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How To Take Accurate BP Reading?
Question: Had BP checked at Doctors office. First with the machine reading was 150/100. Then the Doctor checke itmanually and it was 138/80 Manual reading more accurate?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern and would explain that your symptoms could be related to " White Coat Syndrome " which is related to the anxiety when consulting with the doctor.
The manual measurement is of course much more accurate.
Anyway, I recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure values frequently during the day during the next week ( in sitting position after 10minutes of total relax)and take note of all the values.
If your blood pressure values are within the normal ranges most of the time, there is no need for any changes to your therapy.
If your blood pressure values are above the normal ranges (130/85mHg ) most of the time, you should discuss with your doctor on the possible treatment options ( add an antihypertensive drug, etc.).
In the meantime, I would recommend reducing salt and caffeine intake.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern and would explain that your symptoms could be related to " White Coat Syndrome " which is related to the anxiety when consulting with the doctor.
The manual measurement is of course much more accurate.
Anyway, I recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure values frequently during the day during the next week ( in sitting position after 10minutes of total relax)and take note of all the values.
If your blood pressure values are within the normal ranges most of the time, there is no need for any changes to your therapy.
If your blood pressure values are above the normal ranges (130/85mHg ) most of the time, you should discuss with your doctor on the possible treatment options ( add an antihypertensive drug, etc.).
In the meantime, I would recommend reducing salt and caffeine intake.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
So I should go by the XXXXXXX measurement and disregard the reading that was done with the machine?I am already taking Metropolol 75 mg.
Brief Answer:
Manual measurement is more reliable.
Detailed Answer:
Yes, the manual measurement of blood pressure values are much more reliable compared to the machine measurement.
I would recommend monitoring your blood pressure values for a week and then discuss again with your doctor in case your blood pressure values are above the normal ranges most of the time.
Hope to have been helpful!
I remain at your disposal in case of further questions whenever you need!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Manual measurement is more reliable.
Detailed Answer:
Yes, the manual measurement of blood pressure values are much more reliable compared to the machine measurement.
I would recommend monitoring your blood pressure values for a week and then discuss again with your doctor in case your blood pressure values are above the normal ranges most of the time.
Hope to have been helpful!
I remain at your disposal in case of further questions whenever you need!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I get nervous monitoring my own blood pressureWhich makes it go up obviously, so the doctor told me not to take it at home I see the doctor again in three months. why is there such a difference in BP between the machine, and the doctors reading?
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would like to explain that when we are anxious the blood pressure values tend to fluctuate.
In general there should not be such big difference between manual measurement and machine blood pressure. Maybe it is a machine problem ( or low battery supply).
I think that these fluctuations could also be related to anxiety.
Anyway, I would recommend using a machine and measure your blood pressure time after time. You will get used to it with time and your anxiety will disappear.
But, I don't think that it is a good idea to monitor your blood pressure values once in three months, because you may neglect high blood pressure and if present it should be treated properly.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would like to explain that when we are anxious the blood pressure values tend to fluctuate.
In general there should not be such big difference between manual measurement and machine blood pressure. Maybe it is a machine problem ( or low battery supply).
I think that these fluctuations could also be related to anxiety.
Anyway, I would recommend using a machine and measure your blood pressure time after time. You will get used to it with time and your anxiety will disappear.
But, I don't think that it is a good idea to monitor your blood pressure values once in three months, because you may neglect high blood pressure and if present it should be treated properly.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would like to explain that when we are anxious the blood pressure values tend to fluctuate.
In general there should not be such big difference between manual measurement and machine blood pressure. Maybe it is a machine problem ( or low battery supply).
I think that these fluctuations could also be related to anxiety.
Anyway, I would recommend using a machine and measure your blood pressure time after time. You will get used to it with time and your anxiety will disappear.
But, I don't think that it is a good idea to monitor your blood pressure values once in three months, because you may neglect high blood pressure and if present it should be treated properly.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would like to explain that when we are anxious the blood pressure values tend to fluctuate.
In general there should not be such big difference between manual measurement and machine blood pressure. Maybe it is a machine problem ( or low battery supply).
I think that these fluctuations could also be related to anxiety.
Anyway, I would recommend using a machine and measure your blood pressure time after time. You will get used to it with time and your anxiety will disappear.
But, I don't think that it is a good idea to monitor your blood pressure values once in three months, because you may neglect high blood pressure and if present it should be treated properly.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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