Omron HEM-712C Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor

Suggested Retail Price: $55.99

Rating: 7/10

Product Specs

• Automatic style
• Cuff size is 9 to 13 inches in circumference
• Runs on included AC adapter or not included 4 "AA" batteries
• 2 year warranty 

Features

• IntelliSense monitor
• Detects irregular heartbeat
• Hypertension indicator
• 30 memory units
• Comes with instruction manual

Disadvantages

• Few extra features
• Cuff doesn't fit large arms

Review

Of all of the Omron automatic blood pressure monitors, the HEM-712C is the most basic, even though it is only a little bit less expensive.  For someone who doesn't care at all about extras and just wants to measure there blood pressure, this is still a fine, accurate model.  However, someone who wants extras or has a large arm will probably want to buy a different blood pressure monitor.

Even though the Omron HEM-712C doesn't come with many extras, it's not totally devoid of features.  This blood pressure monitor still contains the Omron IntelliSense technology, which is helpful in automatically fitting the cuff to your arm for accuracy and comfort.  And this model still contains an irregular heartbeat detector, which many will appreciate.  Additionally, it will keep track of 30 memory units and advanced averaging, which can be helpful it keeping statistics, though 30 is on the low side.  If you want an Omron blood pressure monitor that will remember many previous readings, the Omron HEM-780 and the Omron HEM-790IT would be better options, with each remembering an excellent 200 memory units.

Although it does contain some of those basic features, a lot is missing compared to some of the top line Omron blood pressure monitors.  For starters, it lacks an automatic hypertension indicator.  It also lacks the ability to automatically detect morning hypertension and doesn't support an additional unit guest mode, nor does it contain Omron patented TruRead technology.  And if you do a lot of travelling, realize that there is no included carrying case for your blood pressure monitor.

The biggest flaw of the Omron HEM-712C, however, is that it won't be able to accommodate people with very large or small arms.  Make sure your arm is between 9 to 13 inches in circumference if you are thinking of buying this blood pressure monitor.  Furthermore, if your arm is just barely between the 9 to 13 inch range, accuracy can be an issue.  And some people also feel the d-ring cuff can squeeze a little bit too hard, so it won't be as comfortable as the top blood pressure monitors.

For all of its shortcomings, this really is not a bad blood pressure monitor because it still gives you an accurate reading.  So if you don't think you would use the extra features of more expensive models, and your arm is the right size for the cuff, the Omron HEM-712C is a completely adequate blood pressure monitor.