Blood pressure

[Stephxo2217]

Has anyone else experienced inaccurate blood pressure readings? I took my blood pressure on my wrist monitor and it stated my blood pressure was 144/100 but I tried it on a different wrist monitor and it was 117/75 so I’m not sure which one is true, please help!

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer]

A more accurate reading is given when using a cuff around the upper arm, rather than that given by a wrist or finger.

There are many different kinds of home blood pressure monitors, but it’s easiest to use a monitor that is fully automatic (digital).

Choose a machine with an upper arm cuff

Choose one that measures your blood pressure at your upper arm, rather than at your wrist or finger, they tend to be more reliable.

Make sure you have the right cuff size

An upper-arm blood pressure monitor will come with a cuff that you wrap around your arm. Make sure you have the right size, otherwise your reading won’t be accurate.

Most home blood pressure monitors will come with a medium-sized cuff, and you might need to order a different-sized cuff separately. To find out what size you need, measure around your arm at the midpoint between your shoulder and elbow, and see where it sits on the chart below. The instructions that come with your monitor will also have information on the cuff size.

Keep your home blood pressure monitor calibrated

Automatic blood pressure monitors need to be re-calibrated at least once every two years – the instructions that come with your monitor will say how often. This is where the monitor is tested and adjusted to make sure it’s giving you accurate results. To have your monitor re-calibrated, you will need to send it back to the manufacturer. There will probably be a fee for this service. Alternatively, you might prefer to buy a new one.

Choose a monitor to suit your budget

Blood pressure monitors vary in price, and there are a number of inexpensive, reliable machines available, starting at about £20. The price usually depends on the number of extra features it has, for example, a built-in memory that stores all your readings.

You don’t need to choose an expensive machine. All you need to measure your blood pressure correctly is a monitor that’s clinically validated, and a pen and paper to record your readings. Extra features can be helpful but they are not necessary, so choose a monitor that you can afford.

Check with your doctor that you know how to use it

It’s a good idea to bring your monitor to your clinic appointment so that your doctor or nurse can check that it’s accurate, the cuff fits, and you know how to use it. They can help you if you’re not sure.

[ling]

You might want to try posting in this link as well -

High blood pressure support

healthunlocked.com/blood-pr...

Best wishes.