question about BP monitoring - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

yugokid · 08-28-2004, 08:43 PM

Hi, i recently had my BP messured at Wal Mart Sit down machine right after work, the first reading was 146/77 second was 132/70 third was 131/67 and last was 111/76 maybe work got my BP way up there?

Rick7799 · 08-29-2004, 12:08 AM

Those machines are notoriously inaccurate. Buy a monitor and take it at home.

zuzu8 · 08-29-2004, 02:52 AM

Yugokid,

I agree with Rick that pharmacy and public BP machines may not be totally reliable, but even if the Wal Mart machine was erring on the "high" side, your #s weren't anything to be alarmed about at all.

My doctor told me that at home when I monitor my own BP, I should throw out the first reading, then average the next two (i.e. take 3 readings in one sitting, 2 minutes apart). Using that protocol, your BP straight after work, in a public place (never the most relaxing place to be!), averaged 131.5/68.5. Very nice considering where you were.

And let's assume you needed more time to truly relax, and we average your last two readings...you get a gorgeous 121/71.5.

As Rick said though, it's always best to invest in a good home monitor.

zuzu xxx

jtu91952 · 08-29-2004, 08:07 AM

When i use the machine at wal mart and then go to the dr, it is almost the same. I only use the public machines to get an inkling of what to expect. I now have my own machine and still get the same readings.