Blood Pressure resources

How to check if a blood pressure monitor has been tested for accuracy

Only those automatic blood pressure monitors that have passed rigorous accuracy testing, meaning they are ‘validated’, should be used for the measurement of blood pressure.

Unfortunately, most automatic blood pressure monitors on the market have not undergone such testing and are said to be ‘non-validated’. Nonvalidated monitors are more likely to be inaccurate. There are potentially serious consequences of inaccurate measurements include missed high blood pressure, which means people might go without potentially life-saving medication.

Before buying or using an automatic blood pressure monitor, it should be checked to determine if it is validated.

To help people check whether an automatic blood pressure monitor has been validated, our researchers have developed the follow resource, which is available in English, as well as a number of other languages.

Measuring blood pressure at home

There are many factors that can influence the reliability of home blood pressure measurements. To ensure minimal errors in home blood pressure readings it is important that people follow a standardised measurement approach. The below resources explain the optimal measurement method and provide practical tips:

Article with practical guidance in The Conversation - How to manage your blood pressure in isolation

Recommendations on home blood pressure for healthcare professionals and patients

Diaries to record home blood pressure measurements