With the increasing incidence of obesity and the resulting diabetes and cardiovascular affects, at-home blood pressure monitors are becoming popular. Active and healthy adults can also benefit from periodical blood pressure measuring as increased blood pressure can be due to myriad causes, including stress, lifestyle and genetics. Many off-the-shelf machines can be purchased for under $50.
Low Range (~$30)
Anova Medical Automatic Digital Arm Cuff Blood Pressure Monitor can be found at Target for approximately $30 (see Resources). It has a large screen, requires no setup and has a one-button step to measure blood pressure. The reading provides systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the pulse rate. The machine requires four AA batteries, which are provided by the manufacturer.
Mid-Range (~$45)
The Braun Vital Scan Plus Blood Pressure Monitor can be found at Walmart for approximately $43 (see Resources). It is fully automatic and can store up to 90 readings. It has an easy-to-read display showing blood pressure and pulse rate with one button operation. It requires two AA batteries, provided by the manufacturer.
The Omron Automatic Inflation Digital Blood Pressure Monitor can be purchased online at Amazon for approximately $42 (see Resources). It has a large screen, displaying both blood pressure and pulse. It has an intelligent sensor to detect when the cuff should stop inflating and begin measuring.
Upper Range (~$50)
The HoMedics BPW-200 TheraP Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor can be purchased online at Amazon for approximately $50 (see Resources). It has a one touch operation with a smart sense technology to increase its accuracy. It can store up to 120 readings for two separate users. It also comes with the necessary batteries.
