The Beurer BM 53 blood pressure monitor fared well in my at-home test – here’s why

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  Guide

  How arm position can affect your blood pressure reading

  by Anna Sandner

What can the Beurer BM 53 do?

The BM 53 is a clinically validated upper arm blood pressure monitor with advanced arrhythmia detection. That means it doesn’t just provide blood pressure readings – it can detect an irregular heartbeat and atrial fibrillation too. This feature could actually help prevent strokes. To ensure particularly accurate readings, the device offers triple measurement. This means it takes three separate measurements one after the other, then calculates an average figure. If you move while the reading is being taken or if you’ve positioned the cuff incorrectly, the machine will recognise the issue and flag it to prevent typical measurement errors.

How straightforward is it to operate?

The Beurer BM 53 is pleasingly uncomplicated to use, with a large start/stop button being all you need to start your reading. Two user profiles, each with 100 memory spots, allow you to document two people’s readings. The monitor calculates average values, for example for the previous seven days. It also boasts automatic pressure preselection and deflation. I found using the device self-explanatory; even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll soon get to grips with it.

How clear are the instructions?

The instructions are easy to follow and clearly explain the monitor’s most important functions. Advanced features such as arrhythmia detection and triple measurement are also illustrated in an understandable way. If you have a more specific question, however, such as how to delete individual readings, you’ll need to read a little more carefully. That being said, the instructions are absolutely fine for day-to-day use.

How comfortable is the cuff?

The cuff is high quality, pre-shaped and easy to put on. It fits securely without digging in, and the fit check feature lets you know if you’ve positioned it correctly. With a circumference of 22–42 cm, it fits most adults. When I tried it, the cuff felt comfortable. It didn’t pinch or squeeze, even after multiple uses.

How fast and how accurate are the measurements?

The measurements are fully automatic and take around 30–40 seconds to come through. Their accuracy is clinically validated and has been confirmed in tests. In fact, the BM 53 received a «very good» rating (94.2 per cent) in «ETM Testmagazin», emerging as the winner in its test category.

Is the display easy to read?

Blood pressure, pulse and additional information such as arrhythmias or the cuff fit check are displayed clearly and in large print on the light-up XL screen. A colour-coded scale helps you make sense of your readings at a glance. During my review, the display was easy to read, even in poor lighting. The only drawback, in my opinion, was that the display switches itself off fairly quickly if you’re not pressing any buttons. Though this can be a bit annoying, it does save battery power.

Does the monitor come with an app or any additional functions?

The BM 53 doesn’t have an app, nor does it support Bluetooth. In other words, you can only access the data from the monitor itself. This is a plus for data protection-conscious users, but if you want to process your data digitally, you’ll have to transfer it manually to your device of choice.

What about customer service and warranty?

Beurer offers a five-year warranty. That’s more than the average manufacturer, and is a testament to the device’s quality. In the event of a warranty claim, Beurer will repair or replace your monitor. Multiple customer reviews and product tests have stressed how durable the device is.

Is the device portable?

The BM 53 weighs in at 437 grammes and comes with a compact storage bag, so it’s pleasantly light and easy to transport. It runs on four AA batteries, but a mains adapter is available separately. With this in mind, it’s travel-friendly.