Yes they are reliable. The interpretation of results are what you have to be careful with but most have a guide on them telling you what’s normal, hypotension (too low) or hypertension (too high).

They are no substitute for a visit to your doc but they are certainly reliable and you can keep a check on your blood pressure easily enough this way.

Obviously if you get a reading that is too high OR too low please see a doctor and tell them what the reading you got was then let them check it again.

Most blood pressure that is ‘abnormal’ has to be looked at several times and have a pattern form for the doctor to decide on treating it.

Gx

EDIT: This answer refers to the ones you use on site, not the ones you purchase. The ones taken manually by a doctor are only as good as the person listening for the sounds so sometimes can be inaccurate also.

Usually. Go to different stores and use their machines, if you’re worried.

Or … you can even go to your local fire station and they will check your blood pressure for free. That would definitely be accurate. That’s what my husband was told when he was diagnosed with high blood pressure, and he needed his checked a couple of times per week.

In response to the responder below me: Yes, they sell blood pressure monitors at drug stores too. Walgreens had some on sale last week, one with a rebate and the other with a coupon. The deal might still be going on this week, I haven’t checked this morning’s ad yet. If you have to check your blood pressure a lot and you don’t go out to stores a lot it might be worth your while to get one.

yes they are! I dont’ remember the brand, but they have one for $29.99 at walgreens that’s really good.

Well there not as accurate as a blood pressure cuff that inflates manually by you pumping up to say 180ml of mercury and using a stethoscope to get a reading.

The digital blood pressure cuffs that inflate automatically and release automatically are programmed to inflate to within 30ml of mercury from your last reading so there is room for inaccuracy.

I recently purchased one made by Omron Medical Supplies (Consumer Reports rates it as one of the best) and I brought it to my doctors office to have it compared to having my pressure manually pumped and using a stethoscope and the numbers were about the same.

I hope this helps.

The ones you stick your finger into?? They are about as accurate as you will get in a public setting.

The ones on sale at the Pharmacy counter? Yes, they are fairly accurate also.

These are good for quick check of your BP numbers. My hubby refuses to spend more than $10 on one of them, and the insurance company doesn’t think people should have them. So I live without checking my blood pressure and guess it is ok!