Innovations to Omron Healthcare Home Blood Pressure Monitors Provide New Solutions for Consumers

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Omron Healthcare, Inc. the number one brand recommended by doctors in the home blood pressure category, is simplifying home blood pressure monitoring for consumers with the launch of its new product line. According to research from the American Heart Association (AHA), the best way to predict the risk of stroke or heart attack due to high blood pressure is through systematic monitoring at home rather than periodic checks in the doctor's office(1). Long recognized for their accuracy and ease-of-use, the newest offerings from Omron make it easier for people to stay on top of their blood pressure between visits to their doctor.

"High blood pressure often shows no symptoms which is why it is important to alert consumers to monitor their blood pressure at home between doctor's visits," said Jeff Ray, Omron Healthcare's senior product manager, blood pressure. "We have redesigned our entire product line and packaging, making it easier for consumers to understand which product is best for them. Our new features ensure they are getting an accurate reading every time they use an Omron product."

The Importance of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

One out of three adults in the U.S. suffers from hypertension (high blood pressure)(2) and research shows home blood pressure monitoring can be vital to reducing a patient's risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure(3). The AHA also reports that hypertension affects over 74 million people in the United States, and often has no symptoms, which is why many people refer to it as "the silent killer."

Monitoring blood pressure at home is one of the most important things people can do to reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke.  More than 50 percent of people with high blood pressure who monitor at home show an improvement in medication compliance and are quicker to take action(3).  With that in mind, it's critical to use a home blood pressure monitor that provides accurate results like those from Omron which are clinically validated.

New Blood Pressure Monitors from Omron Healthcare

Omron is dedicated to developing products that fit into different lifestyles and cater to specific personal needs, in turn, making it easy to take blood pressure readings accurately.  After conducting detailed consumer research, Omron developed the Series™ line as a way to easily determine what blood pressure monitor is perfect for you.  Once more, Omron has developed a ranking system within the Series™ (3, 5, 7 and 10) which further details what benefits the product will provide.

The Series™ is divided into four different categories which feature both upper arm and wrist blood pressure monitors throughout;   Quick and Easy (3 Series™, 5 Series™), Precision and Comfort (7 Series™), Advanced Features and Information (10 Series™), and Convenient and Portable (3 Series™ Wrist, 7 Series™ Wrist).

Advanced monitors in the new Series™ include innovative technology featuring:

• Calibration Check – Dual sensors which automatically double check each blood pressure reading, providing added reassurance that every reading is accurate
• Cuff Wrap Guide – A visual indicator confirms the cuff has been wrapped correctly on your arm.  The blood pressure monitor will not continue with a reading until the cuff is wrapped securely
• Heart Guide Technology – This feature is found exclusively on the Omron wrist blood pressure monitors.  The feature ensures an accurate reading every time by utilizing a unique positioning sensor that automatically confirms the cuff is level with the user's heart.

Omron Partners with "The Dr. Oz Show"

Omron Healthcare recently joined forces with "The Dr. Oz Show" in an integrated media partnership to help spread the word about the importance of home blood pressure monitoring. The integration included a sponsored segment on The Dr. Oz Show's premiere episode, in addition to a consumer incentive that encouraged viewers to visit www.doctoroz.com and download a $10 coupon good on any Omron Healthcare home blood pressure monitor at participating retailers.

For more information on Omron Healthcare's products, visit www.TrustYourHeartToOmron.com. You can also "Like" Omron on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/OmronHomeBP, or follow @OmronHomeBP on Twitter for current trends and new product information.

About Omron Healthcare, Inc.

Omron Healthcare, Inc., located in Bannockburn, IL, is the North and South American sales and marketing office of Omron Healthcare Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of blood pressure monitors for home use. With more than 100 million monitors sold worldwide to date, Omron Healthcare Group was the first to introduce manual and digital blood pressure monitors into the home healthcare market. Omron Healthcare offers innovative products and medical devices for use in sites ranging from hospitals to the home in the blood pressure monitoring, fitness diagnostics, thermometry, and respiratory categories. Omron Healthcare markets clinically proven products that provide accurate health information to consumers and physicians and support positive lifestyle changes and health improvement. For more information, visit www.omronhealthcare.com.

(1)  http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63T4Q920100430

(2)  Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2009 Update, American Heart Association

(3)  Hypertension, 2008; 52: 10-29.

SOURCE Omron Healthcare, Inc.