30.1.2015

I was told by my doctor I was pre hypertensive a few years ago now; and blood pressure being considered the silent killer I made an effort to understand my blood pressure and monitor it regularly. To try and get on top of things I bought a Withings Blood pressure monitor that synched to my phone and let me keep track of my health -and if i choose I share it with my doctor. The QardioArm picks up that mantle in a much more portable package - its more square than round.The included blood pressure cuff works with a great range of arm sizes from 22-37cm. The wider end is often a problem and 37cm is one of the largest standard cuff’s i have tried.In the box it was all setup; so it was a question of downloading the app onto my iPhone and synching it up. The Qardio tap to connect solution feels a bit alien here; and after testing on a couple of phones I found the tap to sync connect hit and miss on the first use with my iPhones so I tried it with a second. If you do change phones I found I had to de-register it from the first phone before using it with the second as it just wouldn’t connect to a second one without doing this; which makes sharing it in the house a bit more problematic. Overall the first connection process feels a bit hit and miss ; and I find the Withing’s bluetooth connection to simpler to setup.Once connected taking a reading is very simple; and the screen displays a great representation of a traditional blood pressure machine. Once the reading is complete you get WHO color gradings which is an easy reference to see how you are doing. The app keeps a history of your readings and you can drill into them and see the reading on a chart representing your blood pressure against different grades of hypertension; this is useful when you start taking readings but soon enough you will know that the numbers are OK or you need to find a way to reduce your BP. The measured BP broadly agreed with results taking using a Beurer BP machine on a different arm at the same time. One thing that Withings can do that Qardio can’t is they have a website that you can access your data from; depending on how you feel about sharing your data that is a good or a bad thing; but its a really easy way of getting data out on paper to take to a gp. The Qardio app does have the ability to email your doctor with your BP history; this sends a really well formatted email (along with a spreadsheet file they can open) - and doesn’t tell the doctor that you did take your BP whilst staying with your mother in law.One thing the Qardio software also takes a location; so you can take your blood pressure at home, work and maybe the inlaws and see the impact on your blood pressure (though the WHO also says you shouldn’t take your blood pressure too often as taking a reading changes your blood pressure.) For me I take my blood pressure every other day; and I like having the history on my phone / tablet so that when i see the doctor and they get a reading way off the scale for whatever reason i can stop them giving me beta blockers.I am excited that Qardio are coming into the market and challenging companies like Withings with well designed products and a well thought through app. Qardio have tried a bit to hard with tap to connect which made my first experience with it a bit alien; once I had used it one with my phone it worked without issue the next time. The App itself is very good; and the history features are easy to use. The overall package is smaller than the withings one (and being square rather than round is easier to pack.) Qardio have a long list of products in the coming soon pile that will challenge the rich Withings collection. For taking your BP with your smartphone the QardioArm is as accurate as other at home machines I have tested recently; the initial experience with getting it connected is something that passed and over the month but if i could do half stars I would have made it 4.5 stars because of that; as i can’t it has worked without issue every time after the first one.

29.12.2014

Prior to ordering this blood pressure monitor, I had noted that it was compatible with Android devices as well as Apple devices and this was reassuring given that I don't own an iPhone or iPad. However, when the monitor arrived, the instructions only referred to iPhones and there was no mention of compatibility with Android. Having since undertaken some further research, I can confirm that it is compatible with Android devices (as least my Android 4.4.2 device) and even though there are no specific instructions for Android, the app seems to work in exactly the same way os the Apple app i.e. if you replace the work Apple with Android in the instruction manual, everything seems to work as anticipated.However,this is where one of the flaws of the device arises. In order to use the blood pressure monitor, you need to have a compatible smartphone. I realise that the majority of the smartphone market is controlled by Apple and Android (Google) however there is a not insignificant proportion of people using Windows Phones (which I use as my main phone) and Blackberry. This blood pressure monitor would be of no use to them. In addition, quite a large number of people don't even own a smartphone at all (indeed, it may be that a majority of people who most need this monitor i.e. the older generation, don't own a compatible smartphone) and so they are also excluded.However, putting the above limitations aside, making use of a smartphone app is a very good way of tracking blood pressure over time because this app stores previous results and you can then compare the results over time to identify spikes. Of course, it should be noted that this monitor is not a substitute for professional medical advice however it will indicate whether you are likely to have any blood pressure issues.Prior to first use, you will need to pair the monitor with your phone or tablet and this is as simple as turning the monitor on (which happens automatically when you unwrap the cuff) and tapping the phone against it. This pairs the device and the monitor then connects automatically thereafter. Once the pairing has been completed, it is as simple as attaching the monitor to your arm and pressing "start" on the app. At least in theory...What I actually found in reality was that it was not easy to find the right placement of the cuff. The instructions suggest that the "box" on the cuff should be placed on the inner part of the upper arm however when I did that, the app didn't show any results. I therefore undertook some trial and error and found that the only way to get a result was to place the "box" on the outer side of the upper arm i.e. on top of where you may have received your BCG injection as a child.Overall, given that I have an Android device and have been able to determine the correct placement by trial and error, I have very happy with the monitor and its system of recording results. However, before I would be willing to give this product 5 stars, I would like to see considerable improvement to the instructions and also apps developed for Windows Phone, at the very least.

27.11.2018

I am at that age when your health starts to show signs that your past 'sins' start catching up with your body. Two incidents hit me hard - my annual checkup in July 2018 and my holiday in August 2018. I had no family history of diabetes and yet, my blood tests showed I was in the pre-diabetic range during my checkup. During my holidays, my BP shot through the roof. Even though I was never diagnosed as hypertensive, I was at the top end of the pre-hypertensive range while on holidays! These were made worse by my weight which was at 95.8 kgs in August 2018.What was positive was that my GP advised me that I am not yet at that stage where these hiccups become permanent and everything can be reversed.So, having made a commitment to live a healthy lifestyle and reverse all those bad 'health metrics', I knew it is critical to measure vital personal health data points like my blood pressure.While we have an excellent BP measuring home unit, I wanted a unit that allows me to monitor, to record, and to have the facility to send aggregate data to my GP. After a quick look around of units and reviews given, I chose the QardioArm. This has been so far one of the best purchases I have made to date. After measuring my BP a couple of times and finding the results concur with the readings from our home unit and when I had my BP taken from our practice, I knew this product will help me measure my BPs and track progress.Since then, I started aiming for doing 10000 steps at least 3x to 4x a week, exercise at least 3x a week, and watched my food intake. The results are in the pictures attached. You can see where my BP started (Oct 2018) and where I am now (Nov 2018). The weight has also gone down too (from 95.8 kgs to 89.9 kgs). For me it is a no brainer. Buy it while the price is at these levels (£99 RRP now at £74. I bought the unit when it was £82 but I never regretted the purchase.)Excellent features:-> Triple measurement average to allow for the most accurate readings-> Connects seamlessly with the IOS app-> Gives you reminders when to take it and same reminders synchronizes with your IOS devices-> A single unit can be used by several individuals in the family (I read up to 10 individuals provided they have a copy of the app). I can confirm two different persons use the unit and app everyday.-> Portable and you can carry it anywhere as the size is just right-> Allows you to add your notes to allow you to have more insights when your measurements were taken-> For each result, shows where the result falls, i.e, optimal, normal, Grade-1 Hypertension, Grade-2 Hypertension, etc.-> Ability to share results with your GP immediately via emailWhat can be improved on --> The cuffs can be a bit fiddly when fitting it but once you get used to it, fitting becomes easier.

29.12.2014

It makes sense to check your blood pressure and of course ensure that you keep a record of it. This is especially relevant as one gets older and there are now many ways to do it.This item is the latest type of machine and in keeping with many new gadgets is based around the smart phone. Essentially it is a Bluetooth blood pressure recorder that is controlled and records via your iPhone.The setup is easy. You download the App from the Apple store and pair the devices via Bluetooth. You then attach the arm band with the battery/compressor/ brain to your arm in the normal way and set it off using the app on your phone.The unit will record systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as irregular heart rhythms.

17.7.2016

I suffer from high blood pressure. The doctor asked me to keep regular measurements so I bought a regular blood pressure monitor thinking the problem would go away. Unfortunately blood pressure isn't like a cold. Especially for someone like me who doesn't smoke, drink etc.This may be just me, but I found using a traditional blood pressure monitor and tracking the number cumbersome and put me off doing it. I finally gave in a decided to get the much more expensive smart monitor. I read reviews for this one and the Withings one, the Withings looked nicer but was a bit more expensive. I read a number of 5 star reviews of both and struggled to decide which one to get. I then read some 1 start reviews.

27.1.2015

The box that this blood pressure monitor arrives in is well designed and compact. It serves as a great protective case for the device and the Q logo on the top handily folds up to create a handle to help you pull the box open. Inside the box there is relatively little to see. The device itself, the instruction manual and a set of quick set up instructions. That is it.As other reviews have mentioned this device is compatible with android and iOS phones but the packaging itself only mentions iOS devices which led to a few panicked moments thinking we could not use it, which is not the case. Once I located the app on Google Play I found it simple and quick to install and the set up instructions were easy to follow.

1.2.2015

Instructions- easy to follow for use- pictures of how to put on the armband could be clearer- instructions on Bluetooth pairing were good and allowed us to be in and running in less than 5 minutes- brief but informative instructions on how the app works in conjunction with the armband and how to interpret its feedback to the userDownloading and setting up the app- this was fairly intuitive, and easy to install. Standard Apple app download.Using the armband- there is no digital display on the armband, so it relies 100% on interaction with the app. This to me wasn't a downside, the app is clear to follow and the device paired with the armband quickly- there is no on/off switch,

26.6.2016

Packaging: The Quadioarm was well packaged inside a neat cardboard tube contained in a small cardboard box and was thus well protected for transportation.Instructions: The supplied User Guide was both informative and easy to understand. However, the very small font used is considered to present a possible problem for older customers whose eyesight has deteriorated. I would guess that the majority of potential customers who need to monitor their blood pressure are both elderly and have reduced eyesight.Use: Although the monitor is a very neat and attractive design I found that I experienced unexpected difficulty actually fitting the cuff around my upper arm. The Velcro would keep sticking before I could tighten the cuff.

6.1.2015

Every year I have a week from Hades. I have volunteered to take the blood pressure of a friend morning and evening and record the results for him to take to his GP for his annual health check up. This is the only way he can get accurate readings as he has severe white coat syndrome and his blood pressure goes off the scale as soon as any medical staff go anywhere near him.Out of the box the set up was simple. I downloaded the Android app in the usual way. Then I switched my android phone on, and set it to look for Bluetooth devices. Opened the QuardioArm cuff and it paired first try. There was a little profile set up to do (height, weight, etc.) and then it was set. I like the fact that I can take 'guest'

12.1.2015

My wife (a doctor) rolled her eyes when I said I was getting this. I think she thought it would amplify my middle-age hypochondria. It's actually doing the reverse. There is something quite reassuring about knowing your blood pressure is normal. It's also instructive seeing the evidence that it does go up after stressful days, and comes down over time if you keep up exercise. You know they tell you that these things are true, but having the personalised data to prove it is quite motivating for making minor lifestyle adjustments. I also know that if I had previously gone to the doctors with high blood pressure, they would send me away and tell me to come in again over a few weeks before taking action.

18.5.2015

Saw this in an exhibition at the Design Museum recently.As I suffer from high blood pressure and travel a lot I was intrigued by the small form-factor and the fact that it is wireless.I have had the product for a couple of weeks now and I have to say it is great.Easy to carry around - much more portable than my previous device. Having the readings stored automatically on my iPhone (5s) is great and meant I could easily show the recent history to my doctor during my checkup a few days ago.As for the app - it seems pretty good. I’ve tried the reminders but don’t actually find them that useful as I tend to remember in the evening anyway and am often too rushed to check in the morning (it’s usually

18.8.2015

Having read some of the negative reviews on the Qardio I did think twice about investing. But as I have a condition that requires me to read and make record of my blood pressure every day I wanted something that I could use easily and discretely - this is the obvious choice. From a design perspective it's got a definite Apple-esque minimalist vibe written all over it. I'm surprised they haven't called it iQardio or something.So, it looks great but that's of little use if you can't get the thing to work. Again, there are some horror stories in the reviews about connection problems etc. This was what concerned me most. So, it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I took purchase.

23.12.2014

The monitor comes in a stiff cardboard tube for storage. There is an instruction booklet included and a quick setup guide. You will first of all need to download the app (for my iphone) from the app store, which is free. Once you run the app, you are requested to register for a free account with qardio (name & password) & also fill in a bit of info about yourself - height / weight / age. You are then requested to ensure your phone has Bluetooth enabled. From there pairing was instant - a quick pop up on my phone requesting confirmation to pair device and away I went.Fitting onto the arm was the first difficult bit, but after a couple of attempts, it became self explanatory. With the app open on your phone /

6.2.2015

The Quadio arm wireless blood pressure monitor is a truly excellent product. However, as it is dependent also on a mobile phone as a readout, then I felt I must deduct one star. I was however able to run it off my tablet, so all was not lost. This is no reflection on the product; but knowing that many places (like ours) is without a regular,or no, mobile signal this is important to note from the outset.. Past that issue, its extreme light Weight and very comfortable cuff makes it ideal for patients with sensitive or fragile skin issues. Its batteries (in theory) last one year and, having purchased several monitors before it is far beyond the accuracy provided by these!!!

30.1.2015

This QuardioArm blood monitor appears to be a well made product that is clearly aimed at the Apple customer market. Although Amazon state it as being android compatible, the instructions supplied are only for an iPhone. That said, upon further research, there is now an Android app available, which was fortunate, since I don't have an Apple phone. Connecting to my android phone (an HTC One) via Bluetooth was a painless exercise and the QuardioArm was up and running in no time.There is quite a detailed guide to obtaining a successful reading with the device, such as nut crossing your legs and sitting in an upright position, which I followed to the letter,

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