Having an accurate blood pressure monitor at home is important for keeping track of your blood pressure. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Home blood pressure monitors allow you to check your blood pressure regularly in a comfortable setting. This can help give your doctor a more complete picture of your blood pressure over time.
OMRON is one of the most popular brands of home blood pressure monitors. But how do you know if your OMRON blood pressure machine is giving you accurate readings? There are a few key things you can check.
Compare readings to a manual blood pressure
One of the best ways to check the accuracy of your OMRON blood pressure monitor is to compare its readings to a manual blood pressure reading taken by a trained professional. Here’s how to do this:
- Take your OMRON blood pressure monitor to your next doctor’s appointment. Ask the nurse to take your blood pressure manually with a stethoscope and arm cuff in addition to the regular office reading.
- Take 2-3 readings with your OMRON machine right before or after the nurse takes your manual blood pressure.
- Compare the systolic and diastolic blood pressure numbers from your OMRON monitor to the nurse’s reading. They should be within 5 mm Hg of each other.
If the OMRON readings are more than 5 mm Hg different from the manual reading, the machine may be inaccurate. Make note of any consistent differences, like if it’s reading high or low compared to the manual method.
It’s a good idea to do this accuracy check periodically, like once a year. Blood pressure devices can get out of calibration over time. Comparing your OMRON monitor to a professional manual reading allows you to check its accuracy.
Take repeated readings and look for consistency
You can also check the consistency of your OMRON blood pressure monitor by taking multiple readings in a row and looking for similar numbers. Here are some tips for doing this:
- Sit quietly and still for 5 minutes before starting.
- Take 3-4 readings, waiting 1-2 minutes between each measurement.
- Ideally the systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) readings on consecutive measurements should be within 5 mm Hg.
For example, if your first reading is 120/80 mm Hg, the next reading should be between 115-125/75-85 mm Hg.
Larger variations between consecutive readings likely means the monitor is not providing consistent, accurate measurements.
Factors like movement, talking, improper cuff size, and not waiting between readings can affect accuracy. Make sure to sit correctly and follow the user manual instructions carefully when checking for consistent readings.
Consider your specific device and needs
There are a range of OMRON blood pressure monitors for home use. Some are manual inflation and others are auto-inflating. Some measure blood pressure at the wrist while others use an upper arm cuff. The specific model you’re using can impact accuracy.
Here are some things to keep in mind with different types of OMRON blood pressure monitors:
Manual vs automatic inflation:
- Manual inflation models may be more accurate for people with heart arrhythmias or very low/high blood pressure since you control the inflation.
- Automatic models are convenient but can sometimes inflate inaccurately on irregular heartbeats.
Arm monitor vs wrist monitor:
- Arm monitors that use an upper arm cuff generally provide more accurate readings.
- Wrist monitors are convenient but may be less accurate, especially for people with health conditions.
Think about your needs and compare them to the validation data for the specific OMRON model you are considering. Validated devices have been tested for accuracy in clinical studies. Look for an accuracy of ± 5mm Hg or less compared to a mercury standard.
Make sure your technique is correct
Using proper technique when taking your blood pressure is crucial for getting accurate, consistent readings. Here are some key tips for using your OMRON blood pressure monitor correctly:
- Sit with your back straight, feet flat on the floor, and arm supported at heart level. Relax your muscles.
- Don’t talk or move during the reading.
- Make sure the arm cuff is fitted properly on your bare upper arm. It should be snug but not painfully tight.
- Wait 1-2 minutes between readings and allow the cuff to fully deflate.
- Take readings at the same time each day for consistency.
- Keep still and don’t tense your arm muscles while inflating.
Carefully following the user instructions for your specific device is important. Proper technique is key for getting the most accurate readings.
Check the fit of the arm cuff
Using the right size blood pressure cuff can affect accuracy. The inflatable arm cuff should fit snugly around your upper arm. Here’s how to check fit:
- Measure your upper arm circumference midway between your shoulder and elbow.
- Compare your arm measurement to the range printed on the cuff or listed in the monitor’s user manual.
- The cuff should be the correct size for your arm based on the manufacturer’s directions.
- When wrapped around your bare upper arm, there should be no gaps between the cuff and your arm.
If the inflatable bladder inside the cuff doesn’t fully encircle your arm or overlaps too much, it could lead to inaccurate readings.
Many OMRON monitors come with a standard adult size cuff that fits arms 9-17 inches around. But you can purchase a larger or smaller OMRON cuff if needed for proper fit. Using the right cuff size is key.
Replace cuff and batteries regularly
Here are two maintenance tips for ensuring ongoing accuracy of your OMRON blood pressure monitor:
Replace cuff annually:
The arm cuff is subject to wear with regular inflation and deflation. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cuff once a year to maintain accuracy.
Change batteries frequently:
Your OMRON monitor may indicate when battery power is low. But go ahead and replace batteries often to keep the device working properly.
Follow the battery replacement schedule listed in the user manual. Alkaline or lithium coin batteries are recommended for OMRON monitors. Don’t use rechargeable batteries.
Get your monitor inspected annually
Like other pieces of medical equipment, it’s a good idea to have your OMRON blood pressure monitor inspected annually to check calibration and function.
See if the manufacturer offers an accuracy inspection and certification service. For example, OMRON’s Active Accuracy Check provides professional accuracy testing and certification every 5 years.
Your doctor’s office or local pharmacy may also inspect home blood pressure monitors annually to confirm they are measuring blood pressure within ±3 mm Hg accuracy.
Getting your OMRON machine certified each year gives you peace of mind that your readings are accurate.
Watch for error messages
OMRON blood pressure monitors are programmed to detect irregular readings. The device will show certain error messages if it senses something unusual that could affect accuracy:
| Error Message | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Irregular heartbeat symbol | Arrhythmia or irregular pulse detected during measurement |
| Error symbol | Cuff may be wrapped incorrectly or arm moved during reading |
| Low battery symbol | Battery power is low and needs to be replaced |
| E1, E2, HH, -,- errors | Air leakage, defective cuff, or other malfunctions |
Pay attention to any error messages on your OMRON monitor’s display. The device is alerting you to an issue that may be impacting the accuracy of that specific reading.
Keep a written log of readings
Keeping a written record of your OMRON blood pressure readings over time can help you spot any accuracy issues. Here’s how:
- Note the date and time for each reading.
- Write down both systolic and diastolic numbers.
- Mark if you recently exercised, ate, drank alcohol or caffeine, or are stressed.
- Track any medication changes or dosage adjustments.
Review your written log periodically. Look for any outlier readings that seem abnormally high or low compared to your normal. This could signify an accuracy issue on that particular reading.
Discuss any questionable readings with your doctor. Share your log so they can help determine if your monitor is measuring accurately or may need to be recalibrated.
Consider getting a validation certificate
When purchasing a home blood pressure monitor, look for models that come with a validation certificate of accuracy. This means the device has been tested according to protocols from the British Hypertension Society, European Society of Hypertension or other accuracy standards.
OMRON blood pressure monitors are widely validated for accuracy compared to manual readings. Several OMRON models have British Hypertension Society grades of A/A, indicating they pass accuracy criteria across a wide range of blood pressures.
Choosing a monitor with third-party validation gives confidence in the accuracy of the device compared to a mercury standard. Compare validation certificates if considering different OMRON machines.
Don’t rely solely on OMRON readings
While the steps above can help identify issues with the accuracy of your home blood pressure monitor, no device is 100% foolproof. Even validated monitors can get out of calibration or have malfunctions.
It’s important not to solely rely on OMRON or other home blood pressure machine readings for your diagnosis and treatment. Continue having your blood pressure measured manually by your doctor at medical appointments as part of ongoing care.
Home devices are meant to supplement professional readings by giving you and your provider more data points between visits. But don’t use home readings in isolation when making major decisions about medications and treatment.
Recap: Tips for assessing OMRON blood pressure monitor accuracy
To conclude, here are some key tips for making sure your OMRON blood pressure monitor readings are accurate:
- Compare OMRON readings to a manual blood pressure at doctor visits
- Check for consistency between multiple back-to-back readings
- Use proper sizing of the arm cuff for your body
- Ensure proper monitoring technique and body position
- Inspect device for error messages after readings
- Keep written logs of all readings to spot outliers
- Select an OMRON model that comes with a validation certificate
- Get your monitor inspected annually for accuracy
- Don’t solely rely on home monitor for diagnosis and treatment decisions
Paying attention to these recommendations can help ensure your OMRON blood pressure monitor is giving you accurate, reliable readings you and your doctor can confidently use to manage your condition. Being informed about proper use and potential accuracy issues is important when self-monitoring your blood pressure at home with devices like OMRON monitors.