BP – best of three?

[guinness1759]

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

[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 in reply to tachycardia23]

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

[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 in reply to Handel]

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

[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.

[Swim2fitness]

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]

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]

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]

Advanced Critical Care Echocardiography - Complete Exam

youtu.be/OJB8ZNtVAvA(Not working as expected?)

[BobbyB1962]

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

[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]

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]

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

[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....

[Hidden]

maths was never my strong point!!