Omron Automatic Mx2 Basic Blood Pressure Monitor

This is an at home automatic blood pressure reader. Completely different from the old school type that your GP might use with the hand pump and the little dial and stethoscope. This is a cuff just like you'd get at the doctors, with a tube that runs into a box with a simple display.
There are only two buttons on the machine, on/off and go (the button that pumps the cuff up). So, slip the cuff on, tighten it up relax, and press the button. It makes a bit of a strange noise but nothing too loud/scary, and the cough gently inflates (nothing like the tightness a GP can use when they just seem to pump til your arm pops off!). Then it will gradually deflate and the numbers on the display drop down, a few seconds later you'll have your reading. Also it will show your heart rate.
I got bought this as a gift (strange gift idea I know but I really loved it, testing it out on all my friends, playing doctor). I have a definite case of white coat syndrome, and this is somewhat reassuring to see yes, I don't have some freakish disorder sending my BP soaring, I just get nervous. Though I think this is designed maybe for those who are already diagnosed with hypertension and need to monitor their medication perhaps.
According to amazon they're now available for about £12.something, which is an incredibly reasonable price, you'd easily spend that on a small first aid kit!
I'd reccommend this to those with pre-existing conditions involoving changes in blood pressure, and for those who are just curious about there BP but don't want to meither the doctor.
One thing to be noted, these electronic devices (both at home and in a medical setting) are not as accurate as an old fashioned cuff and stethoscope (or so I've been told by doctors). Hence it is not a replacement for medical care, more a supplement to your healthcare to run alongside the advice of a real doctor