British and Irish Hypertension Society
Blood Pressure UK works with a range of professional organisations, with a strategic partnership with the BIHS (British and Irish Hypertension Society)
There is evidence that the accuracy of automated BP monitors degrades over time. As a result, manufacturers recommend regular recalibration of monitors. However, this can be inconvenient and expensive for individuals who have bought a home monitor for personal use.
For monitors used in clinical environments (including hospitals, GP surgeries and pharmacies), the manufacturers’ instructions for monitors should be followed. Formal recalibration annually should be regarded as a minimum.
For home monitors, real world evidence1 suggests that monitors should be replaced after a maximum of four years of use with a suitably validated replacement.2 However, they should be replaced sooner if there is evidence of damage, particularly to the cuff, or concern about accuracy.
1 Hodgkinson et al. Accuracy of blood-pressure monitors owned by patients with hypertension (ACCU-RATE study): a cross-sectional, observational study in central England. Br J Gen Pract 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp20X710381