Blood pressure naturally rises as we age, and keeping track of it is a key component of staying healthy. The bigger problem? It’s a hassle to keep track of at home. There are endless wires, tubes, and according to research in the American Journal of Hypertension, home blood pressure monitors are inaccurate 70% of the time. I was looking for an upper-arm blood pressure monitor that’s wireless (so no cords to fumble with). I also wanted it to be a family gadget that others can use to track their own blood pressure without the need to remember it or write it down each time. I chose the Omron Evolv Bluetooth Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor. It’s part of a new crop of blood pressure measuring devices that sync via Bluetooth with smartphone apps to better understand blood pressure readings without keeping a notebook nearby. (Click here to learn more about the Everyday Health Wellness Code used for all products and services reviews.)
How it Helps Boost Wellness
The Omron Evolv Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor caught my attention for its sleekness and reasonable price tag. And not having to fumble with twisted tubes or wires was a major perk. As an added bonus, it also has an irregular heartbeat detector. Its ease of use means it’s easier for me to do weekly blood pressure readings, which help keep me on track to achieve my personal fitness and health results. Keeping a unit at home helps me understand how my salt intake, overall diet, and exercise routine impact blood pressure without the need to visit a doctor or pharmacy. In general, wireless cuffs are priced closer to $100, which can cost 50 percent more than highly rated traditional at-home blood pressure monitors. And not all wireless cuffs have screens, so readings are only available via smartphone. Some blood pressure cuffs use the wrist to take readings, which critics say can be less accurate even if they are easier to use. The Omron Evolv has a screen for easy readings, an affordable price, and because it’s an upper-arm monitor, I have peace of mind that I’m getting a more accurate reading.
How it Helps Make Wellness Possible
The Omron Evolv is easy and quick to use, and fits my arm without much one-armed wrangling. It’s a comfortable fit, even when the blood pressure cuff is in use. The company points out that the cuff works to eliminate interference while still being ultra-portable. The unit works with 4 AAA batteries and is easy to store and put away. The compact size makes it simple to pack in a carry-on during travel. Some downsides: The blood pressure cuff couldn’t hold more that one reading (though the app can), which meant other family members need to track their readings on their smartphone. Overall, using it without the app was less convenient. And it’s not compatible with Google Home.
The Bottom Line
The unit’s compact, one-piece design really makes it a convenient, portable device for monitoring my blood pressure. If you are looking for a blood pressure monitor with intuitive controls that you can take on the go, I recommend the Omron Evolv. It’s particularly useful if you need a device that does more than give you readings. It connects to the Omron Connect app to store unlimited readings, monitor your trends and share results with family or healthcare providers.
The Competition
The Nokia BPM+ Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor also links with the smartphone to make it easier for a physician to track your progress. It’s available from Nokia.com starting at $100. Quardio’s QuardioArm comes in four colors and includes heartbeat detection along with an app. It’s available from GetQuardio.com starting at $99. iHealth Feel wireless monitor uses an app to help users visualize and better track the readings. It’s available from iHealthLabs.com starting at $100.
