Estimation of blood pressure is one of the essential steps of primary patient examination. For this purpose, physicians often prefer to use the upper arm blood pressure monitors. However, several wrist blood pressure monitors have also been introduced in the US market which offer convenience as well as the ease of blood pressure measurement. But which one of these is better in terms of the accuracy of readings? Let us draw a comparison of arm vs. wrist blood pressure monitors to determine the most accurate choice.
Arm Blood Pressure Monitors
Arm blood pressure monitors are considered the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to taking a blood pressure reading. This is due to their accuracy which is considered the highest among all the available blood pressure measuring options. A patient is asked to be seated with feet flat on the ground and the upper arm cuff is tied to the arm right, kept at heart level, above the brachial artery. This way, both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure values are taken.
Indications
The upper arm blood pressure monitors are highly suitable for those used in heart patients in whom taking an accurate reading is a top priority. In addition, these are the most suitable for people with diabetes as the wrist BP monitors do not work in them owing to the porous or calcified arteries.
Pros
The upper arm BP monitors have the following advantages:
● In terms of accuracy, the upper arm systems are considered superior to all other blood pressure monitoring devices.
● The arm blood pressure monitors are frequently used in a doctor’s office in hospitals and clinics as well as in pharmacies.
● The cuff which comes with the device inflates comfortably and is highly adjustable which makes it suitable for patients from all age groups.
Cons
The upper arm blood pressure monitors have the following disadvantages:
● If positioned incorrectly, the obtained blood pressure readings are likely to be inaccurate.
● Usually, the upper arm devices are bigger and thus are heavy as well as hard to travel with.
Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors
A wrist blood pressure monitor is a system that is put around the patients’ wrists to measure their BP. These devices comprise a digital display screen that is mounted on a comfortable wrist cuff. When tied to the wrist, these wearable BP monitors estimate the blood pressure from the radial artery which is present at the junction of your wrist and hand.
Indications
Wrist blood pressure devices are ideal for patients who have been diagnosed with high or low blood pressure and need to measure their BP frequently. Moreover, these systems are also suitable for pregnant women as well as for those who often get inaccurate blood pressure values in a healthcare facility due to the white coat effect i.e. the elevation of one’s blood pressure in the presence of a healthcare professional.
Pros
The wrist BP monitors have the following advantages:
● These devices are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry.
● Some of these systems can also be worn like a wrist watch which can continuously track a person’s blood pressure.
● Along with BP, these systems are designed to take other vitals like pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and sleep cycle, etc.
● The room for error is less as it is easy to use these devices.
● These BP monitors are suitable for use in home settings as well as while traveling.
Cons
The disadvantages of the wrist blood pressure systems are as follows:
● The accuracy of wrist blood pressure monitors is not comparable to the upper arm ones.
● The cuff that comes with the system does not fit all the patients despite being stretchable to an extent.
Comparison of Accuracy: The Much Needed Outcome
As per the American Heart Association (AHA), an upper arm blood pressure monitor is more reliable and accurate than the wrist and finger monitors. In this regard, digital monitors with automatic inflating upper arm cuffs should be preferred over the conventionally used manual ones. The reason behind this dominant performance is that the arteries in the upper arms are closer to the heart as compared to those in the wrist. Therefore, it is easier to detect the blood pressure wave produced as a result of the pumping of the heart in the arms.
Scientific Evidence
A study published in the Hypertension in the year 2019 has proven the accuracy of upper arm blood pressure systems over wrist-based devices. For this purpose, 180 participants were recruited who had a history of coronary artery disease. Their blood pressure readings were taken using an upper arm as well as a wrist blood pressure monitor. When compared, the obtained readings showed a significant difference. Thus, it was indicated that the blood pressure readings taken from the radial artery in the wrist cannot represent the value measured from the brachial artery present in the upper arm. These findings also confirm the superiority of upper arm blood pressure monitors over wrist BP measuring devices.
The following table gives a summary of the comparative features of arm vs. wrist blood pressure monitors:
| Parameters | Arm Blood Pressure Monitors | Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors |
| Continuous BP Measurement | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tracking Frequency | Low | High |
| Positioning | Brachial artery | Radial artery |
| Cuff Size | Large with padding | Limited |
| Comfort | High | High |
| Display | Larger and easy to read | Smaller and hard to read for some |
| Accuracy | High | Average |
| Interference With Medical Conditions | Not affected by arrhythmias or obesity | Likely to be impacted |
Blood Pressure Monitors: Types, Brands, and Specifications
A number of blood pressure measuring options are available in the US markets which are inclusive of wearables, upper arm devices, as well as finger-based blood pressure monitors. All of these have their advantages and disadvantages which have been summarized as follows:
● Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitors
BP785 Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
BP785 Omron 10 series includes advanced upper arm blood pressure monitors with a push-button start display system. The screen is also back-lit which enables the user to visualize the readings without any difficulty. In addition to the usual analysis of blood pressure, the Omron 10 series is also capable of detection and measurement of irregular heartbeats. Moreover, the extra-large digits feature renders the visualization of the readings easy for the users. Overall, the product is ideal for use as a home monitor for blood pressure monitoring and also comes with a carrying case.
Home1829 Home Aide Talking Sense Blood Pressure Monitor
Home Aide talking sense blood pressure monitor comes in extra-large blood pressure cuff. Its voice guidance system instructs the patient during the process of use. The display is large and easy to read. Moreover, the inflation and deflation of the cuff is automatic which makes the product suitable for use in home settings. Its irregular heartbeat indicator alerts the user as soon as the abnormal heart rhythm is detected. In addition, the device can also store the blood pressure readings for future use.
ETUPARM Easy Touch Sure Life Upper Arm Blood Pressure
ETUPARM Easy Touch Sure Life upper arm blood pressure monitor is an automatic product that can be easily operated by patients with limited dexterity. The cuff size is suitable for all the patients as their circumference is 8.6” to 16.5”. The device also has a memory for storage of up to 90 readings and can be used for two users at one time. In addition to blood pressure measurements, the EasyTouch Sure Life system is also capable of monitoring pulse rate which is then displayed on its easy-to-read screen. The product is also lightweight and portable which makes it an ideal option to be used on the go.
EASCHARM Home Aide Health Sense Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
EASCHXLARM Home Aide Health Sense upper arm blood pressure monitor has cuffs with a circumference of 8.6” to 14.2”. In addition to the above-mentioned features, the system can be used for two users at a time. Moreover, the voice instruction feature makes it ideal for those who need guidance regarding the blood pressure measurement process.
● Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors
BP652 Omron 7 Series Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
BP652 Omron 7 series wrist blood pressure monitor has an automatic inflation system that inflates the wrist cuff up to its appropriate level while taking a person’s blood pressure readings. The blood pressure readings storage capacity is up to 100 values for a single user. Like its other versions, this Omron 7 series also has an irregular heartbeat alert system as well as an easy-to-read display system.
In addition, the device also has a body movement detection system that alerts the user if their movements are significant enough to cause reading inaccuracy. Furthermore, the values of pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure are also displayed on the smartphone where the free Omron Connect app is installed. The Omron blood pressure products come with a storage case.
ADVOCBPWRIST Advocate Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
ADVOCBPWRIST Advocate wrist blood pressure monitor is an automatic device with a one-button operation. In addition, its wrist cuff is easy to inflate and deflate for the accurate measurement of blood pressure readings. The display system is easy to read and comprehend which makes it suitable for the elderly as well as patients with poor vision. At a time, two users can employ the device. The Advocate wrist system also has an irregular heartbeat detector and can be connected to the Advocate app via Bluetooth.
ETWRIST Easy Touch Sure Life Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
ETWRIST Easy Touch Sure Life wrist blood pressure monitor is a comfortable BP monitor employed for taking accurate readings. Usage suitability is for two users at a time and the device can store up to 99 memories. Like most wrist monitors, the irregular heartbeat detector is present. This wrist BP monitor also has a backlit display for convenient usage.
Home Aide Heart Check Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
Home Aide Heart Check wrist high blood pressure monitor comes with all the features discussed above. In addition, the device measures accurate results which can be stored for a single user. Memory of the system is up to 90 readings for two users. The Home Aide wrist monitor indicates the patient’s heart health by detecting the irregularities of the heartbeat.
The upper arm and wrist blood pressure monitors mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of blood pressure measuring devices on the website.
The Bottom Line
The comparison of upper arm vs. wrist blood pressure monitors in terms of their accuracy is a never-ending debate. The American Medical Association has suggested that the upper arm systems are more accurate than the wrist blood pressure monitors, a consensus which is also fortified by ample research.
However, when it comes to convenience, both systems perform well. Hence, it is safe to say that for the accurate measurement of blood pressure in a healthcare provider’s office or at home, upper arm blood pressure monitors should be chosen. As for those who have to check their blood pressure on the go while traveling, wrist blood pressure monitors are a suitable option. Purchasing medical devices from reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 ensures the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
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References
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.12674
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
Throughout her career, Uzma has actively contributed to the pharmaceutical sciences, with specific research on suspension formulation and Hepatitis C risk factors and side effects. Additionally, Uzma has lent her expertise to review and fact-check articles for the Health Supply 770 blog, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information presented.
As she continues her PhD, expected to complete in 2025, Uzma is eager to contribute further to the field by combining her deep knowledge of pharmaceutics with real-world applications to meet global professional standards and challenges.
