HI / LO
Omron Blood Pressure Monitor
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
HI means your blood pressure reading is above normal range (typically above 180/100 mmHg). LO means it is below normal range (typically below 80/40 mmHg). These are real readings — not device errors.
Affected Models
- Omron M2
- Omron M3
- Omron M6
- Omron M7 Intelli IT
- Omron HEM-7156
- Omron Platinum
Common Causes
- HI — Hypertension: high blood pressure, stress, caffeine, white-coat effect, or missed medication
- HI — Measurement error: cuff too small, tight clothing, full bladder
- LO — Hypotension: dehydration, standing up quickly, heart condition, medication side effect
- LO — Measurement error: cuff too large or applied too loosely
How to Fix It
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Rest for 10 minutes and re-measure.
Stress, recent exercise, and caffeine all raise BP temporarily. If the second reading is normal, the first was likely situational.
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Check your measurement technique.
Cross-checking: sit with back supported, feet flat, arm at heart level, no talking. A wrong position can shift readings by 10–15 mmHg.
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For HI readings above 180/120 mmHg — act promptly.
If you also have symptoms (headache, chest pain, vision changes, shortness of breath), call emergency services immediately. This is a hypertensive crisis.
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For LO readings — sit or lie down.
Drink water if you feel dizzy. If LO is persistent or you feel faint, seek medical advice.
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Log your readings and discuss with your doctor.
One high or low reading is not a diagnosis. BP naturally varies through the day. A log of readings over several days gives your doctor a much clearer picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What blood pressure is too high to ignore?
A reading above 180/120 mmHg with symptoms (headache, chest pain, vision changes) is a medical emergency. Call emergency services. Without symptoms, rest and re-measure — if it stays above 180/120 twice, same advice applies.
My reading is always HI at the doctor but normal at home — is my Omron wrong?
This is called white-coat hypertension — BP rises in clinical settings due to anxiety. Home monitors are actually considered very reliable. Bring your Omron to your next appointment so the doctor can compare readings.