Best Blood Pressure Tracking App for Hypertensive Adults
Home blood pressure monitoring using any validated device paired with a smartphone app is recommended for hypertension management, though current evidence shows enhanced self-monitoring with connected apps may be no more effective than standard self-monitoring alone. 1
Key Guideline Recommendations
The 2024 European Society of Cardiology guidelines explicitly state that enhanced self-monitoring of blood pressure using a device paired with a connected smartphone application may be considered, though evidence to date suggests that this may be no more effective than standard self-monitoring. 1 This represents the most current guidance on app-based blood pressure tracking.
What Actually Matters: The Device, Not the App
The critical factor is using a validated blood pressure monitor that meets international standards, not which app you choose. 1 The American College of Cardiology emphasizes that blood pressure cuffs used for home monitoring should be compliant with sphygmomanometer standards set by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. 1
Practical Approach to App Selection
Device Validation is Priority #1
- Choose devices validated by internationally accepted protocols with results published in peer-reviewed journals 1
- Validated Omron devices (M5-I, HEM-737 IntelliSense) have demonstrated accuracy meeting international standards 2, 3
- The QardioArm device paired with its app has been validated according to European Society of Hypertension protocols 4
App Features That Support Guideline-Recommended Monitoring
The app should facilitate these evidence-based practices:
- Automated data capture and transmission of self-measured blood pressure 1
- Ability to take readings at least 2 times, 1 minute apart, both morning and evening 5
- Daily monitoring for at least 1 week, beginning 2 weeks after treatment changes 5
- Data sharing capability with healthcare providers 1
Important Caveats
The Telehealth Evidence
Meta-analyses show that telehealth strategies incorporating blood pressure transmission demonstrate greater blood pressure reductions than self-monitoring without data transmission, suggesting added value of the teletransmission approach. 1 However, telehealth has not been demonstrated effective as a standalone strategy and works best as an adjunct to team-based care. 1
Device Accuracy Warnings
- Wrist monitors and smartwatch-type devices may significantly underestimate blood pressure - the Omron HeartGuide watch underestimated systolic blood pressure by 10.4 mmHg compared to validated monitors 6
- Self-measurement kiosks in pharmacies are not FDA-regulated and lack validation data 1
- Upper arm monitors with appropriate cuff size are the gold standard for home monitoring 1
The Bottom Line Algorithm
- Select a validated upper arm blood pressure monitor (Omron M5-I, HEM-737, or QardioArm with app) 2, 3, 4
- Use the manufacturer's paired app for automated data transmission 1
- Measure twice daily (morning and evening), with 2 readings 1 minute apart each time 5
- Share data with your healthcare team through the app or patient portal 1
- Begin monitoring 2 weeks after any medication changes and continue for at least 1 week before clinic visits 5
The specific app brand matters less than ensuring your device is validated and you follow proper measurement technique consistently. 1