They call it the silent killer. Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a condition that has few noticeable symptoms but can lead to all kinds of unpleasantness in the long run. If your blood is pumped into your body with increased pressure, it can cause vision and circulation problems and increase the risk of heart attacks, aneurysms, and other medical problems.
So how do you lower your blood pressure? This is something to discuss with your doctor, but he will probably recommend that you change your diet, increase your physical activity, and possibly take medication. And they will ask you to check your blood pressure regularly.
That’s the key to treating hypertension: checking your blood pressure to see how medications or lifestyle changes are working to lower it. Fortunately, the proliferation of mobile technology has made this easier. I tested five portable blood pressure monitors that can read and send the data to health apps such as Apple Health or Samsung Health. These apps can show your progress over time, and when studied with your doctor, they can chart a course for long-term heart health.
Our top pick is the Withings BPM Connect, a no-nonsense device that takes measurements quickly and can work with or without your mobile phone. This $ 100 device has a clean, simple design and a long-lasting USB rechargeable battery. My favorite, cheaper option is the iHealth Ease. It costs less than $ 40, and while it’s larger and requires your phone to use iHealth’s mobile app while taking a measurement, it’s a great deal. Read on for the rest of my findings on these devices to keep an eye out for one of the most important measures for your well-being.