Blood pressure monitors
A home blood pressure monitor lets you check your blood pressure between GP visits and keep a record to share with your doctor. MEC stocks the Omron HEM7144 automatic upper-arm monitor, with a wide-range 22–42 cm cuff, irregular heartbeat detection and Bluetooth for the OMRON connect app, plus NIBP connectors for clinical monitors. See also pulse oximeters and stethoscopes.
Shop by category
Choosing a home blood pressure monitor
- Upper-arm cuff: automatic upper-arm monitors are the type most often recommended for home use. Wrist monitors are more sensitive to wrist position.
- Cuff size: a cuff that is too small or too large gives inaccurate readings. Measure around the middle of your upper arm and check it falls within the cuff range — the Omron HEM7144 cuff fits 22–42 cm.
- Useful features: irregular heartbeat detection, body movement detection, a memory to store readings, and app connectivity to track results over time.
How to take an accurate reading
- Avoid caffeine, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes beforehand, and empty your bladder.
- Sit quietly for five minutes with your back supported, feet flat on the floor and legs uncrossed.
- Fit the cuff on your bare upper arm, with your arm resting on a table at heart level.
- Stay still and don't talk while the monitor measures.
- Take two readings a minute apart, at the same times each day, and record them.
Important: a home monitor helps you track your blood pressure but doesn't diagnose a condition. Discuss your readings with your doctor, and seek urgent medical help if a very high reading comes with symptoms such as chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, weakness or changes in vision.
Blood pressure monitor FAQs
Are wrist or upper-arm blood pressure monitors better?
Upper-arm monitors are generally preferred because the cuff sits at the same level as the heart. If an upper-arm cuff doesn't fit or is uncomfortable, ask your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.
What size blood pressure cuff do I need?
Measure the circumference of your upper arm midway between the shoulder and elbow, then choose a cuff whose range includes that measurement. Wide-range cuffs such as the 22–42 cm cuff on the Omron HEM7144 suit most adults.
What are NIBP connectors?
NIBP (non-invasive blood pressure) connectors join the cuff hose to a patient monitor. MEC's male and female NIBP connectors are designed for use with Colin monitors and are usually used as a pair.
Need blood pressure monitors for a clinic, aged-care facility or care team? Contact our team for volume pricing.