High blood pressure, or hypertension, typically does not display any symptoms. It can lead to serious health issues, including heart attack and stroke and even death. Proper management of your blood pressure is essential to being proactive in your overall health journey. If you are experiencing high blood pressure, your doctor will request you to take blood pressure readings at least twice daily. This is what makes smart blood pressure monitors that you can use at home a great option!

​

How do I connect my blood pressure monitor to Apple Health?

How do you know if you blood pressure monitor sends the data to the right place after you take a measurement?  Your smart blood pressure monitor will not automatically connect to a blood pressure app. You will have to set it up manually. You will need to do it through an Apple Health app on your iPhone.  Once Apple Health is set up, you will be able to give it a permission to share the data with any third party health app.

 

Apple Health works as a depository for all of your health data, including blood pressure readings measured by your blood pressure monitor. As your health data stored securely in Apple Health, you do not need to worry about backing up your data when you switch from one app to another.  You can use any health apps, i.e. blood pressure app and heart health monitor BreathNow to pull the data from Apple Health, analyze it and provide personalized improvement recommendations. 

​

How can I find a smart blood pressure monitor that works for me?

If you are looking for a smart blood pressure monitor, you likely already know that there are a wide range of different options. Many different BP monitors have different capabilities, viewing options, and accessories. Depending on what you are looking for individually, you will want to assess your options thoroughly before making a decision. Our ranked list may be an excellent place for you to start. However, when in doubt, you can always contact your doctor to find other options that may work for your unique lifestyle.

​

Top 5 Recommendations

​

The good news is that there are many blood pressure monitors on the market and their number grow by day. Our list below was created based on the following criteria:

● FDA Approval.

● Ability to Sync with Apple Health.

● Listed on The American Medical Association’s (AMA) US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing (VDL). Blood pressure monitors that are part of this list are devices that have been validated for their clinical accuracy. This is done through an independent review process. 

● Rating on the Apple App Store.

● Amazon Reviews.

The table under the list of top 5 includes the photos and more specs of these blood pressure monitors. 

​

1. OMRON Series 5,7,10, Evolve, Heart Guide. 

You can't go wrong with the top global brand for blood pressure monitors. 

​

Here's a detailed list of compatible Omron monitors: 

• Omron Evolv: (BP7000)

• Complete™ Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor + EKG: (BP 7900)

• HeartGuide™: (BP8000-M, BP8000-L)

• 10 Series: (BP7450, BP7450CAN, BP7465)

• 7 Series: (BP7350, BP7350CAN, BP761, BP761CAN, BP761N, BP761CANN)

• 5 Series: (BP7250, BP7250CAN, BP7255)

• ​

This smart blood pressure monitor brand is well-known for the easy-to-read LCD displays and other useful features. You can select a wrist-based or upper arm based model.  The OMRON Advanced Accuracy technology helps to minimize the impact that your movements will have on your results. This includes if you happen to move your arm slightly, as well as your breathing movements. This means your results are designed to be precise and accurate.

​

The OMRON blood pressure monitor connects to the OMRON Connect App via Bluetooth. From there, the data can sync over to Apple Health. While the App is free to sync, the premium subscriptions can rack up a substantial yearly bill.  However, BreathNow can also sync with the data from Omron through Apple Health for easy blood tracking which is a free feature of this app.

 

Apple Reviews

OMRON Connect app has a 4.6 rating on the Apple App Store.

“The device seems to consistently read blood pressure accurately (I compare it to my Doctor office visits monthly). This Bluetooth pairing has not been seamless over the life of my OMRON BP monitor, but I have been able to re-pair when syncing stops working. The updated app feels a bit bloated and written to track other metrics other than blood pressure.”

“In general, I find the new update to be OK. It is different and that can cause some initial confusion, but I got past most of that in a day or two.”

​

Amazon Reviews

OMRON blood pressure monitors have an average 4.5 rating on Amazon.

“I’ve been using this for over a year now. My readings are always higher at the doctor’s office, so I wondered about the accuracy of this machine. I can only report on my own experience and this model seems very accurate. The nurse was quite impressed with it and made a note of which model I have.”

“I’ve used blood pressure monitors in the past and the Series 10 is a sum of all the good developments OMRON has had.”

​

Pros:

● Comfortable cuff fitting.  

● Easy to use 

● Technology specific to the OMRON brand allows for precise readings.

​

Cons:

● Complaints about the company’s connectability software.

● The OMRON Connect app displays metrics other than just blood pressure.

● The OMRON Connect app may need to be re-synced regularly.

​

While the OMRON blood pressure monitors are great smart for functionality and usability, the connectivity of the app to sync with Apple Health does have notable spotty issues for users. While the app has undergone a major overhaul, some users have mentioned that bugs have not been fixed and the app is bogged down by other metrics that they don’t have equipment for. Users complain that the software still feels outdated and that properly viewing measurements is sometimes a hassle or even impossible. However, the blood pressure monitor itself is consistent and accurate.

​

2. A&D Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor UA-651BLE

A&D is a famous manufacturer of precise medical equipment. In this respect it is similar to Omron.  The UA-651BLE wireless blood pressure monitor by A&D Medical epitomizes the perfect blend of professional dependability and consumer ease of use. This FDA-cleared device has been independently scrutinized and certified for clinical validity in accordance with the ISO 81060-2:2018 clinical test. More details on these validations and its placement can be found on the American Medical Association's (AMA) Validated Device Listing (VDL).

​

A&D Medical's UA-651BLE ensures a high standard of performance you can rely on. It provides uncomplicated, precise blood pressure measurements at the push of a button and flags irregular heartbeat patterns, a crucial characteristic for detecting potential health issues early on. The device's single-button operation is easy to use, yet it doesn't compromise on advanced functionality and reliability.

​

The UA-651BLE is designed with user comfort in mind, featuring an easily applicable wide-range cuff. It accommodates a broad spectrum of arm sizes (8.6-16.5” / 22-42 cm), catering to a variety of users. Moreover, the monitor comes with a convenient storage case, underlining its dedication to user-friendly design and the device's durability.

​

Amazon Reviews

The A&D UA-651BLE holds a high rating of 4.4 on Amazon and  bears the "Amazon's Choice" label.

“I took my blood pressure cuff to my cardiologist to reconfirm its accuracy. I got a very favorable response with very little difference between the one I purchased on Amazon and the one that the medical staff used at the office.”

“I've tried several BP monitors and finally gave this one a go because I couldn't find one that was accurate. This one is by far the most accurate and easy to use. The cuff is the best fitting I used.”

​

Pros:

● Comfortable cuff.  

● Seamless bluetooth connection.

● Trusted accuracy.

​

Cons:

● Limited memory

● Limited functionality of the company's app

​

The above cons can be overcome by using the Tracker of the BreathNow blood pressure  app. 

​

3. Withings BPM Connect WPM05

Withings BPM Connect is  one of the best smart blood pressure monitors on the market today. Developed by experts in the field of cardiology, the Withings BPM Connect features a very simple and color-coded display screen for users to easily understand their measurements. This is a very different type of display than what is commonly found on blood pressure monitors. It’s compact, comfortable, and is only one piece altogether.

​

The Withings BPM Connect syncs via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to the Withings Health Mate App. Apple Health can then be synced to this app. However, data measuring reports through the Health Mate app are limited to three months. 

​

Apple Reviews

The Withings Health Mate app has a 4.6 rating on the Apple App Store.

“This was a good app and blood pressure monitor when it was originally released. I’ve lost over a year of health data because of the “updates”. The most recent update resulted in the app no longer recognizing the device I’ve been using for over a year.”

“It’s an average app for what it is meant to do. Data collection and presentation are at the core of the product. Unfortunately, the app tries too hard to make the data relevant and becomes inconsistent. It’s the inconsistency that is holding this app back.”

​

If you are concerned about the safety of your data, make sure that all blood pressure measurements are synced with Apple Health. Blood pressure log feature of the BreathNow app has no limit on how much data can be pulled from Apple Health and displayed in the app. 

​

Amazon Reviews

The Withings BPM Connect has a 4.3 rating on Amazon.

“I followed the instructions and discovered that the location on my arm for the BPM Connect is critical in the accuracy of the device. When I made these adjustments, it would provide readings much closer to the doctor’s medical device.”

“I am a nurse and I used it on my son and husband and then took their blood pressures manually. It was very close in the readings. I was easy to set up and super lightweight.”

​

Pros:

● Lightweight and comfortable.

● Easy to read and understand the display.

● Compact for travel.

​

Cons:

● The Health Mate app faces limitations, especially with charting.

● Has more detailed placement procedures that must be followed for accuracy.  

● Customer service for the Health Mate app is lacking.

​

The Withings BPM Connect has raving reviews for not only its display, but also how easy it is to set up. The color-coded display is helpful for those that may be vision-impaired or those that want a quick way to see their results. However, the Health Mate app has limitations when it comes to showing data and trends, as well as has users complaining about syncing issues. Users have also noted that syncing is sometimes spotty when the software within the app is updated or the app will sometimes not work altogether. While the Withings BPM is known for being comfortable and easy to put on, users must follow the instructions very carefully or risk an inaccurate reading.

​

4. The iHealth Neo Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

This smart blood pressure receives positive reviews for its ease of use, accuracy, and convenience. It's known for being easy to operate with a single button, having a large, easy-to-read display, and connecting to a smartphone app for tracking and data management. 

​

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Many users find the iHealth Neo easy to use, with a simple one-button operation and a large, easy-to-read display. 

• Accuracy: While some users have reported inconsistencies in readings, many find the monitor to be accurate and reliable. 

• App Connectivity: The app allows users to track blood pressure readings over time, share data with their doctor, and can even flag irregular heartbeats. 

• Portability: The compact design makes it easy to travel with and store. 

• Comfortable Cuff: Users generally find the cuff comfortable to wear. 

• Rechargeable Battery: The monitor uses a rechargeable battery, which is convenient and eco-friendly. 

• ​

Cons:

• Accuracy Issues: Some users have reported inconsistencies in readings, especially when comparing them to readings taken with a different device. 

• Initial Setup: Some users have found the initial setup and instructions to be unclear. 

• Connectivity Issues: Occasionally, users have experienced issues with Bluetooth connectivity and app synchronization. 

• ​

Amazon Reviews

The iHealth Neo Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor has a 4.0 rating on Amazon.

"The compact size is what attracted me to this BP monitor. Just slip it on and hit go. The app is very straight forward and the monitor easily paired with my phone. Measurements are pretty quick and easy to read. The app will accumulate readings and historical readings can be viewed for trends. You can also allow readings to be sent to your Apple Health app which is pretty cool. Recharging is super easy and a full charge lasts weeks with daily use."

​

Overall:

The iHealth Neo Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor offers a user-friendly experience with its compact design, ease of use, and app connectivity for tracking and data management. While some users have reported accuracy issues and initial setup problems, many find it to be an accurate and convenient device for at-home blood pressure monitoring. 

 

5. QardioArm wireless  blood pressure monitor

This smart blood pressure monitor is known for its ease of use, portability, and integration with its companion app. Here's a summary of what people are saying:

​

Pros:

• Easy to Use: Many users praise its simple setup and one-touch operation via the app.

• Accurate Readings: It is clinically validated and FDA cleared, with studies showing it meets European Society of Hypertension International Protocol standards for accuracy. Some users have compared it favorably to readings taken in doctor's offices.

• Portable and Discreet: Its compact design, where the cuff rolls up as a cover, makes it convenient for travel.

• Excellent App: The Qardio app is well-regarded for its user-friendly interface, clear visualization of readings (including color-coded charts based on WHO guidelines), data storage, and the ability to track trends over time.

• Data Sharing: Users can easily share their readings with doctors and family members via the app.

• Integration with Health Platforms: It's compatible with Apple Health, Samsung Health, and Google Fit.

• Irregular Heartbeat Detection: The monitor can detect and record irregular heartbeats.

• Multiple Users: It can be paired with up to eight smartphones or tablets.

• Triple Measurement Averaging: The app offers an option to take three consecutive readings and provides the average for potentially more precise results.

• ​

Cons:

• Battery Dependency: It runs on AAA batteries, and some users have expressed a desire for a rechargeable option.

• Potential Connectivity Issues: A few users have reported occasional problems with Bluetooth pairing.

• Cuff Application: Some individuals, particularly those with limited dexterity, find it slightly bulky or challenging to apply the cuff one-handed.

• Price: Some reviewers consider it pricier than traditional blood pressure monitors.

• App Quirks: A few users have mentioned minor issues with the app, such as the battery indicator or the process of adding notes.

• ​

Accuracy:

The QardioArm has been clinically validated against a mercury sphygmomanometer, demonstrating good accuracy according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol. Studies have shown close correlation between QardioArm readings and those of validated devices.

​

Overall:

The QardioArm appears to be a well-received smart blood pressure monitor, particularly valued for its convenience, user-friendly app, and accuracy. While there are minor drawbacks like battery dependency and occasional connectivity hiccups, the positive aspects seem to outweigh the negatives for many users. It's a good option for individuals who need to monitor their blood pressure regularly and want a portable device that seamlessly integrates with their smartphones.

 

BreathNow: An App That Not Only Tracks Your Blood Pressure But Teaches Natural Techniques To Lower It. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​