Fluctuating BP check reading worries…

[Kellan38]

I did a series of BP checks evening, and as I was quite confused by the differing results. I did 9 tests spread over around 15 minutes, and as is always the case, the first reading was very high at 147/94, and the second was 143/91. I was quite alarmed by that, especially as my checks this morning had been perfectly OK,

Despite the fact that the first 2 checks scared me a little bit, the subsequent tests were all lower, with the last 3 being 118/82, 120/83 and 117/78.

I was, admittedly, slightly nervous when I did the first two checks, but could that alone be responsible for the initial ‘highs’?

Any help or advice that you could give me on this would be very gratefully received.

[Happyrosie]

I think maybe you’ve answered your own question.147 is indeed a bit on the high side but not alarmingly so. Before you take your pressures, sit down for ten minutes with the cuff on and doing something quiet (read a book, quiet chat about nothing, listen to music). Take three slow but not deep breaths and start machine and keep your eyes closed, no talking, while the machine works.

If you are already doing this, and your BP’s over several days are markedly different (by about 40] then see your doc.

Your pressure will differ throughout the day (I always take mine mid-afternoon myself so it’s consistent).

Another thought. Unless your BP is quite unsettled, keep the checks down to say once a week. My nurse pharmacist suggested I do mine once a month in fact as my values have been fairly consistent over the years.

[Kellan38 in reply to Happyrosie]

Many thanks for your reply, Happyrosie.

My readings do seem subject to my thoughts and emotions, and I’ve been wondering just now how many other things in our lives are subject to our moods and whims. One to ponder, perhaps?

[Happyrosie in reply to Kellan38]

Just so!

[peter999999999]

dont keep checking, you lucky mine use to go up sometimes not down,id be happy at the first number,do you think you are better checking till you get it lower,makes no diffence walk up stairs it will go up.in fact when i was on bp meds doc said if it went past 116 /80 to stop meds and ring him, you can go to low, im usually well was running about 160/90 for the last 14 years and refuse to take drugs now and never check bp, works for me im 75 next year and walk 9 odd miles a day,

[katieoxo60]

Hello GrahamB8, its not unusual for BP to fluctuate. Everyone is different . Try the ideas suggested on here and do try to relax . I have been treated for raised blood pressure since in my twenties I have no major illness causing it. . Have been taking a daily reading but now told to just submit it once a month a weekly reading . I do have problems with the drugs so have to try other methods and this has been so for around five years or more. Why not ask your GP about using none medical methods , unfortunately the new suggested blood pressure numbers are causing both patients, other services and GPs to be even more careful about numbers, whats more important is that your GP is aware of normal for you which may not be the same as the text book suggestions.Enjoy the rest of your day.

[Libuse]

I am in the same position as you Graham with similar fluctuation of BO for I imagine, the same cause- White coat syndrome. As I get more used to using home monitor, readings gradually come down to average 127/75 am to 138/80 pm. Started off alarmingly high at 171/88 in surgery and was almost persuaded to take medication on the spot! I always do reading twice. If you have anxious disposition 1st reading always higher. I know I am at odds with some of other advice given you but I know myself and in my case, taking BP twice a day has meant familiarity breeding contempt and fear dissipating. Hope this reassures you a bit

[Hidden]

This is common…the ”white coat” syndrome …most people “tense” up when connected to diagnostic machinery….ecg machines for example….taking 9 readings in 15 minutes will produce fluctuating readings….Best to take first thing before getting out of bed…that will provide a more accurate reading at rest…..BP will rise during the day as you go about your business and start to fall towards bed time…taking lots and lots of readings will cause you to develop a conditioned response that elevates your readings…so limit these to two a day or less!…only once you have stopped rushing around and always use a cuff around the arm about the same level as the heart…wrist readings can often be inaccurate.

[Kellan38]

To all,

I’m so sorry for having failed to respond to everyone who responded to me. I was of the impression that all the comments had ended, and I apologise what what made seemed to be rudeness and ingratitude on my behalf. Thank you for taking the time to reply, and I’ll try to be more attentive in future,

Regards

Graham