What the screen shows, top to bottom
- Systolic blood pressure reading
- Diastolic blood pressure reading
- Pulse rate - the same spot shows the memory number for about 1.5 seconds when recalling stored readings
- Date and time, plus the user ID (1 or 2) and any status symbols
Symbols you may see
| Symbol | What it means |
|---|---|
| Heartbeat symbol | Flashes while a measurement is taking place. |
| Deflation symbol | Appears while the cuff is deflating. |
| Memory symbol | Appears when you are viewing readings stored in memory rather than a fresh measurement. |
| Average value symbol | Flashes when you are viewing the average of the latest two or three readings taken within a 10-minute window. |
| User ID symbol | Shows which user (1 or 2) the reading belongs to, chosen with the user ID selection switch. |
| High symbol | OMRON's own indicator that a reading is above the threshold built into the monitor. It does not change the numbers, so log them exactly as shown. |
| Irregular heartbeat symbol | Appears when an irregular rhythm was detected two or more times during a measurement; a number shows whether it was detected twice or three or more times. OMRON notes it can also appear when the monitor detects arm movement. |
| Movement error symbol | Appears with your reading when your body moved during the measurement. OMRON suggests removing the cuff, waiting two to three minutes and measuring again. |
| Low battery / depleted battery symbols | The low-battery symbol flashes when the four AA batteries are running low; the depleted symbol means they must be replaced. |
Stored readings and averages
The monitor stores up to 60 readings per user for two users, selected with the user ID switch. Press the memory button to see the most recent reading (memory number 1) with an alternating date/time display, and use the forward/backward buttons to scroll; holding the memory button for more than two seconds shows the average of the latest two or three readings taken within 10 minutes, marked by a flashing average symbol.
How to take a reading you can trust
- Sit with your back supported and feet flat, and rest for five minutes before you start.
- Cuff at heart level on bare skin, arm resting on a table — the same arm every time.
- Take two readings a minute apart and write both down; don't pick the one you prefer.
- Note the time and anything unusual — before or after medication, feeling unwell — next to the numbers.
Photographing this display for a scan
- Wait for the pulse figure to settle - right after pressing the memory button the memory number occupies that spot for about 1.5 seconds.
- Include the top and bottom edges of the screen so the user ID, date/time and any high, irregular-heartbeat or movement symbols are in frame.
- When photographing a stored reading, the date and time alternate; take two shots a few seconds apart so one shows the date and one the time.
- Photograph from directly in front of the screen with room lights behind you, not behind the monitor, to avoid glare on the display.
How do I tell a stored reading from a new one on the 5 Series?
Look for the memory symbol: it appears only when you are viewing readings from memory, and the most recent stored reading is numbered 1. A fresh measurement shows no memory symbol. If the average symbol is flashing, you are looking at the average of the last two or three readings within ten minutes, not a single measurement - label it as an average in your log so the two are never confused.
Should I log the average or the individual readings?
Record the individual readings, each with its date and time, and mark averages separately if you use them. The monitor's average covers only the latest two or three readings taken within ten minutes, so it is useful for a same-sitting summary but not for a weekly overview. Monitor2Log lets you photograph the display or your paper log and check every number before saving, so both single readings and averages stay accurate.
The high symbol appeared with my reading - what do I write down?
Write down exactly the systolic, diastolic and pulse numbers on the screen, plus the date, time and a note that the symbol appeared. The high symbol is OMRON's built-in indicator and does not alter the measurement itself. Whether a reading matters for you is a question for your doctor or nurse, so keeping a faithful record - including any symbols - is the most useful thing you can do.