Measuring blood pressure at home

[theguyfromanotherforum]

So.... in an effort to control my Asthma I started eating a bit better and exercising.

My asthma is still crap, but I noticed my blood pressure went down from the average of 140-150 to 127-140.... or so I thought until I read that....

.....blood pressure should be taken using both arms. So I did that and sure enough my blood pressure in the right arm is 150 usually 15-20 points higher than the left arm.

Then I read some more and it says you should always take blood with the arm that gives a higher reading.... in my case a right arm which is my dominant arm.

If that is the case why is everyone in the hospital taking blood pressure using your left arm?

Should I be concerned? I am really trying to avoid meds.

[brewsterbudgen]

I self check every week or so. I just use a different arm each time but record which one I used. Looking back at my records there doesn't seem to be any pattern whereby the Right or Left is consistently higher.

My average is around 140/85. Seems borderline and makes we wonder whether I should be on meds.

[h90]

I don't trust these electronic gadgets, much.....

[theguyfromanotherforum]

Yeah... me too.... then again internets say they are extremely accurate.

[White Christmas13]

I had high blood pressure (or I thought I had ) my blood pressure was always high when I checked at home

So I talked to the doctor and asked him some question ( which arm and when and how many times and so on)

The answer was ,it does not matter what arm you check, don't have coffee or smoke one hour before,

if the reading is to high relax, wait about 20 minutes and check again. I followed his advice and my reading

seems to be normal for my age now

But then again I am not a doctor, please consult a good doctor for advice

[lopburi3]

As said relax for at least five minutes sitting before you take the reading - and take a few at different times. I always use the same left arm - but have had hospital take using my right arm on occasion and not different. Perhaps the major change between arms was position of band causing different reading rather than a real difference?

[ProThaiExpat]

When you take your own pressure, try to rest your arm so it is level with your shoulder or your heart. Also to avoid any anxiety affecting your pressure, if your pressure reads a bit high, wait a minute and take it again. Only after three readings, can you rest assured you have a good idea of what your true pressure is. Lopburi3 is quite correct, blood pressure standards are based on "resting" readings.

[CaptHaddock]

Don't eat or drink caffeinated beverages for an hour before reading. You should be awake and out of bed for at least an hour.

Sit in a chair that supports your back with both feet flat on the floor. Wait for five minutes before taking reading. Arm being used must be supported at the level of the heart. I use a pillow on top of the desk to raise my arm to the right level. Start the machine. Do not speak during the test.

Omron machines, which are widely available here, have been highly rated by US Consumer Reports. I once took mine to the doctor's office and checked the results against his mercury sphygmamometer. Results were very close. Make sure that the cuff size fits you. The latest Omrons have a one-size-fits-all cuff.

Best to take readings at the same time every day and keep a record of them. In the reading I have done, I haven't seen a recommendation on which arm to use or to use both. I use my left arm.

Losing weight is perhaps the best way to lower blood pressure. Even ten pounds can make a difference. I used to take meds to control my BP. Then I lost more than 40 pounds and stopped the meds. My latest reading was 116/68.

[Aforek]

My average is around 140/85. Seems borderline and makes we wonder whether I should be on meds.

I am not a doctor but for me you should avoid meds as much as possible ; 140/85 is not so much, do exercise (like me ) every day instead

Omron machines, which are widely available here, have been highly rated by US Consumer Reports. I once took mine to the doctor's office and checked the results against his mercury sphygmamometer. Results were very close. Make sure that the cuff size fits you. The latest Omrons have a one-size-fits-all cuff.

My latest reading was 116/68.

I have also an Omron machine and I take my BP every month : in three days, my average is 135/80 , but sometimes , the first test I have more than 150 ( 5 minutes after wake up ) and 3 minutes later, a second test gives 125/50, so sometimes I wonder if Omron is reliable because a such difference in 3 minutes seems abnormal to me

116/68 is very low : do you think it's a good thing ? : hypo tension is dangerous, too

[Tywais]

It is important to measure pressure in both arms as large differential can be indicative of problems. Quite a few recent studies reflect this requirement. When I see the doctor they always do both arms. Seems Europe adopted the requirement for both arms but the US has not standardized it for such.

Blood pressure 'should be measured in both arms'

Measuring blood pressure in both arms should be routine because the difference between left and right arm could indicate underlying health problems, says a study review.

The Lancet research found that a large difference could mean an increased risk of vascular disease and death.

Although existing guidelines state that blood pressure should be measured in both arms, it is not often done.

But a heart charity said it was too early to judge the findings.

The arm with the higher pressure can vary between individuals, but it is the difference between arms that counts, the study suggests.

More here - bbc

Jan. 30, 2012 -- Differences in blood pressure readings taken from the left and right arms may be a sign of heart and blood vessel disease and death risk, according to a new review of recent research.

Researchers found that a difference of 15 points or more in the readings between the left and right arms raised the risk of peripheral vascular disease, a narrowing or blockage of the arteries, by two-and-a-half times.

That same 15 point-difference in systolic readings (the top number in a blood pressure reading) also increased the risk of cerebrovascular disease by 60%. Cerebrovascular disease is associated with thinking problems, such as dementia, and an increased risk of stroke.

WebMed

[CaptHaddock]

My average is around 140/85. Seems borderline and makes we wonder whether I should be on meds.

I am not a doctor but for me you should avoid meds as much as possible ; 140/85 is not so much, do exercise (like me ) every day instead

Omron machines, which are widely available here, have been highly rated by US Consumer Reports. I once took mine to the doctor's office and checked the results against his mercury sphygmamometer. Results were very close. Make sure that the cuff size fits you. The latest Omrons have a one-size-fits-all cuff.

My latest reading was 116/68.

I have also an Omron machine and I take my BP every month : in three days, my average is 135/80 , but sometimes , the first test I have more than 150 ( 5 minutes after wake up ) and 3 minutes later, a second test gives 125/50, so sometimes I wonder if Omron is reliable because a such difference in 3 minutes seems abnormal to me

116/68 is very low : do you think it's a good thing ? : hypo tension is dangerous, too

Don't be ridiculous. 116/68 is not "very low." Indeed, a systolic value of 116 is at the high end of normal while the diastolic value is well within the normal range. Hypotension values are those below 90 systolic or below 60 diastolic. At least, according to the Mayo Clinic:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/basics/definition/CON-20032298

Learn how to take your BP readings correctly. It takes more than pushing a button. For example, you might read the book, "High Blood Pressure for Dummies" by Alan Rubin. You clearly lack knowledge of what constitutes "abnormal" with respect to BP.

[Aforek]

You are lucky to have a low tension, but don't be too sure; in some countries hypo tension is considered lower than 110/70 , but if you have no symptom of weakness , no worry, it's not a disease

because I know you can read French, read here http://www.tensoval.fr/Hypotension.php

Edited November 4, 2014 by Aforek

[tartempion]

I spend 5 months in Thailand followed by one month in Europe.

I usually check my blood pressure 2x/day, sometimes forget about blood pressure for 1 week and then check 4x/day...

Anyway, results are my blood pressure is lower when living in Thailand, lowest I get is around 100/70, mostly under 120/80, sometimes 140/110.

When in Europe I never get the low 100/70, climate must be the factor.

[Aussieroaming]

I measured mine on both arms..both the same result. I'm sitting around 125/55 though the right arm was slightly lower, but only by 4 units.