Knowing and understanding your values is key to controlling high blood pressure. Regular home monitoring of blood pressure help you stay in-the-know about your heart health and may help prevent secondary diseases. In this article we will show you how to find a reliable blood pressure monitor and how to correctly read your blood pressure.

Blood pressure measurement

Blood pressure measurement on the upper arm

The operation of upper arm blood pressure monitors is simple. First, the cuff is applied to the upper arm. Second, the computer needs to be used according to the instructions. For many blood pressure monitors this simply means one click on the start button.

Blood pressure measurement on the wrist

Wrist blood pressure monitors are operated similarly. First, the cuff needs to be put on the wrist. The second step is to bring the measurement point on heart level by putting your elbow on the table. Third, the button to start the measurement needs to be pushed.

Prerequisites: Get a reliable blood pressure monitor

Before diving into the topic of blood pressure management, it is important to have the right tools. Thus, we recommend to get a reliable blood pressure monitor to regularly measure your blood pressure at home.

Read more about our recommendations in our review of blood pressure monitors.

9 tips for correctly measuring blood pressure

1. Physical and mental effort
2. Substances affecting blood pressure
3. Correct position
4. Calmness
5. Correct arm
6. Cuff
7. Measurement point
8. Time of day
9. Recording blood pressure readings

Tipp 1: Physical and mental effort

Before reading your blood pressure, you should make sure that you are not physically or mentally strained. Neither should you read your blood pressure when you are nervous or upset, nor should you have exercised beforehand. Both, physical as well as mental strain, can cause a distortion of your values.

Tipp 2: Substances affecting blood pressure

Do not take any antihypertensive medication or other substances influencing your blood pressure like coffee, green or black tea before the blood pressure reading. Otherwise you will not get meaningful results.

Tipp 3: Correct position

Make sure that you are reading your blood pressure in the correct position. Sit comfortably on a chair with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor.

Tipp 4: Calmness

Make sure to not measure your blood pressure immediately after sitting down. You should wait for five minutes to calm down and then start the reading.

Tipp 5: Correct arm

The blood pressure can be different depending if you are using the left or right arm for the reading. Therefore, you should read your blood pressure on the arm where you reading usually results in higher values.

Tipp 6: Cuff

It is important that the cuff fits your arm. The blood pressure cuff must not be too wide or too narrow and must be properly attached to your upper arm or wrist.

Tipp 7: Measurement point

After correctly putting on the cuff, you have to bring your arm in the correct position. Regardless of whether you have a wrist or an upper arm blood pressure monitor, the measurement point on the arm should be at heart level. For upper arm gauges, this means putting your forearm flat on the table. For wrist sphygmomanometers, it is best if put your elbow on the table.

Tipp 8: Time of day

The time of day also plays an important role for the blood pressure measurement, as the blood pressure varies during the day. Ideally, you should measure your blood pressure immediately in the morning after getting up and before drinking coffee or taking medication.

Tipp 9: Documenting blood pressure readings

Last but not least, you should read your blood pressure on a regular basis and document your values in order to detect changes.

A good way to track your blood pressure is by using the Cora Health blood pressure app. Lucid charts help you to recognise changes in your data over time. In addition, you can create a comprehensive report, which you can present your doctor.

Summary

Below you can find a summary of all our tips for your blood pressure measurement.

More than one in four adults is affected by hypertension, or high blood pressure as the condition is commonly known. Despite its high prevalence, high blood pressure has many serious risks associated and should not be underestimated. Read on to learn everything you need to know about high blood pressure, its causes, risks and treatment.

Contents:

• Definition
• Causes
• Risks
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Summary

What is high blood pressure?

If your blood pressure is high, it means that your heart must use a greater force to provide the body with sufficient blood.
Hypertension is thereby defined as a permanently and situation-independent raised blood pressure with values above 140 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic (as defined by the World Health Organization). The following table exhibits the different severity stages of the condition.

What causes high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can have numerous causes. Nevertheless, there are two distinct kinds of the condition that are differentiated:

1. Primary hypertension occurs with no apparent cause. Today, primary hypertension is thought to be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.
2. Secondary hypertension occurs as a symptom of another disease such as psychiatric disorders or kidney disease.

Primary hypertension

Primary hypertension, also sometimes referred to as essential hypertension, is the most common form of high blood pressure, accounting for up to 90% of all hypertension cases, and occurs without a distinct identifiable cause. Today, primary hypertension is thought to be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, including lack of exercise, overweight, unhealthy diet and stress.

Primary hypertension can also occur as part of a metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome, also known as the deadly quartet, is considered to be the biggest risk factor for cardiovascular disease besides smoking. The metabolic syndrome is characterized by high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance) and lipid metabolism disorders (high cholesterol levels).

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension is always caused by another underlying disease or other detectable factors. In adults, only about 10-15% of all hypertension cases account for this type of hypertension. In children, however, secondary hypertension is more common than primary hypertension.

Possible causes of secondary hypertension are:

• Endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism
• Vascular disorders such as aortic insufficiency (valvular heart failure), stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessels) or vasculitis (blood vessel disease)
• Kidney disease
• Psychiatric disorders such as social phobia
• Tumors

Risks of high blood pressure

People often neglect the dangers of high blood pressure. Nevertheless, hypertension can quietly damage your body for years and lead to serious secondary diseases such as cardiovascular disease – which is the leading cause of death in the Western world. Consequently, the World Health Organisation estimates that raised blood pressure is responsible for one in eight deaths, with the risk of cardiovascular disease doubling for each increment of 20/10 mmHg of blood pressure.

Source: Our World in Data

Diseases which may be caused by high blood pressure include:

• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Dementia
• Sexual dysfunction
• Eye blood vessel damage (including eye bleeding, blurred vision and blindness)

Symptoms of high blood pressure

Many people affected by high blood pressure, especially those in mild hypertension stages, do not perceive any symptoms which is why high blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer”.

Common symptoms associated with high blood pressure include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Morning headache
• Shortness of breath
• Blurred vision
• Increased thirst
• Dull chest pain

The most reliable means to detecting the condition is regular home monitoring of blood pressure. Considering the severe risks associated with hypertension we strongly encourage people above the age of 45 to regularly read their blood pressure.

Here are the Top 8 recommended blood pressure monitors

Hypertension treatment

There are several ways how to lower blood pressure. First and foremost, there are hundreds of different pharmaceutical agents used in high blood pressure medication to temporarily reduce blood pressure. However, if you want to lower your blood pressure sustainably and long-term, it is necessary to fight the condition’s causes such as an unhealthy diet.

High blood pressure medication

If your blood pressure is elevated, it is recommended to consult a doctor to define a treatment approach. Persons in severe hypertension stages will usually be required to take blood pressure tablets to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

As medication only treats high blood pressure as a symptom of an underlying lifestyle condition, it is advised to attain a healthier lifestyle in order to support the therapy and to lower blood pressure naturally and sustainably.

Lower blood pressure naturally and sustainably

In many cases, high blood pressure can be reduced and even (partly) reversed through lifestyle interventions. This means that increased exercise paired with a healthy and balanced diet and regular stress relief can have meaningful impact on your heart health.

Follow these five rules to lower your blood pressure naturally:

• Track your condition: monitor your blood pressure regularly at home. Document and track your values long-term, e.g. using our blood pressure app.
• Exercise more: heart health organisations recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Swimming and cycling are considered as ideal workouts for blood pressure patients as these activities are easy on the joints and can be performed at low to medium intensity.
• Eat healthier: avoid canned and processed food. Cook fresh and healthy meals every day. Foods that have a beneficial effect on blood pressure are high in vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
• Avoid salty foods: around 20% to 25% of people are salt-sensitive, which means that they can develop high blood pressure if they eat too much salt. Reducing your sodium consumption may lower your blood pressure if you are among this group.
• Take time to relax: meditation or yoga are great ways to take time-off from your busy life. Also, treat yourself a sunbath every now and then as recent research has shown that sunbathing may be beneficial for your heart health.

Summary

Having high blood pressure might seem normal to us as it’s so common. Yet, it is a dangerous condition and one of the leading causes of death globally.

Therefore, it’s crucial to know your blood pressure - make sure to read it on a regular basis. In severe cases, medication treatment is often unavoidable to control your blood pressure. In borderline and moderate cases, a heart-healthy lifestyle with regular light exercise and a healthy diet can help reverse the condition.

Sources

• World Health Organization (WHO): Raised blood pressure
• WebMD: Hypertension treatment overview
• International Journal of Epidemiology: Salt intake and blood pressure
• University Health News: Breathing exercises and blood pressure

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) announced on July 5, 2018 a valsartan recall in Europe. The reason for this is an impurity at the Chinese manufacturer Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical.

Valsartan is a frequently prescribed drug in hypertension treatment. In many European countries like Denmark, Germany, Finland, Hungary, or the United Kingdom the Valsartan recall has already started. Companies like 1 A Pharma, Dexcel, Heumann, Hormosan, Stada, and Zentiva recall their products. See a full list of affected companies below.

Is the valsartan impurity carcinogenic?

The contaminant is allegedly N-nitrosodimethylamine. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the EU classified the substance as "probably carcinogenic".

What is N-nitrosodimethylamine?

Toxicology has been researching on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and its effects on animals and human beings. Animal studies have shown that most N-nitrosodimethylamine have a carcinogenic effect after oral ingestion or inhalation. A special feature is the limited organ specificity of their effect - in the case of N-nitrosodimethylamine, which was discovered in valsartan of the Chinese manufacturer, it affects organs like the bladder, liver, kidneys upper gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract.
NDMA can sometimes also be found in food. However, the amount is so minor that it is totally harmless. The average intake via food is 0.3 micrograms per day. In the recalled pills up to 22 micrograms of NDMA were found.

Discontinuing Valsartan

The Federal Institute advises to not discontinue Valsartan-containing medicines without consulting your doctor. Currently, the health risk of discontinuing is much higher than the one of the impurity.

Lower blood pressure naturally: These 18 foods have antihypertensive effects!

Precautionary Valsartan Recall

It is not yet known if and to what extent the contamination is found in the medicinal products. Thus, the recall of all batches affected in Europe is precautionary.
According to their website, the Chinese manufacturer also produces other similar blood pressure medicines, such as Irbesartan or Telmisartan. However, the authority emphasizes that "no acute patient risk" exists.
Currently, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is investigating if drugs with similar chemical composition are also affected.

These companies recall their products

• 1 A Pharma: Mono & Combi
• AAA Pharma: Mono
• Abz Pharma: Mono & Combi
• Actavis: Mono
• AI: Mono
• AL: Combi
• Basics: Combi
• CT: Mono & Combi
• Dexcel: Mono
• Hennig Arzneimittel: Mono & Combi
• Heumann: Mono
• Hexal: Mono & Combi
• Hormosan: Combi
• Puren Pharma: Mono & Combi
• Ratiopharm: Mono & Combi
• Stada: Mono & Combi
• Zentiva: Mono & Combi

Valsartan Recall: Mono Preparation

These Mono Preparation are affected by the Valsartan recall.

1 A Pharma (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 07581224, 07581276, 07581649, 07581655, 07581974, 07582028, 07582057, 07582063, 07582092 and 07582100
• Effective Strength: 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: 28, 56 and 98 Pills
• Batches: All

AAA Pharma (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 08878989, 07553104, 07553110, 07553127, 07553133, 07553222, 07553239, 07630514, 07630520 and 07630537
• Effective Strength: 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Abz Pharma (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 07607656, 07608207, 07608236, 07608288, 07608302, 07608325, 07608331, 07608360, 07608377, 07608822 and 07608839
• Effective Strength: 40, 80, 120, 160 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Actavis (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 558615; 086815, 262215, 440514, 492014
• Effective Strength: 80 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: 80 mg: 28 Pills; 320 mg: 28, 56 and 98 Pills
• Batches: 80 mg: 558615; 320mg: 086815, 262215, 440514, 492014

AI (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 07758349, 07758378, 07758409, 07758438 and 07758349
• Effective Strength: 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: 40 mg: 28 Pills; 80, 160 and 320 mg: 98 Pills
• Batches: 74042, 72293, 73918, 64315, 72325V, 73338, 81350, 72366, 72870, 72733

CT (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 07586121, 07586138, 07586144, 07586150 and 07586167
• Effective Strength: 120 and 160 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Dexcel (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 09295310 and 09295379
• Effective Strength: 80 and 160 mg
• Pack Size: 98 Pills
• Batches: 1603145, 1605261, 1609020, 1609027

Hennig (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 09066615, 09066621, 09067201, 09067218, 09067224, 09067230, 09067247, 09067276, 09067282, 09067299 and 09067307
• Effective Strength: 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Heumann (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 10830004, 08850838, 08850844, 08850850, 08850867, 08850873, 08850896, 08850904, 08850910 and 08850927
• Effective Strength: 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: 28, 56 and 98 Pills
• Batches: All

Hexal (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 07607001, 07607018, 07607024, 07607030, 07607047, 07607053, 07607076, 07607082, 07607099 and 07607107
• Effective Strength: 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: 28, 56 and 98 mg
• Batches: 40 mg: All Batches mit Verwendbarkeitsdatum bis 03/2020; 80 and 160 mg: All Batches mit Verwendbarkeitsdatum bis 02/2021; 320 mg: All Batches mit Verwendbarkeitsdatum bis 03/2021

Puren (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 11306357, 11306363, 11306386, 11306392, 11306400, 11306417, 11306423, 11306446, 11306469, 11306475, 11306506, 11306512 and 11306529
• Effective Strength: 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Ratiopharm (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 06906167, 06906173, 06906227, 06906233, 06906285, 06906316, 06906339, 06906345, 06906368, 06906374, 06906380, 06906397, 06906405, 06906411 and 06906428 m
• Effective Strength: 40, 80, 120, 160 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Stada (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 07778228, 07778257, 07778263, 07778292, 07778300, 07778323, 07778346, 07778369, 07778375 and 07778381
• Effective Strength: 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: 28, 56 and 98 Pills
• Batches: 40 mg: 70631, 74042; 80 mg: 70489, 72293, 73920, 70489, 72293, 73211, 73918; 160 mg: 73337, 74243, 81352, 73337, 74244, 81352, 64315, 72325V, 73337, 74244; 320 mg: 64361, 72366, 72870

Zentiva (Mono)

• Preparation (PZN): 08440313, 08440359, 08440365, 08440371, 08440419, 08440431, 08440460, 08440477, 08440603 and 08440744
• Effective Strength: 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Valsartan plus Hydrochlorothiazide

Due to the Valsartan recall the following products are taken back.

1 A Pharma plus (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 07580710, 07580756, 07580762, 07580779, 07581023, 07581046, 07581052, 07581069, 07581075, 07581081, 07581098, 07581106, 07581112, 07581129 and 07581135
• Effective Strength: 80/12,5, 160/12,5, 160/25, 320/12,5 and 320/25 mg
• Pack Size: 28, 56 and 98 Pills
• Batches: All

Comp. AbZ (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 07608383, 07608414, 07608437, 07608466, 07608472, 07608489, 07608495, 07608503, 07608532, 07608791 and 07608816
• Effective Strength: 80/12,5, 160/12,5, 160/25, 320/12,5 and 320/25 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Valsartan/HCT AL (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 07758504, 07758533 and 07758616
• Effective Strength: 160/12,5, 160/25 and 320/25 mg
• Pack Size: 98 Pills
• Batches: 70414, 73427, 64583, 74195, 71348

Comp. Basics (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 08472000, 08472052, 07762115, 08472135, 08472589, 07762121, 08472075, 08472081 and 07762138
• Effective Strength: 80/12,5, 160/12,5 and 160/25 mg
• Pack Size: 28, 56 and 98 mg
• Batches: 80 mg/12,5 mg: 2747047, 2779990, 2809127, 2881210, 2881210A, 2881210B; 160 mg/12,5 mg: 2751697, 2768857, 2788251, 2839490, 2839490A, 2839490B, 2892567, 2907521; 160 mg/25 mg: 2747039, 2839503, 2839507, 2839509, 2839509A, 2839509B

Comp.-CT (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 07586210, 07586227, 07586233, 07586285, 07586291, 07586316, 07586345, 07709428, 07709440 and 07709486
• Effective Strength: 80/12,5, 160/12,5, 160/25 and 320/25 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Hennig plus HCT (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 09067336, 09067342, 09067359, 09067365, 09067371, 09067388, 09067394, 09067402, 09067419, 09067425, 09067431, 09067448, 09067454, 09067460 and 09067477
• Effective Strength: HCT 80/12,5, 160/12,5, 160/25, 320/12,5 and 320/25 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Hexal comp. (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 07607113, 07607136, 07607188, 07607194, 07607231, 07607248, 07607254, 07607260, 07607277, 07607283, 07607308, 07607314, 07607320, 07607337 and 07607343
• Effective Strength: 80/12,5, 160/12,5, 160/25, 320/12,5 and 320/25 mg
• Pack Size: 28, 56 and 98 Pills
• Batches: 80/12,5, 160/12,5, 160/25 and 320/12,5 mg: All Batches mit Verwendbarkeitsdatum bis 01/2021; 320/25 mg: All Batches mit Verwendbarkeitsdatum bis 03/2021

Hormosan (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 09289137, 09289166, 09289172, 09289195, 09289226 and 09289232
• Effective Strength: 80/12,5, 160/12,5 and 160/25 mg
• Pack Size: 28 and 98 Pills
• Batches: All

Comp. Puren (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 11358414, 11358420, 11358437, 11358443, 11358472, 11358489, 11358495, 11358526, 11358532, 11358549, 11358555, 11358561, 11358578, 11358584, 11358590, 11358609 and 11358615
• Effective Strength: 80/12,5, 160/12,5, 160/25, 320/12,5 and 320/25 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Ratiopharm (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 06906440, 06906500, 06906523, 06906546, 06906569, 06906581, 06906612, 06906629, 06906635, 06906658, 06906670, 06906730, 06906753 and 06906842
• Effective Strength: 80/12,5, 160/12,5, 160/25, 320/12,5, and 320/25 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

Valsartan/HCT Stada (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 07778412, 07778441, 07778458, 07778470, 07778501 and 07778530
• Effective Strength: 80/12,5, 160/12,5, 160/25, 320/12,5 and 320/25 mg
• Pack Size: 28 and 98 Pills
• Batches: 80/12,5 mg: 70342; 160/12,5 mg: 70410, 73426; 160/25 mg: 70584, 73392, 74195; 320/12,5 mg: 71319, 81141; 320/25 mg: 70943, 71348, 73861, 81270, 81271

Zentiva Comp. (Combi)

• Preparation (PZN): 08409421, 08409438, 08409444, 08409450, 08409467, 08409473, 08409496, 08409510, 08409527, 09123678, 09123684, 09123690, 09123715, 09123721 and 09123738
• Effective Strength: 80/12,5, 160/12,5, 160/25, 320/12,5 and 320/25 mg
• Pack Size: All
• Batches: All

(The list of affected drugs comes from the German Pharmacy Newspaper (DAZ).)

About Valsartan

Valsartan is an active ingredient in the AT1 receptor antagonist. Valsartan is used for the treatment of hypertension as well as mild to moderate heart failure.
Moreover, Valsartan is the second most frequently prescribed medication in its drug group. Valsartan has a total of 717 million daily treatment doses (DDD), which is just behind Candesartan (around DDD 1 billion) and followed by Losartan (about DDD 138 million) according to the Drug Prescribing Report.
The substance is found in countless drugs either as a single substance or in combination preparations.

Related problems

The problem behind such an affair as Valsartan recall is often related to the production chains of popular drugs and drugs which are no longer patented. They are being transferred to emerging and developing countries, where the production is then taken over by subcontractors. In 2015 a similar case happened. The company GVK Biosciences did not sufficiently conduct safety studies. As a result, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has reviewed over one thousand drug approvals with active ingredients from India. Medicines that were affected at that time are also antihypertensive drugs, but also antiallergic drugs or gastric protective agents.

Not affected by valsartan recall

Some pharmaceutical companies have already announced that they have not been contacted by Valsartan recall.

Companies not affected by the recall:

• Aurobindo
• Maylan Dura
• Novartis
• TAD Pharma

Novartis announced that its valsartan-containing medicines meet the quality standards and are not affected by valsartan recall. Novartis manufactures the following products in group production in Ireland and Switzerland:

• Entresto®
• Exforge® and Exforge HCT®
• Diovan®
• Codiovan®
• Dafiro® and Dafiro HCT®
• Provas® and Provas® Comp.

The pharmaceutical group TAD Pharma also does not purchase the active ingredient from the affected Chinese manufacturer. These are the following preparations:

• Valsacor®
• Valsacor® Comp.

Also Mylan Dura, partner of Barmer, is not affected by the Valsartan recall. Mylan Dura obtains the active ingredient from India.

Ibersartan recall

The German pharmaceutical company Hormosan Pharma GmbH announced an Ibersartan recall. Ibersartan is a related active substance of Valsartan and also belongs to the group of AT1 antagonists. The company said that it could not be ruled out that the product is also contaminated.

Irbesartan Hormosan

• Effective Strength: 150 and 300 mg
• Pack Size: 28, 56 and 98 Pills
• Batches: H503986, H504180, H504180A, H504180B, H603064, H602847

Losartan recall

So far, there has been no recall of Losartan.

Here is a summary on the companies affected by the Valsartan recall and those, which do not obtain the active substance from the Chinese manufacturer Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical:

Get to know more about blood pressure and the various blood pressure tablets.

Click here for more information from the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

The content on this website was created for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Some apps promise to measure blood pressure entirely without any auxiliary tools. But is this really possible? We examined how these apps are supposed to work and whether they can deliver their promises.

Contents:

• Functionality
• App test
• Serious alternatives
• Bluetooth blood pressure monitors
• Apple Watch

How it's supposed to work

Generally speaking, blood pressure measurement works the same way in all commercially available devices: the inflation of the cuff makes it possible to measure the vibrations of the arterial walls.

Some apps promise to read blood pressure only by using the smartphone’s camera and microphone. The measuring procedure usually looks like this: First, the right index finger must be placed on the lens and the flash of the iPhone’s camera. Then the bottom of the iPhone, more precisely the microphone, must be pressed with direct contact to the chest. This position then must be maintained until the result of the measurement is concluded.

App Test

We have made it our mission to put these apps to a fact check. For our test we used three apps available on the Apple App Store. Striking is right at the beginning that all of these apps aggressively try to sell an often very expensive premium version via in-app-purchase (up to € 110 / year).

Undeterred, we continue the app test and find that two out of the three apps are not able to measure blood pressure at all, even though it is stated so in the App Store description. Instead, only a reading for the pulse appears. The third app, however, gives a blood pressure reading - first when we put the iPhone camera on our skin, and again when we hold it against a lifeless pillow. The accuracy of these blood pressure measurements can therefore be questioned.

In 2016, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine published an independent test of one of these apps, with devastating results. For example, 77.5% of all reading of patients with hypertension (blood pressure values above 140/90 mmHg) were found to be inaccurate. Overall, the measured values by the app differed from the real values on average by 12.4 mmHg systolic and 10.1 mmHg diastolic.

In addition, the company behind this app was sued in 2016 by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) due to false statements in the distribution and marketing of the App. The indictment was later resolved in a settlement. Unfortunately, we could not test this app as it is no longer available in Europe.

So, based on our test results, we would like to issue a warning: the resources available to current smartphones do not seem to be sufficient for reliable and accurate blood pressure readings. Take care that you do not accidentally become victim of subscription traps and do not use apps from dubious providers, because they could spy on your data.

Possible alternatives

Even if blood pressure measurement via app is currently not possible, it is worthwhile to measure your blood pressure regularly and monitor it via an app in the long term. Health apps such as Cora Health show you your long-term blood pressure data and display your average values.

Blood pressure monitors with Bluetooth

A trusted alternative for monitoring blood pressure on the iPhone are blood pressure monitors with Bluetooth and Apple Health Integration. These devices typically deliver blood pressure readings via Bluetooth to the chosen health apps, which in turn can be shared with apps like Cora Health using the Apple Health interface.

Here you can find a list of recommended blood pressure monitors

Measuring blood pressure with Apple Watch

At the moment, blood pressure can not be measured reliably with the Apple Watch, just as with the iPhone. However, rumors and patent applications are increasingly suggesting that Apple is developing wristbands for the Apple Watch that can measure health data such as blood sugar and blood pressure.

As there's no official information from Apple so far, we have to be patient and wait for future announcements. In the meantime, bluetooth blood pressure monitors paired with a blood pressure app are a proven alternative.

Do you want to know more about your heart health? Read here how you can lower your blood pressure with the right diet and which blood pressure values are optimal!

Bisoprolol belongs to the drug group of beta blockers and is used to treat high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, and tachycardia.

Contents:

• Basic Information
• Effect
• Dosage
• Side Effects
• Alternatives
• Discontinuing

Basic Information: Bisoprolol Fumarate

Bisoprolol fumarate is an antihypertensive agent in the beta blocker drug group used to treat hypertension, chronic heart failure, and tachycardia. Bisoprolol is one of the most commonly prescribed beta blockers in the UK. beta blockers have been shown to be very effective in the treatment of high blood pressure which explains the popularity of their use. The dosage is determined individually by the attending physician under consideration of possible side effects that can occur when taking bisoprolol.

Bisoprolol Effect

Bisoprolol is a so called beta blocker. beta blockers block the beta-receptors of the heart. This makes it impossible for the hormone adrenaline, which causes the blood pressure to rise, to doc.
Bisoprolol thereby slows and relieves the heartbeat, thus lowering blood pressure. Along with this, the heart's oxygen and energy consumption are reduced, thereby alleviating symptoms of heart failure or respiratory problems and relieving the entire heart muscle.

Bisoprolol Dose

The dosage of bisoprolol depends on the condition being treated. Usually, the intake of beta blockers such as bisoprolol is gradually increased. Treatment starts with a low dose, which is gradually increased over a period of two weeks. The exact dosage is prescribed by the treating doctor. The dose should never be changed without consultation. Neither should you stop taking blood pressure medicines like bisoprolol without further notice.

Bisoprolol is usually taken once a day in the morning with some liquid in the form of tablets. Bisoprolol is available in different doses, with bisoprolol 5 mg probably among the most commonly prescribed. However, the antihypertensives are also available in the strengths of 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 3.75 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg.

Bisoprolol 5 mg

Bisoprolol 5 mg is oftentimes prescribed at the beginning of treatment for high blood pressure or heart failure. Over time, this dose may be increased to 10 mg per day - or in exceptional cases even more.

Bisoprolol 2,5 mg

Bisoprolol 2.5 mg is usually used instead of the more common 5 mg dose for patients with mildly increased blood pressure.

Special Dosage

The prescribed Bisoprolol dose should contemplate the age and a possible pregnancy of the patient:

• Seniors: Seniors suffering from a poor liver or kidney function should only receive a low dosage of bisoprolol.
• Children: Children should not be treated with the beta blocker bisoprolol.
• Pregnant women: Any use of bisoprolol during pregnancy should be consulted with the doctor, as it may affect the development of the unborn baby. The same applies during breastfeeding.
• Athletes: Taking bisoprolol may result in a positive drug test.

Bisoprolol Overdose

You should immediately contact your doctor if you have taken an overdose of bisoprolol.
Depending on the amount, severe side effects such as heart failure, slow heart rate, dyspnoea, impaired consciousness, or cardiac shock may occur.

Bisoprolol Side Effects

Bisoprolol may cause various side effects that affect different parts of the body. Possible side effects are classified into frequent, occasional and very rare side effects. The following list is not inclusive. There may be other side effects not listed below.

Frequent Side Effects

• Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Confusion and depressive moods
• Headache and dizziness
• Nightmares and sleep disorders
• Delusions
• Bradycardia and arrhythmias
• Feeling cold
• Allergic rashes and hives
• Muscle weakness and muscle spasms
• Abdominal pain and abdominal cramps
• Lipid metabolism disorders
• Sweat

Occasional Side Effects

• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Conjunctivitis

Rare Side Effects

• Liver inflammation
• Disorders of libido and potency disorders
• Penis stiffening
• Memory loss
• Psoriasis
• Arthritis
• Tearing and hearing problems
• Hair loss

Bisoprolol and Alcohol

Bisoprolol and alcohol both have a short-term antihypertensive effect. This means that drinking alcohol may amplify the effect bisoprolol. Thus, extensive drinking should be avoided.

When you drink alcohol you may experience common side effects of bisoprolol such as headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or changes in heart rate. If these side effects do not go away after a few days you should consult your doctor.

Do not drive when you take bisoprolol and drink alcohol.

Does Bisoprolol Cause Weight Gain?

The slowed metabolism can be the cause of weight gain during beta blocker therapy. Although weight gain is a possible side effect of bisoprolol, it is rare. If you are affected by this side effect, switching to ACE inhibitors may be a possible solution. Please consult your doctor.

Does Bisoprolol Reduce Anxiety?

In very rare cases, beta blockers may also be prescribed in low doses to treat anxiety. However, a study in the Journal of Human Hypertension found no significant impact of bisoprolol on anxiety.

Bisoprolol Alternatives

A common alternative to beta blockers like bisoprolol are ACE inhibitors. If you are looking for an alternative to bisoprolol, please consult your doctor to find the most suitable medicine for you.

Discontinuing Bisoprolol

Beta blockers such as bisoprolol should never be discontinued without consulting your physician. If your doctor decides to discontinue the drug, the dose will be gradually lowered. This process takes about three to ten days before the drug can be discontinued completely.

A sudden or rapid discontinuation can sometimes lead to life-threatening side effects, such as a heart attack. Other side effects may include exacerbation of heart failure, insufficient perfusion of the heart muscle, or increased blood pressure.

Do you want to know more about your heart health? Read about blood pressure ranges and the resting heart rate.

Proper nutrition is an important factor in the treatment of high blood pressure. Hypotensive foods like tomatoes, spinach, or bananas contain valuable ingredients that contribute to a better heart health. A high blood pressure diet might, thus, significantly lower your blood pressure, especially if you were only recently diagnosed with high blood pressure.

18 foods for your high blood pressure diet

There are a lot of foods that have antihypertensive effects. In general, if you want to lower your blood pressure, you should eat fresh, self-produced products. Try to refrain from fast food and preserves and reduce the consumption of high-fat meat such as sausages. Above all, various fruits and vegetables as well as some legumes or nuts help you to lower your blood pressure.

High blood pressure diet menu

• Bell pepper
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Garlic
• Beetroot
• Bananas
• Kiwis
• Strawberries
• Watermelon
• Oranges
• Oatmeal
• Brown rice
• Nuts
• Fish
• Cocoa
• Raisins
• Hawthorn

Hypotensive foods

Bell pepper

One of the home remedies that help against hypertension is bell pepper. Bell pepper is a vegetable that contains a high amount of vitamin C. It even contains so much vitamin C to cover up to 169% of the daily requirement. Moreover, bell pepper contains folic acid, which is known for its positive effects on blood pressure.

Spinach

Spinach is another antihypertensive home remedy. It contains many important nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes should be part of your high blood pressure diet, because they are rich of different vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes contain vitamin C and potassium, which lower blood pressure. Thus, adding different products containing tomatoes to the diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Potatoes

Potatoes contain so-called carotenoids. Carotenoid is a plant pigment and are responsible for the yellow to red coloration of many plants. Additionally to that feature, carotenoid has a positive effect on heart, blood and blood vessels. Researchers advise hypertension patients to add red and blue potatoes to their diet.

Garlic

Garlic contains high amounts of vitamin C and magnesium which reduce blood pressure. Furthermore, garlic has some phytochemicals which in the human body turn into hydrogen sulfide, a blood-thinning and vasodilating messenger substance.

Beetroot

Beetroot is part of the high blood pressure diet due to its high levels of nitrate. The effect of beetroot unfolds just one hour after consumption and can last up to 23 hours. Beetroot can be taken as a juice or in as a salad.

Bananas

Antihypertensive home remedies also include bananas. A study has shown that people who consume two bananas a day are able to lower their blood pressure by 10% within one week. The reason for this are the high levels of potassium bananas have, which contributes to the fluid balance in the body.

Kiwis

The American Heart Association has found that three kiwis a day are enough to significantly lower blood pressure. Kiwis contain amino acids such as arginine. But please note that as with many other tropical fruits, it is important that kiwis are ripe.

Strawberries

Strawberries are also among hypotensive foods due to their high levels of vitamin C and folic acid.

Watermelons

Watermelons are not only refreshing but also have antihypertensive effects. They contain the amino acid citrulline. In the body, citrulline is converted into arginine and therefore has the same antihypertensive effect as kiwis.

Oranges

Oranges are just one example for citrus fruits with antihypertensive effects. Oranges contain vitamin C, potassium and folic acid which help to improve heart health. Thus, make sure to include some citrus fruits in your high blood pressure diet.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is also good for your blood pressure. When doing grocery shopping, take whole grains as they contain valuable vitamins and minerals.

Brown rice

Studies have shown that Japanese people are much less likely to be affected by high blood pressure and coronary heart disease than other nationalities. The reason for this is their rice consumption. Many sorts of Japanese rice contain a layer of aleurone, which encases the starch core of the rice grain. In order to take advantage of the hypotensive effect of rice, it is necessary to buy untreated natural rice, as the aleurone layer has often been completely destroyed for normal rice.

Nuts

Antihypertensive foods, including nuts, can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and greatly contribute to heart health.

Fish

Fish has a positive effect on the blood pressure due to its the omega-3 fatty acids. Especially high-fat fish such as salmon, herring, tuna, or mackerel contribute to reducing blood pressure. Nevertheless, fish should not be eaten every day due to their heavy metal load.

Cocoa

Flavanols and phenols contained in cocoa have been known for centuries for their antihypertensive effect. However, you can only find them in high-quality cocoa products like dark chocolate. Try to avoid white chocolate or milk chocolate because they hardly contain any antihypertensive agents.

Raisins

Raisins are another product on our list of foods for a high blood pressure diet. Due to their high levels of potassium raisins have a relaxing effect on the arteries and thus on the blood pressure. Researchers have even found that consuming a handful of raisins three times a day is enough to lower blood pressure.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn has been used successfully for hundreds of years in the treatment of high blood pressure. Hawthorn contains a high amount of phenols, which have a circulation-promoting effect. A regular consumption of hawthorn comes with a better supply of oxygen in the blood and an enlargement of the blood vessels.

How do foods reduce blood pressure?

It is not the food, but special ingredients that help to lower the blood pressure. Certain ingredients influence functions of the cells in the vessel wall and can thereby have a hypotensive effect.

Ingredients

These ingredients have a positive effect on the blood pressure:

Folic acid

A folic acid deficiency can lead to increased homocysteine levels. Too much homocysteine increases the risk of hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and heart disease. To prevent this, you should eat products such as cereal germ, legumes, and green vegetables.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have a direct influence on the blood pressure. By opening the SLO1 channels of the cells in the vessel wall omega-3 fatty acids make sure that potassium flows into the vessels and make them relax. Omega-3 fatty acids can be mainly found in fish such as salmon, herring, tuna, or mackerel, but also in vegetable products such as chia seeds, linseed, and walnuts.
.

Potassium

Potassium drains the tissue and relaxes the vessel walls. Numerous scientific studies have already confirmed the positive effect of potassium on blood pressure. Studies show that a diet rich of potassium can result in a reduction of the blood pressure of 3.49 mmHg (systolic) and 1.96 mmHg (diastolic) for healthy people. For people who suffer from high blood pressure, these values can be even higher. Potassium can be mainly found in legumes, nuts, dried fruits, and spinach.

Vitamin D

Although vitamin D can hardly be taken up by food, we did not want to withhold it as it still has high importance for lowering blood pressure. Our bodies are able to produce vitamin D themselves when they are in the sun. Therefore, we recommend that you take a 30-minute walk outdoors every day.

Magnesium

Magnesium lets smaller and larger blood vessels expand and thereby prevents an increased calcium concentration in the vascular cells. Magnesium can be found in bran, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.

Resveratrol

Studies have shown that high levels of resveratrol can lower blood pressure by 11.9 mmHg (systolic). Red grapes, raspberries, mulberries, plums, and peanuts contain resveratrol.

L-arginine

A study has shown that the amino acid L-arginine can reduce blood pressure by 5.39 mmHg (systolic) and 2.66 mmHg (diastolic). L-arginine is found primarily in peanuts, almonds, soybeans, marine fish, and poultry.

Nitrate

Nitrate also has a positive effect on blood pressure. Foods that have high levels of nitrate are beetroot, lamb's lettuce, spinach, endives, kale, and radishes.

Do you want to know more about blood pressure? Find out which blood pressure values are normal and what your heart rate tells you about your health.

Sources

• American Heart Association (AHA)
• VFED summary (German): Potassium and blood pressure evidence

The heart rate, also known as pulse, shows the number of heart beats per minute. The resting heart rate refers to the heart rate that is measured when you are relaxed and at rest.

The normal resting heart rate is dependent on several factors. Age, medications and conditions can have an impact on the normal pulse.

Contents:

• Chart
• Resting heart rate by age
• Reading heart rate
• Influencers
• Health implications

Resting Heart Rate Chart (NHS)

The NHS defines a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute as normal. If your resting pulse is below 40 or above 120, the NHS advises a visit to a general practitioner.

Average resting heart rate by age

A factor that has significant influence on the normal resting heart is age. There is no normal heart rate range as with blood pressure ranges. Generally speaking, seniors and children have a higher resting heart rate than adults. The following table exhibits the average resting heart rate by age.

The average resting heart rate in teenagers, adults and seniors is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute. For infants, however, 140 beats per minute are considered normal. Toddlers usually have heart rates between 100 and 120 beats per minute. This elevated resting heart rate decreases with the age of the child.

Harvard Medical School recommends to eat healthy and exercise regularly in order to lower your resting heart rate.

How to read your heart rate

The resting heart is an important way to determine the health of the cardiovascular system. Since there are many factors that can influence the pulse values, such as nervosity or exercise, it is necessary to always measure the heart rate at rest to achieve a meaningful result.

You can read your heart rate without any appliances by placing the tip of your index, middle or ring finger on the inside of your wrist or on your carotid artery. Look at the clock and count how many times the heart beats every minute. 80 beats per minute means a resting heart rate of 80.

You can also easily measure your heart rate with a blood pressure monitor. Find out which blood pressure monitors are the best ones!

Alternatively, you can read your heart rate with special devices or heart rate monitors. In order to observe the resting heart rate and to be able to detect changes, a heart rate journal can be kept. A pulse diary is similar to a blood pressure diary. You measure your heart rate at regular intervals and record the values. This can easily be done in the free app Cora Health.

What influences the heart rate?

The heart rate is influenced by several factors:

• Gender
  Gender can play a role on your normal pulse rates. Oftentimes, the average resting heart rate in women is slightly higher than in men.
• Age
  The pulse is very much dependent on the age of a person. While unborn babies have a resting heart rate of 160 to 180, normal adult heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
• Fitness
  A low resting heart rate can be a sign of physical fitness. As a result, many athletes have lower resting pulse rates between 40 and 60 beats per minute.
• Medication drugs
  Medication drugs can accelerate or decelerate the heart rate rate. For instance, if you take beta-blockers against hypertension, you will often experience a lower average resting heart rate.
• Illness
  Disease also plays a role when it comes to your resting pulse. Infections lead in most cases to slightly elevated pulse rates.
• Emotions
  Emotions such as stress, but als joy can make an impact on your heart rate. These extraordinary feelings often cause your pulse to temporarily rise.
• Lifestyle
  The consumption of stimulants such as nicotine or alcohol but also overweight can result in an increased heart rate.

What the resting pulse tells about your health

Your resting pulse can provide useful information about your health. Most of the times, a low resting heart rate (e.g. around 60 beats per seconds or even lower) can be an indicator of cardiovascular fitness, whereas a high resting heart rate can be adverse sign.

Beyond that, doctors may use information about your pulse for diagnostics. As mentioned above, an elevated heart rate can be a sign of an illness. Furthermore, it is used to determine how well the vessels are filled with blood.

As the heart rate indicates the speed and rhythm of the heartbeat, your doctor can also tell if your heart is beating smoothly or if you have a heart rhythm disorder, such as atrial fibrillation.

More information on cardiovascular health

• What is pulse pressure?
• Which blood pressure is normal?
• What is low blood pressure?

Sources

• American Heart Association (AHA)
• Ratgeber Herzinsuffizienz: Herzrasen (Tachykardie)
• Medtronic: Langsamer Herzschlag (Bradykardie)

Before buying a blood pressure monitor, it's important to inform yourself and weighing their costs and benefits. In our review, we tested eight different devices to find the best blood pressure monitor available in the UK. Find out which device is the right one for you.

The following devices have been closely examined in our blood pressure monitor review:

• Omron Complete
• Withings BMP Core
• Omron X7 Smart
• Omron M7 Intelli IT
• Omron EVOLV All-In-One
• Withings BMP Connect
• Omron RS3 Intelli IT
• Omron X4 Smart
• Beurer BM 85
• Braun iCheck 7
• Beurer BM 58
• Omron X3 Comfort

Best Blood Pressure Monitors of 2025

In total we tested eight different devices available in the UK. After a thorough consideration of their features, measurement accuracy and price, we found that the best blood pressure monitor is the Omron Complete. It is followed by the Withings BPM Core, last year's test winner, and the Omron X7 Smart, the test winner of Stiftung Warentest (11/2023), in second and third place.

Here is an overview of how the devices scored in the blood pressure monitor test:

1. Omron Complete

The Omron Complete blood pressure monitor presents itself as a comprehensive solution for monitoring heart health, offering numerous functions and benefits. With its advanced technology, the device delivers precise measurement results and allows not only easy and comfortable measurement on the upper arm, but also the performance of an electrocardiogram (ECG) including detection of atrial fibrillation.

The Omron Complete has an attractive design, a large display and a user-friendly interface that make it easy to read and interpret the measured values. Measurements can be transferred via Bluetooth to the Omron connect app, from where they can be made available to other apps such as Cora Health via Apple Health.

Although the Omron Complete is inferior to the second-placed Withings BPM Core in some minor details, such as a slightly more user-friendly app or the detection of valvular heart disease, it takes first place in the 2025 blood pressure monitor test due to its better price-performance ratio.

Pros:

• ✅ Great design
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib) via ECG
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission via Omron connect interface
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ App has potential for improvement
• ❌ App sends health data to Omron (only with optional registration)

Price: ⁓ £170

Buy Omron Complete

2. Withings BPM Core

The Withings BPM Core is an exciting evolution of the Withings BPM Connect. Compared to its predecessor, this measuring device offers numerous improvements that are truly impressive. In addition to extremely accurate blood pressure measurements, the Withings BPM Core comes with innovative new features: it enables the creation of an electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect atrial fibrillation and even the identification of valvular heart disease using a digital stethoscope.

As you would expect from Withings, the BPM Core also impresses with its attractive and modern design. The accompanying Health Mate app is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also characterised by its user-friendliness. Other manufacturers could definitely take a leaf out of this book!

The only drawback of the Withings BPM Core is its high price: at £230 RRP, the best blood pressure monitor in our test is also by far the most expensive.

Pros:

• ✅ Great design
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Colour categorisation of the measured values
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib) by means of ECG
• ✅ Detection of valvular heart disease using a digital stethoscope
• ✅ User-friendly app
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission to the Withings HealthMate app
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ High price

Price: ⁓ £230

Buy Withings BPM Core

3. Omron X7 Smart

The Omron X7 Smart is the perfect all-rounder for measuring blood pressure at home and test winner of the blood pressure monitor test by Stiftung Warentest (11/2023). In our blood pressure monitor test, the blood pressure monitor particularly impressed with its wide range of functions, the Bluetooth transmission of blood pressure measurements to the smartphone and the accurate measurement results.

The Omron X7 Smart is the successor to the extremely popular Omron M7 Intelli IT blood pressure monitor. With the update, Omron has added further useful functions such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection. The measuring device also has a new, more modern design.

Work has also been done on the Omron Connect app, which is now more user-friendly than before. However, there are still occasional problems when setting up and connecting the app to the meter.

Pros:

• ✅ Cuff fit control
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Seal of approval from the German Hypertension League
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission via Omron connect interface
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health
• ✅ Good price-performance ratio

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ App has potential for improvement
• ❌ App sends health data to Omron (only with optional registration)

Price: ⁓ £80

Buy Omron X7 Smart

4. Omron M7 Intelli IT

The Omron M7 Intelli IT is the predecessor model to the new Omron X7 Smart (ranked no. 2 in our blood pressure monitor review). The Omron M7 Intelli IT boasts a wide range of features, Bluetooth transmission of blood pressure measurements to the iPhone and very accurate readings.

Our biggest criticism is the Omron Connect app, which tends to be a bit difficult to use. In some cases there are also Bluetooth connection problems.

Overall, we consider the Omron M7 Intelli IT one of the best value blood pressure monitors in our review.

Pros:

• ✅ High accuracy (±3 mmHg)
• ✅ WHO categorisation, arrythmia detection & display of average values
• ✅ Bluetooth and Apple Health interface
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health app possible
• ✅ Great value for money

Cons:

• ❌ App

Price: ⁓ £60

Buy Omron M7 Intelli IT

5. Omron EVOLV All-In-One

The Omron EVOLV All-In-One is an absolute eye-catcher and just the right one for design lovers who can do without some advanced functions such as ECG. In our blood pressure monitor test, the completely cordless measuring device not only impressed us with its innovative design, but also with its high measuring accuracy, ease of use and wide range of functions. The modern blood pressure monitor features the tried-and-tested Omron IntelliWrap cuff fit control, which checks whether the cuff has been fitted correctly before the measurement, as well as the Omron connect interface, which enables the transmission of measured values to the Omron Connect app and to third-party apps via Bluetooth.

Pros:

• ✅ Great design
• ✅ Cuff fit control
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Portable and easy to use
• ✅ Colour coding of the measured values
• ✅ Cuff fit control
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission via Omron connect interface
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ High price
• ❌ App has potential for improvement
• ❌ App sends health data to Omron (only with optional registration)

Price: ⁓ £100

Buy Omron EVOLV

6. Withings BPM Connect

The Withings BPM Connect blood pressure monitor provides accurate and reliable blood pressure measurements that can be taken both at home and on the go thanks to its compact design. Its simple operation and the intuitive user interface of the companion app make it suitable for people of all ages. Measurements are transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to the Withings Health Mate app. In addition, the BPM Connect offers automatic detection of cardiac arrhythmias, which can alert users to potential health issues.

As the Withings BPM Connect is the entry-level model from Withings, users have to do without additional functions such as the ability to create an electrocardiogram (ECG). However, the model is significantly cheaper.

All factors considered, the BPM Connect is a solid choice for people looking for a reliable and user-friendly solution for monitoring their blood pressure.

Pros:

• ✅ Great design
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Colour categorisation of the measured values
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ User-friendly app
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission to the Withings HealthMate app
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ High price

Price: ⁓ £120

Buy Withings BPM Connect

7. Omron RS3 Intelli IT

Even though the Omron RS3 Intelli IT is getting on in years, it continues to impress in our test with its excellent price-performance ratio.

The Omron RS3 Intelli IT enables a pleasantly gentle measurement on the wrist and recognises application errors when putting on the cuff. Measured values can be transmitted to the Omron Connect app via a Bluetooth interface.

Due to its small size, the Omron RS3 Intelli IT is extremely portable, making it the ideal measuring device for frequent and business travellers.

Pros:

• ✅ Cuff fit control
• ✅ Certified measurement accuracy (±5 mmHg)
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection
• ✅ Gentle measurements without unpleasant pressure sensation
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission to the Omron Connect app
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health
• ✅ Very good price-performance ratio

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ App has potential for improvement
• ❌ App sends health data to Omron (only with optional registration)
• ❌ Forearm measuring devices are generally considered less accurate than upper arm measuring devices

Price: ⁓ £70

Buy Omron RS3 Intelli IT

8. Omron X4 Smart

With its advanced Intellisense technology, the Omron X4 blood pressure monitor ensures accurate readings and a comfortable measurement without excessive pressure on the upper arm. The simple operation and clear display make it easy for users of all ages to check and understand their blood pressure readings. The Omron X4 is equipped with an internal memory that allows the storage of measurement data for two users, supporting long-term blood pressure monitoring.

The Omron X4 Smart is the entry-level model of Omron's Bluetooth-enabled devices and therefore lacks some of the features of its larger siblings such as the Omron X7 Smart. These include atrial fibrillation detection, for example. Nevertheless, the Omron X4 remains a solid choice for people looking for a reliable and user-friendly blood pressure monitor that delivers accurate readings and offers app connectivity.

Pros:

• ✅ Cuff fit control
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Seal of approval from the German Hypertension League
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission via Omron connect interface
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health
• ✅ Good price-performance ratio

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ App has potential for improvement
• ❌ App sends health data to Omron (only with optional registration)

Price: ⁓ £80

Buy Omron X4 Smart

9. Beurer BM 85

The Beurer BM 85 impresses in our blood pressure monitor test with its comprehensive range of functions. The improvements compared to its "little brother", the BM 58, include a resting indicator and Bluetooth transmission of measured values. In contrast to the BM 58, the BM 85 also has a larger cuff, which can, however, lead to measurement errors in patients with a small upper arm circumference.

Whether the improvements of the Beurer BM 85 ultimately justify the high surcharge (the BM 85 costs almost twice as much as the BM 58) is questionable, however, as the Bluetooth connection is somewhat unreliable.

Pros:

• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Seal of approval from the German Hypertension League
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection, resting indicator & mean value display
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission to the Beurer HealthManager app
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ High price
• ❌ Low battery life
• ❌ App has major flaws
• ❌ Bluetooth connection occasionally fails
• ❌ Measurement errors possible with small arm circumference

Price: ⁓ £100

Buy Beurer BM 85

10. Braun iCheck 7

The Braun iCheck 7 is the second-placed wrist blood pressure monitor in our test.

The monitor impresses with its slim and elegant design and helpful functions such as colour coding of blood pressure values from green (good values) to red (bad values). The "ball in the hole" guide also makes it very easy to place the cuff in the correct position on the wrist.

Our biggest criticism of the Braun iCheck 7 in the blood pressure monitor test is that although the measured values can be transmitted via Bluetooth to the Braun Health Heart app for smartphones, they cannot be shared with third-party apps via Apple Health. It is also too expensive compared to the Omron RS3 Intelli IT.

Pros:

• ✅ Seal of approval from the European Hypertension League
• ✅ Colour categorisation of measurement results, arrhythmia detection
• ✅ Gentle measurements without an unpleasant feeling of pressure
• ✅ "Ball in the hole" guide for displaying the correct arm position
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ No Apple Health interface
• ❌ Forearm monitors are generally considered less accurate than upper arm monitors

Price: ⁓ £55

Buy Braun iCheck 7

11. Beurer BM 58

Tenth place in our blood pressure monitor test went to the Beurer BM 58. The upper arm monitor impressed us with its reliable measurement accuracy. The range of functions meets the expectations of a blood pressure monitor in its price category, with the exception of the interfaces. It is true that measured values can be transferred to computers and smartphones via a USB interface. However, this is significantly more complex than with blood pressure monitors with a Bluetooth connection.

Another point of criticism is the very small cuff of the Beurer BM58, which, with a length of 22 to 30 cm, is too narrow for people with a wide upper arm. They should therefore refrain from buying the Beurer BM58.

Pros:

• ✅ High measuring accuracy
• ✅ Seal of approval from the German Hypertension League
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission to the Beurer HealthManager app
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ No Bluetooth transmission
• ❌ Cuff too tight for wide upper arms
• ❌ No guest mode for other users

Price: ⁓ £50

Buy Beurer BM 58

12. Omron X3 Comfort

The Omron X3 Comfort is the entry-level upper arm blood pressure monitor from Omron and the successor to the popular Omron M5.

In contrast to the other Omron models presented in the 2025 blood pressure monitor test, the Omron X3 Comfort does not offer any interfaces. It is therefore particularly recommended for those who are looking for a reliable measuring device without a lot of bells and whistles.

Pros:

• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Seal of approval from the German High Pressure League
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Cuff seat control

Cons:

• ❌ No USB or Bluetooth interface
• ❌ Poor price-performance ratio
• ❌ Poor dealer availability

Price: ⁓ £70

Buy Omron X3

Blood pressure monitor test: criteria

In the 2025 blood pressure monitor test, the blood pressure monitors were categorised according to the following criteria: Price, accuracy of measurement, functions and ease of use.

Price

People like to say that quality has its price. This can also be seen in the test results of the Cora Health blood pressure monitor test. It is primarily higher-priced models that make it to the top ranks. Nevertheless, our price-performance rating indicates whether the prices of the individual measuring devices are reasonable.

Measuring accuracy

The most important basic requirement for a blood pressure monitor should be a precise measurement. We have therefore included clinical studies by the manufacturers, recommendations by the German and European Hypertension League, certifications received and field reports in the evaluation of measurement accuracy.

Connectivity

Our world is becoming increasingly connected. This trend can also be observed in blood pressure monitors. The ability to store and analyse health data on a smartphone is no longer just a gimmick, but is now expected by many users.

We analysed two features in particular:

• Bluetooth and USB transmission: Ability to transfer readings to computers and smartphones via Bluetooth and USB
  Apple Health support: Support of the Apple Health interface for data exchange with third-party apps such as Cora Health

Functions

Some of the devices in this year's blood pressure monitor test have a very different range and number of functions. But more is not always better.

The test criteria include:

• Creation of an electrocardiogram
• Detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib) using ECG or similar technology
• Detection of valvular heart defects using a digital stethoscope
  WHO grading: Optical categorisation of measurement results into hypertension grades according to WHO
  Arrhythmia detection: Detection of irregularities in the heart rate; an arrhythmia can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep and other factors in addition to heart disease.
  Rest indicator: Increased measurement accuracy by recognising physical and mental rest
  Mean value display: Display of the average value of past measurements

Ease of use

Ideally, you should use your blood pressure monitor every day and you should enjoy using what you use every day, which is why user-friendliness is very important to us in our blood pressure monitor test. User-friendliness includes ease of use as well as the size and universal usability of the cuff.

The size of the cuff is particularly important for upper arm monitors. If the cuff does not fit correctly, it is likely that the measurement results will be falsified. Although most blood pressure monitors have a universal size cuff, there are also devices with relatively narrow or wide cuffs.

Cuff size:

• Universal size: 22 to 42 cm
• Narrow cuff: up to 35 cm
• Wide cuff: from 36 cm

Most of the devices tested come with a universal cuff. In the exceptions where this is not the case, this is explicitly stated.

General information on blood pressure monitors

The blood pressure monitor measures the arterial pressure of the blood. The measured values are given in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). They indicate the upper (systolic) and lower (diastolic) pressure, whereby the normal blood pressure values are 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic.

In general, a distinction is made between two different types of blood pressure monitors based on their application: upper arm monitors and wrist monitors, both of which we analysed in detail in the blood pressure monitor test.

Wrist blood pressure monitor

The advantage of wrist blood pressure monitors is that they are very compact and easy to use. The cuff, to which the device is also attached, is fastened to the wrist. However, it is important to pay attention to the position of the device during the measurement. It must be held at heart level. The disadvantage of these measuring devices is their relatively inaccurate measurement compared to upper arm blood pressure monitors.

Upper arm blood pressure monitor

The upper arm monitor has a cuff that is connected to the display device via a tube. When measuring the upper arm, the cuff is attached to the upper arm and therefore automatically at heart level, which makes it easier to use than the wrist blood pressure monitor and provides more accurate measurement results.

Why you should have a blood pressure monitor

High blood pressure is one of the most common ailments. In Europe alone, one in four adults is affected by high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a dangerous condition and a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. Therefore, those affected should measure and document their blood pressure regularly.

Why blood pressure measurement by app does not work

Where to buy a blood pressure monitor?

All of the blood pressure monitors presented in our blood pressure monitor test can be easily purchased online, for example via Amazon. Alternatively, you can also buy blood pressure monitors in pharmacies, electronics shops, medical supply stores, specialised medical technology shops and occasionally in drugstores and supermarkets.
If you are looking for an analogue blood pressure monitor, it is best to visit a specialist medical technology shop.

How much does a blood pressure monitor cost?

Depending on which type of blood pressure monitor, which functions and which brand you choose, you will have to pay different amounts for a device. While blood pressure monitors with the essential basic functions are available for as little as £20, an innovative blood pressure monitor can cost up to £150.

Here is an overview of all blood pressure monitors in the blood pressure monitor test:

Your pulse pressure (also known as blood pressure amplitude) represents the force generated by your heart every time it contracts. It can easily be calculated as the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Contents:

• What is pulse pressure?
• What influences the pulse pressure?
• How to measure your pulse pressure
• Normal pulse pressure
• Wide pulse pressure
• Narrow pulse pressure

What is pulse pressure?

The pulse pressure is the difference between your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Just as your blood pressure it is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Example: Your blood pressure reads 130 over 85 mmHg. This means that your pulse pressure is 45 mmHg.

Pulse pressure can be an indicator for cardiovascular risks. It is, therefore, advisable to regularly monitor your pulse pressure.

What influences the pulse pressure?

There are several factors which influence the pulse pressure. In general, the blood pressure amplitude is primarily an indicator for the elasticity of your blood vessels which decreases with increasing age.

However, the blood pressure amplitude is also dependent on the amount of blood ejected from the heart (the so called stroke volume) and the time between two heart beats (the so called diastole).

How to measure your pulse pressure

The pulse pressure can be measured by reading your blood pressure.

Learn more: How to measure read your blood pressure

The blood pressure app Cora Health is ideal for analyzing your pulse pressure. When reading your blood pressure you can either import your values automatically via Bluetooth and Apple Health into Cora (with these blood pressure monitors) or log your values manually to get a graphical evaluation of your pulse pressure in the app’s dashboard.

Normal pulse pressure

Contrary to blood pressure - where there are defined values of healthy blood pressure - there are no generally recognized norms for pulse pressure values. Nonetheless, there are benchmarks for your orientation: A blood pressure amplitude between 25 mmHg and 50 mmHg is often referred to as normal pulse pressure. Values above 50 mmHg are commonly referred to as wide pulse pressure, whereas values below 25 mmHg are referred to as narrow pulse pressure.

Wide pulse pressure

High pulse pressure affects the circulation of coronary vessels and causes a reduction in oxygen supply in the heart muscle.

As a result, wide pulse pressure can cause cardiovascular diseases. A study showed that an increase in pulse pressure by 10 mmHg raised the risk of stroke and heart attack by about 20 percent. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that a high blood pressure amplitude is a better predictor for cardiovascular diseases than systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Moreover, Harvard Medical School found out that high pulse pressure poses the risk for atrial fibrillation.

Increased pulse pressure can be triggered by a variety of factors. Illnesses that can affect your pulse pressure include aortic insufficiency (valvular heart defect), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), and arteriosclerosis (a pathological storage of cholesterol in the wall layer of the arteries which reduces the elasticity of the blood vessels). Arteriosclerosis is particularly prevalent in people over the age of 60 and should be monitored by older people. Arteriosclerosis can also lead to isolated systolic hypertension (high blood pressure).

Narrow pulse pressure

Even though there are no commonly accepted values for narrow pulse pressure, low pulse pressure values can be an indication for heart conditions such as cardiac insufficiency (also known as congestive heart failure).

Learn more about your heart health

• Which blood pressure values are considered as normal?
• How does low blood pressure affect your life?
• What is a good resting heart rate?

Sources

• Deutsche Hochdruckliga: Der Pulsdruck
• PubMed: Pulse pressure and cardiovascular risk
• Gesundheitsstadt Berlin: Isolierte systolische Hypertonie

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, describes blood pressure values below 90 mmHg systolic and 60 mmHg diastolic. Low blood pressure can have different causes and can often be treated by natural means.

Content:

• Low Blood Pressure
• Causes
• Symptoms
• Demographic occurrence
• Diagnosis
• Home Remedies
• Treatment

What is low blood pressure?

The NHS (National Health Service) defines blood pressure values below 90 mmHg systolic and 60 mmHg diastolic as low blood pressure. The table below shows the NHS classification of blood pressure values.

If you are affected by hypotension it is advisable to regularly read your blood pressure and to long-term monitor the development of your values.

What causes low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure can have different causes. In many cases hypotension is innate. Innate hypotension is usually permanent and non-reversible. Nevertheless, the condition can also be caused to diseases.

Low blood pressure is, thus, categorised into three different groups: primary hypotension, secondary hypotension and orthostatic hypotension.

Primary hypotension

Primary hypotension or essential hypotension can be recognized by persistent low blood pressure. In the majority of cases this condition arises because of unknown causes. It is also striking that very often young women of slender stature count among those affected.

As a result of this observation, primary hypotension among young women is often referred to as constitutional hypotension (i.e. low blood pressure because of a weak physique).

Furthermore, essential hypotension is presumed to be a genetic predisposition, but also environmental factors as well as infections may have an influence on the condition.

Secondary hypotension

Secondary hypotension is a form of low blood pressure that underlies a certain cause. This means that secondary hypotension is a symptom of another disease or condition. Common diseases in this context include cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure or an endocrine disorder such as hypothyroidism. In addition, medication or heavy bleeding and fluid loss can also lead to low blood pressure.

Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension is a very common form of low blood pressure and can occur briefly in anyone. Orthostatic hypotension is caused by a disturbance of the blood regulation, e.g. when standing up too quickly or when standing for a longer time period. The blood thereby sinks into the lower body regions, which reduces the supply of oxygen to the brain. The rapid decrease in blood pressure can additionally cause visual disturbances, fainting or tinnitus. Orthostatic hypotension occurs particularly often in stressful situations.

Low blood pressure symptoms

Low blood pressure can be detected due to different isolated or cohesive symptoms. Typical symptoms of low blood pressure are:

• Lack of appetite
• Short breath
• Flickering in front of the eyes
• Depressive mood
• Tiredness
• Sensitivity to cold
• Lack of concentration
• Tinnitus
• Dizziness
• Bloating
• Weather sensitivity

Occurrence among different demographics

Hypotension occurs especially among women, adolescents and seniors.

Women

Women are particularly often affected by low blood pressure. According to a study by the Robert Koch Institute, almost half of women under the age of 40 have low blood pressure. In men, on the other hand, low blood pressure could only be detected in every tenth. With increasing age, however, fewer women suffer from low blood pressure, but the number of men with hypotension is increasing.

Pregnant women

During pregnancy, women are particularly prone to low blood pressure. In the first six months of pregnancy, blood pressure drops below normal, but rises again in the last trimester of pregnancy. Low blood pressure during pregnancy is, however, only dangerous when the blood pressure is too low for the placenta to sufficiently supply the unborn child with blood.

Adolescents

Adolescents can also be among those affected by low blood pressure. Oftentimes, the condition is a result of rapid body growth and normalises again within few years.

Seniors

Elderly people are often affected with orthostatic hypotension, for example when standing up too quickly or standing for a long time. Among seniors, low blood pressure is often accompanied with dizziness which can lead to falls which can be especially dangerous for people suffering from osteoporosis. Furthermore, hypotension can be a problem for elderly people affected with cardiac arrhythmias or atherosclerosis, as vital organs may be poorly supplied with blood.

Diagnosis of low blood pressure

Low blood pressure can be diagnosed by reading ones blood pressure. In case of noticeably low values, an additional test, the so-called Schellong test, can be carried out to assess a possible orthostatic hypotension.

The Schellong test describes a method in which several measurements of pulse and blood pressure are made when standing up and lying down. First, the patient lies for about ten minutes. The blood pressure is taken. Then, the patient stands up and the blood pressure and heart rate are measured one, three, seven and ten minutes after getting up. A poor blood circulation is diagnosed when the blood pressure decreases by more than 20 mmHg systolic and 10 mmHg diastolic in standing posture.

Low blood pressure remedies

There are several measures that can be taken to prevent low blood pressure and help normalize the regulatory capacity of blood vessels.

Start your day paying some attention to your blood pressure. Alternating warm and cold showers can improve the blood circulation. Be sure to end your shower with cold water.

Light physical activity also has a positive effect on your blood pressure: especially cycling, walking, swimming, hiking, dancing, but also simply taking the staircase instead of the elevator are an improvement of your lifestyle. Do not forget to relax as well and avoid fatigue and high stress. A brush massage or yoga can help you with this.

Furthermore, make sure to have a balanced diet. Drinking at least two to three liters of water per day is important. Teas such as herbal, fruit or black tea, fruit and vegetable juices, as well as sodium-rich mineral water are likewise recommended.

If you have varicose veins, support stockings are beneficial. Lastly, be sure to lie raised (e.g. on a pillow) at night.

Low blood pressure treatment

The intake of low blood pressure medication should always be coordinated with a medical doctor. Especially in the case of primary hypotension, medication drugs are often less effective than home remedies, but have several side effects.

In general, there are two groups of active ingredients in low blood pressure medications: sympathomimetics and ergot alkaloids. These drugs act on the heart and blood vessels and increase the pressure in arteries and veins. Side effects that may occur include physical discomfort and palpitations. In rare cases, severe pain in the heart, also known as angina pectoris, may occur.

More information on cardiovascular health
Find out which blood pressure values are considered as normal, what a good resting heart rate is and what pulse pressure tells about your heart health.

Blood pressure is the pressure the blood exerts on the vessel wall. It is caused by the heartbeat and the accompanied transport of the blood in the vessels. Normal blood pressure for adults is generally between 90-120 mmHg systolic and between 60-80 mmHg diastolic.

A blood pressure reading consists of two seperate values, the systolic blood pressure (the higher value) and diastolic blood pressure (the lower value). Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and usually expressed as “systolic pressure over diastolic pressure” (e.g. “120 over 80”).

Contents:

• Blood Pressure Ranges
• What do systolic and diastolic blood pressure mean?
• How to read blood pressure

What is normal blood pressure?

Blood pressure values have been classified into different ranges from low to high by various organisations. Among others, there are definitions from the WHO (World Health Organisation) and NHS (National Health Service). Abnormally low blood pressure is called hypotension whereas abnormally high blood pressure is called hypertension.

Normal blood pressure range (WHO)

The WHO classifies blood pressure values in five ranges as displayed in the following blood pressure chart:

Blood pressure values below 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic are considered optimal by the WHO. Values between 120-139 mmHg systolic and 80-89 mmHg diastolic indicate high-normal blood pressure. The blood pressure range between 140-159 mmHg systolic and 90-99 mmHg diastolic is classified as mild hypertension, while moderate hypertension ranges between the values 160-170 mmHg systolic and 100-109 mmHg diastolic. Lastly, there is severe hypertension (greater than 180 mmHg systolic and greater than 139 mmHg diastolic).

Read more about high blood pressure

Blood pressure ranges are also often visualised using blood pressure charts as displayed below.

Normal blood pressure range (NHS)

The NHS (National Health Service) defines blood pressure ranges as shown in the following blood pressure chart:

As you can see, the NHS (National Health Service) refrains from a classification of high blood pressure values in different stages. Instead, the NHS only defines categories for low blood pressure, ideal blood pressure, pre-high blood pressure and high blood pressure.

The corresponding blood pressure chart for the NHS classification can be found below.

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure

A blood pressure reading consists of two values. The first (and higher) value is the systolic blood pressure. It describes the pressure when pumping blood from the heart into the body. Theis contraction of the heart muscle is called systole or cardiac output phase.

The systolic blood pressure is higher than the diastolic because the pressure to pump the blood away from the heart is greater than the pressure in the relaxation phase which is also called diastole or filling phase.

Accordingly, the diastolic blood pressure is measured when the heart relaxes and the pressure subsides. During the relaxation phase the blood is sucked into the heart and the heart muscle is expanded.

How to read blood pressure

To get a meaningful overview of your values it is important to regularly read and document your blood pressure. A single measurement at the doctor is not sufficient to assess your blood pressure, as this is just a momentary snapshot of your condition. What’s more, readings at the doctor’s office can occasionally be higher due to nervosity, an effect called white coat hypertension.

Before measuring your blood pressure, take a break of at least three to five minutes. Sit on a chair and avoid any effort, as the blood pressure can otherwise increase. Apply your blood pressure monitor on one of your arms (but always use the same arm). Rest your forearm loosly on a table top and start measuring. To avoid measuring errors, it can also make sense to read your blood pressure three times in a row and use the average value for your documentation.

Find the perfect blood pressure monitor for you: The best blood pressure monitors of 2023

The blood pressure can be influenced by many minor influences such as physical exercise, meals or nervosity. Therefore, read your blood pressure regularly at the same time of the day, e.g. 30 minutes after waking up and before breakfast.

Observe the development of your blood pressure over time to get a comprehensive picture of your condition. The blood pressure app Cora Health can help you documenting and analysing your heart health using various charts such as a blood pressure chart or a pulse pressure chart. If one third of your readings is above the pre-high blood pressure stage we advise a visit at your doctor’s (if you haven’t been diagnosed with high blood pressure yet). With Cora Premium you can also send a report of your readings to your doctor.

Learn more about your heart health:
Find out how low blood pressure affects your life, what a good resting heart rate is and what pulse pressure tells about your heart health.

Sources

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• European Society of Cardiology (ESC): Arterial Hypertension Guidelines
• American Heart Association: Understanding blood pressure readings