BP – best of three?: In relation to... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,711 members34,242 posts

BP – best of three?

guinness1759 profile image
15 Replies

In relation to home blood pressure readings just wonder what people understand the term “take the best of three readings” to actually mean? Quite literally the best of three readings (seldom the first one!)? Or add each up and then divide the answer by three to get a figure?

I realise that it probably doesn't matter as long as consistent, and daily home readings will give a pattern over time.

thanks

Written by
guinness1759 profile image
guinness1759
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
15 Replies
tachycardia23 profile image
tachycardia23

I just take one reading at around the same time each day and add it to the blood pressure readings on my iPhone.

guinness1759 profile image
guinness1759 in reply totachycardia23

thanks for getting back to me. I add "best one" to an app also, and send a summary to GP monthly.

Handel profile image
Handel

My GP just told me to take 3 readings at leat 2 minutes apart and stick with the last reading (which was almost normal (ish) compared to the first two!!!

Best of luck. Jan xxx

guinness1759 profile image
guinness1759 in reply toHandel

thanks - I would certainly usually have to discount the first, and yes the last is probably the "best".

redolive55 profile image
redolive55

I usually take several blood pressure readings, especially if the first number is high. I take the lowest reading. There is quite a difference between the first reading and the last one.

my doctor said make sure you are sitting relaxed before taking then take 3 or 4 readings and record the lowest reading (the best). Anxiety of taking them at all raises BP so first could be high and if not calm and relaxed so could second or third. If you don’t get a near normal result. Try another time the same day as BP fluctuates depending on activity, fluid levels etc. it’s about checking your levels when doing little that counts rather than top BL by under stress.

Carercmb profile image
Carercmb

I was told by the nurse at the medical centre to sit quietly for a few minutes, no drinking and not just after food.Take three readings with a minute in between.Record the last or best reading as BP changes all the time.

scentedgardener profile image
scentedgardener

The advice I was given was to take 2 readings, a minute or two apart, add them together then divide by 2 for the average. I do this morning and evening, most days, but don't fret about forgetting a couple of days.I work out the average every 10 readings. It's surprising how consistent it is despite the odd high or low reading. It makes it much easier to see it there's any upward or downward trend.

Auiron profile image
Auiron

Advanced Critical Care Echocardiography - Complete Exam

youtu.be/OJB8ZNtVAvA

BobbyB1962 profile image
BobbyB1962

I was told to take the best of the three, not the average.

Izz18 profile image
Izz18

Hello, I was told to sit for 5 mins and then to take 3 readings a minute apart. Divide by 3 and record the average. Do it in the morning and again in the evening. Divide the 2 average totals by 2 which gives a daily average. The daily average is the bp reading my surgery is interested in. BP does seem to vary during the day - mine is always lower in the evening - I suppose that is when I sit and relax!! All the best.

Sasrob2000 profile image
Sasrob2000

I just bought a new BP Monitor that you link to an app on your phone. If I use Afib mode it takes 3 reading at 30 sec intervals and then averages it out. The great thing is that it connects to your app and you can select whatever data you need.. example.. 1 week.. 1 month 6 months, morning or evening only readings.. so you can see a timeline in fantastic detail etc.. You can also share the information with your Dr. if you want to.

Dj1962 profile image
Dj1962

Hi..most recommended blood pressure monitors, take 3 readings automatically over about 5 minutes..

serenfach profile image
serenfach

I take 3 readings over about 7 minutes, stick them in a spreadsheet and get the average for each month.

Just make sure you are sitting upright in a chair with your legs uncrossed and no speaking. I just zone out for a bit before, not difficult, as I tend to zone out all the time....

maths was never my strong point!!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Accuracy of Home BP Monitoring

I suggested some time ago that people should check their home equipment against that of their GP or...
MichaelJH profile image
Heart Star

Taking BP at home

When taking your BP at home, should you take the average of, say, 3 readings, or just the last...

Bp readings

Hi all I take bp readings 1hr after get up and at 21:00 on evening readings are 120/79 am and...
Djt1967 profile image

BP readings way out of kilter!

Newbie here so please be gentle if my query is in the re-inventing the wheel category. I've had...
tcpace profile image

Wrist BP Monitors - A Warning

When recommending BP monitors I always recommend Omron and advise buying one with an upper arm cuff...
MichaelJH profile image
Heart Star

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.