How do you take your own bp? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Autumn1 · 05-10-2003, 10:14 AM

My blood pressure reading varies according to
the position of my arm. When sitting at my desk
or a table with my arm resting on the surface and
being supported it is in normal range. When the
doctor takes it,I hold my arm out and try to keep
it up- it is much higher. What is the correct
position of the arm when taking a reading? Resting
on something flat or holding it outlevel in the air?

Marie55 · 05-10-2003, 09:00 PM

Shame on your doctor, he should support your arm while taking BP. When "you" hold your arm up, it causes muscles to be tense causing higher bloodpressure.

You need to sit in a chair, leaning back, relaxed, legs not crossed, for about 10 minutes. Take BP, wait 1-3 minutes repeat, wait again and repeat. Toss out first number and average the last 2. This is called taking BP according to protocol. Doctors do not take time to do things right, in and out and you are gone. This protocol method was given by a hypertension specialist.

Most of the time doctors or nurses take BP as soon as you sit down after walking a long ways from waiting room. BP meds are given based on resting BP.

I use a bloodpressure monitor that is self inflating. This allows me to take bloodpressure according to protocol. Also, I keep a record of BP readings and the doctor uses those to judge how well BP is under control.