Blood pressure....Freaking out!

[nickie420me]

I took my blood pressure and it was 133/114 but then took it again 10 minutes later and it was 119/80. Has this ever happened to any of you? Maybe I had the cuff on too loose?!

[Agora1]

nickie420me, it has happened to me on many occasions. Anything from the cuff being too loose, or placing it over a sleeve of clothing will do that. Apprehension of course in what the numbers may be can also cause a negative high reading.

When taking your b/p make sure you are relaxed 10 min before taking it, keep both feet flat on the ground, have your arm extended the height of your heart. Relax and take your pressure.

It is best not to get into the habit of taking it too often because you will get false/positive readings that will make it go up. Leave it for your doctor visits, unless he says differently.

[nickie420me in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for responding! That makes me feel much better!