Question about blood pressure: Is this possible? Arrythmia feature?

Question

Is it possible to have a diastolic BP of 20? as in 110/20?
Also, on my electronic BP measurment machine it has a feature known as "arrythmia checking". Anyone know of this as acurate? How is it tested?

Answer 1

Your machine gave you a bad reading. It is possible to have a diastolic pressure of 20, but to have a systolic pressure of 110 and a diastolic of 20 is highly unlikely. Electronic BP machines, especially non-professional models are notorious for being inaccurate.

"Arrhythmia checking" on an electronic BP cuff just feels for your pulse while it is inflated; if your pulse is irregular, it tells you that you have an arrhythmia. You can do the same thing by feeling your own pulse.

This feature is somewhat accurate, however, it is possible to have an irregular heart rhythm and not have a problem. A lot of people have what is called Sinus Arrhythmia, which is benign.

Answer 2

I've had a diastolic of 44, (80/44) but never as low as 20. Wow!!

That sounds extremely low, especially for a male.
However, if you find yourself feeling dizzy when you stand...have trouble staying awake during the day...and you are cold in 70 degree rooms, perhaps it's accurate.

I'd go to a pharmacy where they have a BP machine and re-test it at several places.

Answer 3

It is not possible to have a diastolic BP of 20. There is something wrong with your BP measurement machine. You will know if you have arrhthmia. It is very apparent when you do.

Answer 4

If your blood pressure is only slightly elevated (less than 139/89), then you can probably bring it down by eating a healthy diet and exercise. If it is higher than that, diet and exercise alone are probably not enough and you will need some blood pressure medicine. High blood pressure can lead to some very nasty problems, such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. I treat people with these problems all the time. Trust me, it is so much better to just take a blood pressure pill and watch what you eat than to try to get back your function after a bad stroke or heart attack. Ask your doctor what you can do to help lower your blood pressure.

Answer 5

I've never seen a blood pressure with a diastolic in the 20's and had it be normal - those are usually very, very, sick people. Obviously, you're doing okay, because you're sitting and typing that question. I'd be worried your machine isn't working.

As for the arrhythmia - the cuff is probably also just tracking your heart beat - if its beating inconsistently, it will probably generically call that an arrhythmia, but without actually getting an EKG there is no way to know what kind of arrhythmia you might be having.

Answer 6

no, that's not accurate, you wouldn't be conscious if your diastolic blood pressure was that low

take it again--home machines are notoriously bad at BP's

and the home arrythmia detectors are okay, they only check for a handful of things really, of the dozens and dozens of arrythmias you can develop, so don't put too much weight in them

Answer 7

You can call your doctor and ask if the nurse can check your BP for you (at no charge and no appointment) and take your unit with you. She can check it for you. I am told that squad units will do the same. I think it is your BP cuff or monitor not working properly. I had the same problem. Had to go out and buy another. (Maybe they can be adjusted, don't know)

Answer 8

yes 20 is quite low, arrythmia is checked because a normal bp has a very regular beat, arrythmia is an irregular beat.

Answer 9

it is possible to get a diastolic pressure of 0 i had that once or twice. its not healthy but i just sais wow and that was the end of it. but if you feel concerned, call a doctor.

Answer 10

Possible yes, good for you NO!!!

Check it with another BP, you can go to your local rescue dept or with your doctor.