The Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with IntelliSense (model number HEM-711AC), by Omron Healthcare (Vernon Hills, IL), is a popular home blood pressure monitor that recently received high ratings from Consumer Reports. 1 This automated device is clinically proven to provide accurate readings of systolic/diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate in seconds.
The HEM-711AC automatically inflates the cuff to the ideal level with each use, requiring no adjustments by the user to set inflation level, thus eliminating arm discomfort and misreadings. The cuff has a green marker to show proper placement 1/2 inch above the elbow and above the brachial artery.
The HEM-711AC works by detecting the movement of blood through the brachial artery, and then converting the movements into a digital reading. The user presses the on/off button, waits for a heart symbol to appear on the digital panel, presses the start button, and remains still until the measurement is complete. The monitor automatically fills the cuff with air and starts deflation. The systolic, diastolic and pulse readings are then displayed on a large digital panel. If the user wants to stop the measurement, he or she pushes the on/off button to halt inflation, start deflation, and power off the monitor. Users are instructed to avoid eating, smoking, and exercising for at least 30 minutes prior to taking a blood pressure measurement.
Users with known blood pressure above 220 mmHg are instructed to push and hold the start button until the monitor inflates 30 to 40 mmHg higher than suspected systolic blood pressure. The monitor will not inflate above 300 mmHg.
The device's memory function stores 14 sets of readings automatically. Readings can be recalled or deleted at any time. Under normal use conditions, no calibration is required for 5 years. The HEM-711AC requires four AA batteries. The device shuts off automatically after 5 minutes, and notifies the user when batteries are low. An AC adapter can be purchased from the manufacturer.
The HEM-711AC comes with a carrying case, standard-sized adult arm cuff (9 to 13 inches) and an instruction manual. Patients can also order arm cuffs in two additional sizes: small adult (7 to 9 inches) and large adult (13 to 17 inches). The monitor comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
The HEM-711AC is available online at http://www.omronhealthcare.com, at national drugstore chains, and other stores for approximately $80. Additional animated instructions for the use of this device are available online.
Clinician's Critique
As the cost of automated self-blood pressure monitors has dropped, their use has become more widespread. Ideally, patients should consult a primary care provider before buying a monitor to ensure that they purchase one that meets validation standards. Currently, insurance companies don't reimburse patients for self-monitoring devices, which cost from about $25 for a manual model to over $100 for one with memory and printing capabilities.
Compared to ambulatory monitoring, self-monitoring is inexpensive, and if performed correctly, offers several advantages. It permits more readings than clinical visits, and because readings are taken at home or in another nonclinical setting, white-coat hypertension is avoided. Like ambulatory monitoring, self-monitoring can help providers distinguish between sustained hypertension and white-coat hypertension, assess response to antihypertensives, and improve treatment adherence.
Adapted from Artinian NT: Innovations in blood pressure monitoring. Am J Nurse 2004; 104(8):55-6.
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