Can too many readings in a row affect BP? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

junior26 · 08-23-2004, 07:55 AM

Hi!

I have anxiety related hypertension. When I take it at home, the first reading is usually around 150/95.

So, I usually take it about 20 times in a row. I usually wait a minute or so while the machine automatically shuts off, and then I take my pressure again. Even though I don't wait nearly as long as they say to wait, I raise my arm above my head between each reading. I have read that this is sufficient.

My numbers were something like...

Left arm...

155/95
140/90
142/85
140/90
137/87
135/80
130/79
135/85
136/82
136/81
137/83
134/82

Right arm...

155/92
150/90
148/87

Can I trust those numbers on my left arm? When I switch arms, it goes back to being high, but I think it's because I'm anticipating it will be high. I noticed that my pulse pressure is not that great. Do you think that's the anxiety still affecting the systolic?

Anyhow, after 13 years of asking myself "Do I have hypertension or not?", I'm quite pleased to see my numbers in the normal category. My only concern is, did I take my BP too many times in a row? Or can I trust those numbers?

Thanks.

Rick7799 · 08-23-2004, 02:34 PM

I don't think you are giving yourself enough time between readings. One time I took one reading after another just to see what happens. They got lower and lower just like yours. You have to give the arteries a chance to get the blood flowing normal again. You should wait about 5 minutes between readings.

If you have that much of a problem with anxiety, you should not take it that often. It just tends to make it go up. I know because I used to do the same thing. My internist told me to take it once every other day. Since I stared doing that my readings have been much better.

Tamsin · 08-23-2004, 03:27 PM

Hi There,

I'm sorry, I don't understand. What do you mean your numbers are "normal"? I thought the latest standard for normal is 120/80. Or maybe that's just "optimal".

Can someone clear this up for me?

zuzu8 · 08-24-2004, 02:19 AM

Hi TAMSIN-

I agree with you that there's a lot of confusion about the new guidelines for hypertension. And not just for the patients but also for our physicians.

As you know, the new criteria (in the U.S.) comes from the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC).

JNC reports have been published at regular intervals for more than 30 years. The latest report is called JNC 7.

The aim of the new definition of pre-hypertension (BP 120-139/80-89 mmHg) is to make us AND our doctors more proactive regarding lifestyle changes when we fall into that category.

Blood pressure lower than 120/80 is considered "optimal".
The report is advising doctors to tell patients who fall into the "pre-hypertension" range who don't have damage to the heart or kidneys to make needed lifestyle changes only.

JUNIOR- your systolic BP even at home in a relaxed environment is on the high side, especially given your age, and I know you mentioned in a few other posts that you are rather "inactive". Regular exercise will do your BP a world of good! No kidding!

zuzu xx

healthgoods · 08-24-2004, 02:25 AM

wow answered on of my questions =0