Checking your Blood Pressure at Home

This information is intended for those who wish to check their blood pressure at home. It was last updated in May 2020.

The British Hypertension Society has a list of home blood pressure monitors which have been validated for home use, in other words it is not just the manufacturer who says they are a good product. They keep an up to date list of validated machines at their website.

A number of these machines have been reviewed by Which? Although this information can only be accessed by members to the consumer advice service here.

On the 13th May 2020 we reviewed both of the above websites and would suggest those interested in purchasing a machine consider:

• Omron M2; available at Amazon and Argos (approx £26)

• Boots Blood Pressure Monitor (30 memories); available in store and online through Boots (approx £20)

More expensive machines are available but these two have been reported as being easy to use and to give accurate readings – which are the most important features.

The biggest caveat is that small or large arms may need a different size off cuff - please check with the seller / website.

One advantage of having your own machine is that it allows us to make clinical decisions based on the average of a larger number of readings, which is a more robust method of monitoring your blood pressure.

We have a protocol for recording / calculating your blood pressure average - you can access the form here: Word | PDF.

For patients on blood pressure treatment, undertaking this twice a year gives us a very robust assessment of your blood pressure control (as there is always some day to day and within the day variation). If your blood pressure needs monitored, but not treated, doing this once a year is often sufficient. A plan specific to you can be discussed with your GP.