Blood Pressure Monitor Reviews

Omron HEM-432C Manual Inflation Monitor Review:

The Omron HEM 432C manual blood pressure monitor comes with an inflation bulb, a standard arm cuff and an instruction manual. You will need to acquire four AA batteries before you can start taking blood pressure measurements with this device.

What Features Does it Have?

• Digital Display
• 9-13 inches Cuff Circumference
• 14 User Memory Tracking
• Manual Inflation

This monitor has been designed with simplicity in mind. The durable cuff fits snuggly and comfortably around most arms, and the large digital display is very easy to read.

The most attractive feature of the Omron HEM 432C is the fact that it is manually operated, and yet it comes with a digital display. To take a blood pressure measurement, you have to inflate the cuff by rapidly squeezing the inflation bulb. The reading will then be displayed digitally.

Compared to other monitors on the market, the 14 user memory tracking is not particularly impressive. There are many blood pressure machines that are able to store up to 100 readings with date and time attached.

During our assessment of this product, we came across multiple user reviews that refer to an ‘E’ symbol which is regularly displayed when measurements are taken. After further investigation, we discovered that this is a manufacturing defect that has shown itself in many of the HEM 432C blood pressure machines currently on the market.

The ‘E’ symbol signifies a cuff error reading, meaning that the cuff is positioned too loosely or too tightly. It appears that a large bulk of these monitors display this symbol in three out of every four measurements, no matter how many cuff adjustments are made. This obviously affects the accuracy of measurements as well.

Is the Price Right?

• No

The Omron HEM 432C’s $29.88 price tag is possibly the most attractive feature that this monitor possesses. It would be great value for money if you were assured of receiving a flawless product, however, there is a certain amount of risk involved with this purchase, and we simply don’t think it’s worth the price.

Does it Come With a Warranty?

• Yes

The Omron HEM 432C comes with a one year warranty. Compared to the five year warranty periods offered with most other monitors, this isn’t very generous, especially since so many accounts of manufacturing defects have been reported.

Who Manufactures it?

• Omron

Omron was founded by Asian visionary Kazuma Tateisi, who wished to create a synthesis between man and machine. His multinational billion dollar company has helped the world advance in electronics to the point where we can use medical machinery without the help of a doctor.

Omron Healthcare has been supplying quality products throughout the world since the early thirties. With over 70 years of experience it is no wonder that Omron is one of the biggest brands in electronic technology today.

How Does it Work?

Strap the standard cuff around your upper arm and pump the bulb until it has reached 30-40 mmHg higher than your normal systolic reading, or just over 180 mmHg. Once you’ve reached the desired pressure, stop pumping the bulb and let the monitor take your measurement.

Does Omron Deliver on its Promises?

• To some extent

If we were 100% assured of receiving a flawless monitor, we would be singing the HEM 432C’s praises. However, Omron has failed to acknowledge the high incidence of error symbol readings encountered by users and, as a result, there is no guarantee that this product will deliver accurate readings as promised.

Rating: 57/100

Our Verdict: With numerous reports of error readings, we cannot confidently recommend this product. In a faultless condition, it works really well. However, we don’t think it’s worth spending your money on a monitor that may provide you with inaccurate readings and consequently put your health at risk.