Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors: Are They Accurate?14

Wrist blood pressure monitors are a convenient way to measure your blood pressure at home. They are small and portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go. They are also relatively easy to use. However, some people have questions about the accuracy of wrist blood pressure monitors.

There are two main types of wrist blood pressure monitors: oscillometric and tonometric. Oscillometric monitors use an inflatable cuff to measure the pressure in your artery. Tonometric monitors use a microphone to listen to the sounds of your heartbeat.

A study published in the journal Hypertension found that oscillometric wrist blood pressure monitors were less accurate than tonometric wrist blood pressure monitors. The study found that oscillometric monitors overestimated systolic blood pressure by an average of 5 mmHg and underestimated diastolic blood pressure by an average of 3 mmHg. Tonometric monitors, on the other hand, were found to be more accurate, with an average error of less than 2 mmHg for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Another study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that wrist blood pressure monitors were less accurate than upper arm blood pressure monitors. The study found that wrist blood pressure monitors overestimated systolic blood pressure by an average of 7 mmHg and underestimated diastolic blood pressure by an average of 5 mmHg. Upper arm blood pressure monitors, on the other hand, were found to be more accurate, with an average error of less than 2 mmHg for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Based on these studies, it appears that wrist blood pressure monitors are less accurate than upper arm blood pressure monitors. However, they may be a good option for people who find it difficult to use upper arm blood pressure monitors.

Here are some tips for using a wrist blood pressure monitor:
Make sure the cuff is the correct size for your wrist.
Position the cuff on your wrist, just above the wrist bone.
Rest your arm on a table or other flat surface.
Keep your arm still and relaxed.
Press the start button and wait for the measurement to complete.

If you have any questions about using a wrist blood pressure monitor, please consult your doctor.

Conclusion

Wrist blood pressure monitors are a convenient and easy-to-use way to measure your blood pressure at home. However, they are less accurate than upper arm blood pressure monitors. If you are concerned about the accuracy of your wrist blood pressure monitor, you may want to consider using an upper arm blood pressure monitor instead.

2025-01-08

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