Home blood pressume monitors

[cheltsam83]

Hello,

At a health check the other day I was told I had very slightly elevated Blood pressure, but the nurse thought it because I was slighty stressed, but suggested I buy a home BP monitor.

Does anyone use them.

I get different results about a min apart.

First reading is usually around 123/84 then I wait about 2 mins and it is 117/80 ish, How can my BP drop so quickly?

This happens every time I use the thing.

Taking blood pressure is like taking a snapshot. Just like with photos, you're a little different each time. Watch out for general trends, rather than one 'correct' reading.

It probably drops me n such a short time because the first time, you've been moving about getting it set up, then, the second time, you've been sat still for a few minutes. Moving about raises your heart rate and blood pressure. That's why people with high blood pressure aren't meant to exercise too intensely: the natural rise in pressure puts them into a dangerously high range.

You could try doing 5 blood pressures every evening, noting them down and then taking an average. Do that for a week and you'll have a really good overview of your BPs 👍

I have 2, an Omron one and one from Lloyds Chemist (inherited). Both give different readings. I do test 3 times and the readings are lower each time, the readings are also lower when I take long deep breaths, presumably more relaxed. I do usually get higher readings with the Nurse. As long as I get a reasonable reading of say 143/80 that’s about right with me.

I was told to always disregard the first reading. I don't even look at it - just reset and take it again.

See what happens if you get set up then sit and watch telly for half an hour before taking a reading. 120/80, probably!

I usually take 2 or 3 readings and use the lowest. Those readings look ok to me though.

You’re supposed to have been sat still for 15 minutes beforehand I think. Feet flat on the floor (legs not crossed). Be sat back in a chair with your back against the back (so not standing up or perched on a stool). Have the arm with the cuff resting on a table or arm of the chair.

And then stay still, no talking either, whilst the machine does its thing.

And then take a second measurement too and use the second one.