Everyone with high blood pressure (typically 130/80 mmHg or higher) should monitor their blood pressure at home, as per the American Heart Association. It's essential because the tracking can help your doctor confirm your diagnosis or determine if treatments are working, but it shouldn't replace regular doctor visits or stop you from taking your medications.Managing your high blood pressure is especially important, considering that it can lead to a stroke, a heart attack, kidney disease, vision loss and other health conditions. To help you find the most accurate, best blood pressure monitor for home monitoring, we consulted cardiologists for their advice and tips. Our Picks Best smart blood pressure monitor Withings BPM Connect Wi-Fi Smart Blood Pressure Monitor View details $95 at Amazon View details Best blood pressure monitor with EKG Omron Complete Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor + EKG View details $117 at Walmart View details Most affordable blood pressure monitor Omron 3 Series View details $33 at Best Buy View details Best blood pressure monitor for larger arms LifeSource Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor With Extra Large Cuff View details $113 at Amazon View details Table of Contents Who should be tracking their blood pressure?Ideally, everyone should, according to Dr. Mary Branch, a cardiologist at Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina."Blood pressure is a good overall measure of health, so really anyone can," Branch said. She added that some people may feel blood pressure is only something to worry about when you're older, but it's important to establish a baseline when you're younger, along with other basic health metrics like A1C (an average blood sugar metric that screens for diabetes) and lipids (insight into cholesterol).While anyone who's been advised to track blood pressure regularly should do so, especially those diagnosed with hypertension. Other populations may be at higher risk of potentially dangerous conditions involving high blood pressure and may benefit from more home monitoring.Branch advised anyone planning a pregnancy to start tracking their blood pressure because of the risk of preeclampsia, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition involving high blood pressure during pregnancy. Similarly, those who had high blood pressure during pregnancy should track it after giving birth, Branch advised.What should you watch for while monitoring your blood pressure at home?Blood pressure is read with two numbers: systolic (the top number, which tells you the pressure your arteries are under with each heart beat) and diastolic (the bottom number, which indicates how much pressure your arteries are under between beats). Only a doctor can diagnose hypertension or chronically high blood pressure, but monitoring at home can clue you in that measurements may be higher than normal and cue you to reach out to a doctor, who can help you get to the bottom of it or manage your heart health. (It's important to note that any blood pressure reading above 180 systolic top number or 120 diastolic, is considered a hypertensive crisis and you should seek medical care immediately.)But monitoring your blood pressure can provide other clues about your heart health. Dr. Mustali Dohadwala, medical director of Heartsafe in Boston, said that "erratic" blood pressure readings, meaning those that are significantly lower or higher morning to night, or even minute to minute, can indicate an irregular heartbeat such as atrial fibrillation. Some models of blood pressure monitors have irregular heart beat detection or EKG built in.On the other hand, lower-than-normal blood pressure can also be detected through home monitoring. This chart from the American Heart Association gives different categories of blood pressure readings and what yours may mean. American Heart AssociationHow we chose the best blood pressure monitorsAlong with a handful of other monitors, the Withings, LifeSource and Omron Complete with EKG models went through hands-on testing in 2019. Based on factors such as consistency, brand credibility and accuracy, these models remain solid choices today. The Omron 3 series was added last year based on cardiologist preference for the brand in addition to its affordability. Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros Allows for multiple users Clinically validated Cons There are more affordable blood pressure monitors The Withings BPM Connect feels trendy, and it provides a consistent and accurate result. For the upper arm cuff fit, comfort and ease of use, the Withings BPM Connect holds its own. The app is also a breeze once you're in, and it has unlimited storage for your BP measurement needs (although the device will remember only up to eight readings in between syncs). You can also set up multiple user profiles in the Withings Health Mate app, which is a plus if you have multiple people in a household that want to track their blood pressure. $117 at Walmart The Omron Complete Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with EKG was the first FDA-approved combination EKG-blood pressure device in the US. Omron produced the product in partnership with AliveCor, which powers many FDA-approved consumer electrocardiogram(EKG or ECG) devices.Worth mentioning is that this blood pressure monitor gave the most consistent readings throughout the entire testing process. It measures so much more than just blood pressure. In addition to the essentials systolic and diastolic blood pressure this Omron model measures your pulse, atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, bradycardia and sinus rhythm simultaneously.If you need a seamless way to measure two or more of those metrics, this upper-arm monitor is a top choice. The Omron app interface is simple, and it can store unlimited data. The cuff is comfortable and flexible, making it easy to get a good fit, which helps with accuracy.The monitor itself is a little bulkier than other models but probably worth it for people who need all those other measurements in one place. It comes in a nice carrying case that you can use for traveling.