Why Validated Blood Pressure Monitors Matter More Than Ever
- SLM Team
- Feb 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 26
A Call to Retailers and Frontline Staff
When you work face‑to‑face with customers, you see firsthand how much trust people place in the products you recommend. That trust is powerful and it’s exactly why I feel so strongly about the importance of using and recommending blood pressure monitors that have been validated for accuracy.
Affordability matters, especially in today’s climate. But price should never come at the cost of reliability. Too often, cheaper blood pressure monitors come with a hidden problem: they haven’t been validated, meaning there’s no guarantee their readings are accurate. And because most customers and even many front‑of‑store staff aren’t aware of which devices are credible, people can unknowingly end up with monitors that simply don’t measure what they claim to.
Let’s look at why this matters so much.
To understand the scale of the issue, consider this: A study conducted by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research (University of Tasmania) assessed blood pressure monitors available for sale in Australia in April 2020. Their conclusion was sobering:
“Our extensive assessment showed that only 7% of the 972 models of blood pressure monitoring devices available for purchase had been validated.” Professor James Sharman
That means 93% of monitors available in Australia at the time had no proper accuracy validation.
This is the reason I draw comparisons, like a parachuting instructor choosing the cheapest, untested gear. The equipment might look fine, instructor might even believe it’s fine, but the consequences of inaccuracy can be enormous.
Validated devices are not an optional luxury…they are a necessity!
The National Hypertension Taskforce: Accuracy Is a National Priority
In 2022, the Australian Government launched the National Hypertension Taskforce, with an ambitious goal:
Increase national blood pressure control from 32% to 70% by 2030.
They shared the most recent national breakdown at the time:
· 6.8 million Australian adults had hypertension
· 3.4 million (50%) were unaware they had it
· 1.2 million (18%) knew but their blood pressure wasn’t controlled
· Only 2.2 million (32%) had controlled blood pressure
For the Taskforce to hit the 2030 target, validated devices must become standard across general practice, allied health, and community settings including pharmacy environments where home monitors are generally purchased.
Why? Because confidence in measurement underpins every step of hypertension detection and management. Without accurate readings, nothing downstream can be trusted.
The Stroke Foundation Perspective: Why Accurate Monitoring Matters to Australia
Stroke is one of Australia’s most significant health challenges. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), stroke claimed 9,147 lives in 2024, making it one of the nation’s top five killers.
The Stroke Foundation reports that in 2023:
· There were approximately 45,785 stroke events, one every 11 minutes
· More than 80% of strokes could be prevented
· 1 in 4 strokes occurred in people under 65
· The future economic impact is estimated at $9 billion per year
With around 46,000 stroke events every year, every part of the healthcare ecosystem including community and retail settings plays a role in helping Australians access tools that support prevention efforts.
And again, this brings us back to accuracy. If blood pressure readings aren’t reliable, people can’t make informed decisions with their healthcare providers.
The Issue of Fake “Validations”
Some devices claim to be “WHO approved” or “WHO tested.” This is misleading.
The World Health Organization does not test, validate, or endorse blood pressure monitors.
They simply recommend using validated devices.
One of the most reliable places to check is STRIDE BP, a global non‑profit scientific organisation created by hypertension experts. It maintains an up‑to‑date list of validated monitors that customers and staff can rely on.
All MY Healthstyle BP Monitors are Validated for Accuracy by STRIDE BP with the MY Smart Pro being validated safe for use in pregnancy and preeclampsia.
Four Simple Steps for Staff When Helping a Customer Choose a BP Monitor
1. Ask why the customer wants a monitor. Is it for routine tracking, occasional checks, or something else?
2. Ask whether they’ve been told they have high blood pressure. This helps guide the type of monitor that will best meet their needs. 3. Match needs with a validated device. Prioritise monitors listed on recognised validation sources.
4. Give customers information on best practices for home measurement. This empowers them to use their device properly and consistently.
These steps aren’t about giving health advice they’re about helping customers choose products that serve them well.
In the End, It All Comes Down to Trust
In pharmacy, every recommendation builds trust. Customers depend on you to guide them toward reliable, high‑quality products. Choosing validated blood pressure monitors is not just a stock decision, it shows your commitment to accuracy and confidence.
Millions of Australians rely on trustworthy readings at home, and the Hypertension Task Force’s 2030 goals highlight how important accurate monitoring has become. With MY Blood Pressure Monitors, you can recommend with confidence. Every model is internationally validated and offers customers an affordable, dependable option.
Warm regards,
Glen Knocker
Managing Director
Silverline Medical Pty Ltd
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