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At home BP monitor

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Posted 10/14/2014 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone know how accurate the at home blood pressure monitors are? My BP was 135/74 at the doctor's office this morning, so I bought one so I could check it at home. I've done it 4-5 times at home and it's been around 116/73 each time. Much better!!! I'm just wondering if I can rely on these results. I'm guessing I was just anxious at the doctor's office this morning.
Posted 10/14/2014 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
I do and that happens to me all the time depending on the doctor that I go to. My BP is always higher at the doctor. You can actually take the monitor to the doctor or a pharmacy and have them make sure it's working right, but it likely is! White coat syndrome is totally real!
Posted 10/14/2014 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Miss Gigi. I have a blood pressure monitor at home and mine is always lower than in the doctor's office. I do take BP medication so you'd think it wouldn't spike, but it does. Anxiety and stress can raise your blood pressure and when it's elevated in the doctor's office, they call it white coat syndrome. So, what I do is take random readings at home and write them down with date and time (and if there's anything important to note like if I just woke up, just ate or came in from a walk, etc.). Then, I show those readings to the doctor at my next appointment and and also bring along my blood pressure monitor and take my blood pressure in her office after the nurse takes mine so we can compare the two readings.

Good luck and don't stress over this.
yeah
Posted 10/14/2014 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks! That's a great idea to bring it in with me for comparison. I was thinking it might be white coat syndrome. I'm so relieved it is normal at home. I was avoiding getting a home monitor because I thought it would be bad for me to always be checking, but has actually given me some relief to see that it is a more normal reading at home. My readings have always been normal at the doctor's office, except for the last 10 months or so. I wonder why that is??
Posted 10/14/2014 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hello again. Lots of things change and affect that and it's hard to understand why. I don't know. I had anxiety many years ago but at times it will rear up unexpectedly and for no reason. With blood pressure, both physical and emotional reasons affect it. So, does weight and activity. Food and drinks. Now we're coming into the holiday season and there are lots of reasons for blood pressure to rise, too. If there's an upward trend on blood pressure, then it's a good idea to keep a journal of those readings along with what you're eating, drinking and doing, if you're ill, taking any medication, etc. Then, you and the doctor can go over those readings in your journal and find any reasons for the bp to be higher.
Posted 10/14/2014 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
Another thing to keep in mind, is if you take your BP rapidly in succession, it's going to be higher. If the cuff is deflated super-slowly, it's going to be higher. And sure, if you're nervous, it's going to be higher. Also, if you're talking (if they're taking your BP and asking you questions? Way higher!) And if your legs are crossed, higher reading too. Plus, if they let your arm dangle and do not SUPPORT it FOR you by holding your arm at heart-level,................(wait for it!)............higher!

Lots of factors.

One big thing is,....consistency. If you use your home meter, use just that one, and take it maybe twice a week, at the same time of day, and just keep a record as Lanie mentioned. Notice if there are changes in your reading...

(It can be a lot like how on different scales we weigh different amounts, same thing. Utilize one machine and observe for changes)!

Hands up for the white coat thingie! <-- Me too!





M.
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