The Hilo Band and a traditional blood pressure cuff measure blood pressure differently and are designed for different purposes. As a result, their measurements may not always match.
1. Only compare cuff measurements with another cuff
The Hilo Band estimates your blood pressure using optical sensors after it has been calibrated with the Hilo Cuff. For this reason, the Hilo Band should not be directly compared with another blood pressure monitor.
If you would like to compare measurements, compare a Hilo Cuff measurement with a measurement taken using another validated upper-arm blood pressure monitor.
2. Accurate calibration is essential
The accuracy of the Hilo Band depends on successful calibration.
During onboarding, you must complete 4 successful calibrations with the Hilo Cuff. These initial calibrations are essential because they establish your personalised blood pressure profile and allow the Hilo Band to estimate your blood pressure accurately.
After onboarding, the Hilo Band must be recalibrated at least every 30 days to maintain accuracy. You may recalibrate more frequently if you wish, particularly if recommended by the app or if your health status has changed.
3. The Hilo App displays a 2-hour average
A traditional cuff provides a single blood pressure measurement at one moment in time.
By contrast, the Hilo Band automatically measures your blood pressure throughout the day and night. In the detailed blood pressure view of the Hilo App, the graph displays the average blood pressure over 2-hour intervals, creating a curve that reflects how your blood pressure changes over time rather than showing individual measurements.
Because the graph displays averaged values, they may differ from a single on-demand cuff measurement.
4. Blood pressure changes continuously
Blood pressure is dynamic and changes from one heartbeat to the next. It also varies throughout the day in response to physical activity, emotional stress, posture, sleep, meals and many other physiological factors.
For this reason, differences between a single cuff measurement and the Hilo Band's averaged blood pressure values are expected. Differences of up to ±10 mmHg are within the normal range for validated devices and do not indicate a malfunction.
5. Many factors can influence cuff measurements
Blood pressure measurements taken with a cuff can be influenced by several factors, including:
Incorrect cuff size or placement
Incorrect body or arm position
Talking or moving during the measurement
Stress or anxiety during cuff inflation (sometimes referred to as the white coat effect)
Recent exercise, caffeine, nicotine or meals
Bladder distension (a full urinary bladder), which has been shown to temporarily increase blood pressure until the bladder is emptied
For consistent readings, ensure you are seated, relaxed, with your arm at heart level, legs uncrossed, and avoid talking during the measurement.
What should I do if the difference seems large?
If your Hilo Band readings consistently differ from your expectations:
Confirm that you completed all 4 initial calibrations successfully.
Ensure your most recent calibration was completed correctly. Remember that recalibration is required at least every 30 days, although it can be performed more frequently.
Compare the Hilo Cuff with another validated upper-arm blood pressure monitor by following the manufacturers' instructions for both devices.
If you continue to notice unexpected differences after successful calibration, contact Hilo Customer Support for further assistance.
Can I trust my Hilo Band readings?
Yes. The Hilo Band is designed to provide continual blood pressure monitoring after successful calibration with the Hilo Cuff. It has been clinically validated and meets the ISO 81060-2 accuracy requirements for non-invasive blood pressure monitors. Like any blood pressure monitor, proper use and correct calibration are essential for obtaining accurate results.