "Reli On" brand.... upper arm vs. wrist.... It is a good idea to calibrate with your doc's office as wrenn suggested. I have had this one for years and it is really consistent for me so I go more by that. My cardiologist, many years ago, recommended taking the b.p. at different times of the day. I do this and mark work vs. non-work days too b/c my b.p. is higher on work days. I now just monitor a few times every other week bc my b.p. is pretty consistent. Initially I took it many times per week. I still write these down and a take a copy into selected docs when I meet with them. I keep my numbers on a thumb drive.

I've had an Omron for years and it works well. It is close to BP at doctor's office but, like at home and in the office, my BP varies depending on activity before taking, health status, etc. A person's BP is seldom identical from time to time but needs to stay in a good "range." In once asking a nurse about my home monitor, she advised that I not tighten the cuff too tight or loose, but comfortably firm around arm before hitting the start button. Also, if cuff is too tight to fit a larger upper arm, you can put cuff on largest part of forearm, again not to tight/loose. The wrist or finger, or smartwatch type of BP readings should not be relied on.

Olma, I use an Omron model, too. I've "calibrated' it at the doc's office a few times. When I get my BP taken at the MO's office, it's often high (because I just walked up the stairs, just sat down, just got weighed, etc.) so I will usually ask them to take it again after a minute or so. By then, it's come down to a normal level.

I'm sure you know to not cross your legs, don't talk and try to have your arm level with the monitor.

I tracked my BP on a spreadsheet for a while, but haven't had the need lately.

Good luck

Carol

wallycat, I was tracking my BP for a while, too. I would make a note of what I was doing at the time, i.e., "Yelling at the dog for barking at the gardener", or "Sitting at my computer, doing deep breathing exercises". I think one time I even wrote, "On hold with the DMV for the past 40 minutes".