Question about blood pressure machines?

Question

When I checked my blood pressure on a machine at Wal-mart my systolic (top number) was very high at around 151 to 154 and my bottom number was around 80. I took it on the machine 3 times and it dropped each time. This bothered me as I was exremeley nervous when I took it so I went to my grandmotrhers and she and I both checked it manually and the top number was 130 to 134. Could the machine be that far off? Is manual the better way to go when checking blood pressure?

Answer 1

Regarding BP and automated BP machines:
1. The cuff size may be too large/too small for you, resulting in an inaccurate reading. Most BP machines have standard adult cuffs.
2. If you do not position your arm correctly (with the artery over the "sensor"), the result will be inaccurate.
3. Automated BP machines usually have a sign saying "this information is not intended for diagnostic purposes; see your physician...." or similar wording.
4. Blood pressure can vary as much as 20mm Hg (top and bottom) in less than a minute.
5. "Normal" blood pressure varies greatly among individuals under 18. Normal blood pressure in adolescents (I am assuming you are under 18!) is often calculated by age and height. For a highly technical table of this, see http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/child_tbl.pdf.
6. Hypertension in adults is generally defined as systolic (top number) over 140 or diastolic (bottom number) over 90. Prehypertensive BP is considered 121-139/81-89. However, BP readings in this range for one day does NOT make you at risk for hypertension. BP must be consistently in this range for a period of time for you to be considered hypertensive.

Bottom line? You probably have no cause for worry. (Worrying, by the way, raises your blood pressure!) If you have other health problems, such as being overweight, kidney disease, or diabetes, or if you are on medications, you might want to talk to your physician if you feel you have high blood pressure.

Answer 2

Not accurate like the ones at the doctor or the old fashined way. Yes those machines do need to be calibrated and they often break down from kids using them so much. Also take into consideration that hard seat you sit on, outside noise that doesn't allow you to relax, etc. I wouldn't hold much stock in the store ones. Either go to the doctor to get a true number or stick with your home machine. If you feel you may be having problems any problems with your blood pressure don't fool around with it. That can be really dangerous. Hope this helps

Answer 3

3 years ago, I was diagnosed - hypertension with a reading of 160/100. I used to feel dizzy a lot, my legs had awful cramps, and levels were very low in my potassium, causing my fingers and toes to always cramp together. One day I started to feel really faint while I was driving with my daughter in the back seat and I passed out, hitting 3 cars and ending up in a ditch. That moment,I knew I had to do something because my meds weren't working. I heard about this diet from a friend and thought I'd give it a shot. The results have been remarkable. In just 21 days, I honestly can't remember feeling this good, my blood pressure went from 175/110 to 125/70.

Answer 4

I personally believe that the purchase of a digital home blood pressure cuff is a great investment. A good device, with appropriately sized cuff, can be had for around $50 (ask your pharmacist for a recommendation). If you take your BP in the morning, before the stresses, medications, drugs, etc. of daily life are added, it is often quite stable. Take it while sitting in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Wait to rest for a few minutes first.

If you are concerned with the accuracy of your home unit, take it with you to the doctor's office to compare with their readings. (My doctor's office actually uses a unit very similar to what I see in the drug stores.)

After a few days of readings, you can get a sense of your baseline BP. If systolic stays up around 130, you might want to consider some of the simple things you can do to keep it down. Limiting sodium intake (really easy), losing weight, quitting smoking, increasing potassium intake, etc. all may help. (There is a list about a mile long...)

Answer 5

manual is always the better way to go, those machines at the drug stores are notorious for not being accurate. By the way, a blood pressure of 130 or greater is still diagnosed at hypertension.

Answer 6

This could happen for many reasons... Maybe the machine needed to be serviced, or maybe the cuff was too large, too small who knows. Most hospitals use digital machines now so I don't think the machine results differ too much from the manual results.

Answer 7

The best way to measure your blood pressure is at the doctor's office.

When you are at WalMart, you are out in the open and distracted with lots of people. And you are also in a cramped position. As you saw, the blood pressure dropped as you measured it... possibly because you were getting less anxious.

Answer 8

Manual is always better. All electronics can be inaccurate. Whenever I have to call the doctor for one of my patients, he specifically wants manual blood pressure & heart rate.

Answer 9

The machines at stores are usually way off. they are not calibrated on a regular basis. You are better off going to a doctor and getting a base line when you get your annual physical.

Answer 10

You should read "The Blood Pressure Solution" (also available in electronic format, watch the video presentation here: http://www.fixbloodpressure.com ) It's a very comprehensive step-by-step book that walks you through the natural remedies of high blood pressure. It provides you with a lot of information on what foods to eat, how you can acquire and prepare these foods, how you can change your lifestyle for the better, how to eliminate the toxins from your body, how to reduce stress, how you can check your blood pressure level the correct way etc.

The book is amazing in that it not only lowers your blood pressure without the help of medications; it also aids you in having a life that is healthy, happier, and less stressful. This book chanced my life.