Blood Pressure Monitors

[sarniacherie]

Why don't medics give the same advice? The cardiologist tells me to buy the standard blood pressure monitor widely used in surgeries and clinics to keep a check on my blood pressure and heart rate, especially when having a PAF episode. I do as he suggests but the practice nurse at my new GP (recently moved house) tells me that this standard Omron M2 Basic does not give accurate readings during an AF or PAF episode. She used a much fancier machine to do my blood pressure readings. What advice has anyone else using Bp monitors been given?

[CDreamer]

Your nurse is absolutely correct, probably because she will take a lot more BPs than your cardiologist. I get error messages with BP machines when in AF.

There are some machines which detect arrythmias & can compensate a little but I still get error messages.

It’s the experience rather than the advice given which is relevant. I’ve been told so many conflicting things by medics that I now check everything.

[sarniacherie in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, this is not the first time I have had different advice!!! Keep well. X

[Paulbounce]

I think these devices can help but can also give a false reading. For me I don't panic if it gives a negative outcome - I just try again 10 minutes later and double check.

Fitbit's are the same. I think you learn to take a number of readings before jumping to conclusions. One reading might not be correct - use such devices as a guide to help you decide if you need seek further medical help.

True story - I may have posted it before. I bought one such device for about 20 quid once. I did a reading in town there and then. It said my BP was very high it was panic stations. I found the local GP surgery and asked to be checked there and then. They were very kind and checked it for me even though I wasn't registered with them. It did seem urgent at the time.

The reading was fine - the medic said I would have been better off spending the 20 quid on a packet of fags and a bottle of whiskey !

Paul

[tunybgur in reply to Paulbounce]

You have to check your BP when sitting and relaxed.

[sarniacherie in reply to tunybgur]

Thank you for that. I had my bp taken the other morning after I had been stuck in roadworks traffic and rushed into the surgery. Might explain the reading! Keep well.

[sarniacherie in reply to Paulbounce]

What a great story. I am usually reluctant to buy equipment to use at home but my cardiologist was so persuasive about a bp monitor. Perhaps I will try the fags and whiskey next time! Keep well.

[Paulbounce in reply to sarniacherie]

It's a tough call Sarina - a heart monitor or fags and whiskey ?

Jack Daniels anyone

Paul

[tunybgur]

I have an Omron M2 which is one of the BHF recommended devices and works fine when I'm in sinus rhythm, but I don't think any of the commercially available monitors will give a reliable reading when in Afib.

Good luck

[Truckerclark]

I’ve got a blood pressure monitor , that gives me a good reading while I’m in AF , it’s got a bit on it that tells you your heart is in erratic rhythm, but still gives you blood pressure reading, not saying it’s perfect but I’ve had AF for near.y 20 years now ,and it’s one of the best I’ve had ,,, checked it at docs it was as good as hers ,,, it’s lovia, digital blood pressure monitor , got it from amazon I’m sure ,

[sarniacherie in reply to Truckerclark]

Thanks for your reply. I shall Google that monitor. Keep well.

[doodle68]

I was told by my Doctor not to try taking my BP when in PA-F because it is to erratic and you won't get an accurate reading.

My Omron BP monitor is the same one used by many Doctors surgeries and it will record an irregular heartbeat but not an accurate systolic/diastolic pressure .

When in P-AF my heart rate is of more concern than my BP and for that I use a Kardia.

[sarniacherie in reply to doodle68]

That's interesting. Thanks for taking the time to reply to me. Keep well.

[lindat15]

At AF patient day couple of years ago one of cardiologists attending said most accurste he'd found for AF patients was a Microlife Watch BP home- I used this regularly when in persistent AF. Takes 3 readings each time. Was on recommended list when I bought couple of years ago.

[sarniacherie in reply to lindat15]

Thanks for your reply. I will have a look at this monitor you have suggested. I want to have something that is giving me accurate readings! Keep well.

[Ianc2]

Just arrived back from a cataract operation . Going in 172/ 71 coming out 221/105. Any comments?

[sarniacherie in reply to Ianc2]

I am no medic but perhaps stress related with facing an operation. There is such a thing as 'white coat syndrome' where being in a medical environment can raise blood pressure. I hope it has settled down now. Keep well.

[KMRobbo]

I doubt you get an accuate reading from a monitor when in afib ( i have an omron m6 IT) BUT actually what use is the reading anyway? You are stressed, initially so you would expect a high reading, but if your heart is not pumping properly you would expect it to be lower . So what does the result tell you ? Its an abnormal situation.

[sarniacherie in reply to KMRobbo]

Very true and that is why I have never been keen to buy medical equipment to self test. Thanks for your reply. I hope you keep well.