Use monitors you can rely on – validated by BIHS, recommended by the NHS

As health professionals, accurate blood pressure measurement is one of the most powerful tools we have in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. The British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) maintains the gold-standard list of validated blood pressure monitors. The approved list is maintained through a review of published validations where investigators have followed a recognised BIHS or similar European or International validation protocol.

These are the devices that:

• Meet internationally recognised validation protocols
• Are recommended by NICE and NHS England
• Are appropriate for use in both clinical and home settings

Access the BIHS Approved Monitor List email info@bsh.org.uk 

The approved list is a comprehensive list of monitors that have been validated but does not take into account price, availability, ease of use or additional features such as electronic recording, communication and display of measurements over time. As such the list does not provide any information on a “best buy”.

For transparency, we also list monitors that we have been unable to approve based on evidence of protocol violations in published validation studies. Devices no longer available are moved to the arhcived list. Note that these devices may still provide the justification for approved derivative devices that are listed.

For Procurement and Commissioning Teams

When buying monitors for your service, practice, or institution:

• Use only devices on the BIHS approved list
• Avoid devices with unverified claims, especially those not independently tested

The BIHS list is continually reviewed and updated. Manufacturers must apply for equivalence approval if a device is cosmetically updated.

For Manufacturers

Manufacturers seeking to have a new blood pressure device (e.g. sphygmomanometer or wearable) clinically validated by BIHS should contact us to discuss validation requirements, protocols, and timelines.

Technology Leadership: The Future of BP Monitoring

Technology for blood pressure measurement including through “wearable” devices such as watches and rings that provide long-term measures of blood pressure is advancing rapidly. Evaluation of this technology requires special consideration. The BIHS is modernising its approach to reflect the digital health era. BlHS is positioning itself as a scientific advisor and trusted partner for digital hypertension management, clinical governance and innovation, to lead on:

• Evaluating emerging devices, including wearables (e.g. watches and rings)
• Providing position statements on new technologies
• Supporting policy development around AI-driven BP monitoring

We are actively engaging with:

• Government advisory panels
• Device manufacturers and innovators
• NHS procurement frameworks