With current advances in technology, your blood pressure tracking is just an app away. Here are some of the best apps to help manage blood pressure.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (hypertension). One of the best ways to stay on top of your blood pressure is to monitor it throughout the day. According to Raj Khandwalla, MD, director of digital therapeutics at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars Sinai, you may only need to check it once per day if it’s well controlled.
To check your blood pressure at home, you’ll need an at-home monitor with a well-fitting cuff. Khandwalla suggests you take your pressure at the same time each day – usually in the mornings and evenings. “Don’t smoke or drink alcohol, and don’t exercise or have any caffeinated beverages for 30 minutes beforehand,” says Khandwalla.
Apps and Blood Pressure
When it comes to tracking your blood pressure, apps can provide analytics that helps you understand your health better. However, remember that these apps should not take the place of a doctor or a more accurate at-home monitor.
“These apps can provide some interesting analysis and information,” says Khandwalla. “Ultimately the decision about how to manage your blood pressure should be between you and your primary care doctor.”
To help you find the best blood pressure apps, here are some of the highest-rated and most reviewed apps. They’re available on iOS and Android devices.
1. Smart BP – Smart Blood Pressure
With this app, you can record, track, and analyze blood pressure trends. You can also enter numbers manually on Android or import them from a smart BP monitor synced with Apple Health. According to reviewers, they love the ability to tag their BP measurements and add notes for each entry. Finally, you can easily export your information and share it with doctors or family through email or text.
2. Welltory: Heart Rate Monitor
In addition to blood pressure, this app can measure heart rate variability and pulse rate, along with other assessment features. According to company data, 82% of the app’s users report less stress and more energy within 30 days. Even though manually recording your BP is free, you’ll need the Pro version to automatically import readings from smart cuffs.
3. Qardio Heart Health
If you buy the QardioArm smart blood pressure monitor, you can pair it with this app for free if you want automatic syncing and analytics. Furthermore, the app will automatically take an average of three consecutive readings. Afterward, you can set reminders for yourself and quickly share your data with their health team.
The Outlook
If you want an accessible way to get to your blood pressure readings, apps can definitely help with that. Some will also provide additional features that help you stay mindful of your overall health. However, when it comes to getting an accurate reading, at-home monitors and your doctor are your best bet.
Meanwhile, if you want to give your health an extra boost, consider taking L-arginine Plus. As a daily heart supplement, it can promote your circulation, blood pressure health, energy levels, and more.
Give your heart health the support it needs and try L-arginine Plus while you also track your blood pressure.