Frequently we receive comments about differences in blood pressure readings as they pertain to what type of cuff is used and other variables.
Today’s article looks over some of those pitfalls and offers some options for making sure you are getting the right reading.
Many of our readers have commented that the electronic cuffs are not accurate and the only way to get a true reading is to use the old mercury-based device with a hand pump.
This might be true…in some scenarios. It is true that different blood pressure devices will give different readings, so finding the right one for your personal situation is key.
Traditionally, the old pressure-reading devices that use a thin tube of mercury to indicate pressure are the most accurate, but they are also the most expensive and difficult to use.
However, they are also the only ones that work for people who are clinically morbidly obese, severely underweight, very frail, or have other mitigating factors making the electronic devices unusable.
The newer electronic versions solve several problems. They are portable, inexpensive, easy to find, and obviously cater to the growing need for humans to have instant, electronic gratification.
Both devices fail as well. Unless you are having your device- no matter which kind- calibrated and checked regularly (or simply replaced), there is no guarantee that you are even getting an accurate reading at all.
One thing is worth making very clear, though…if you are at the doctor’s office and you KNOW a certain kind of cuff isn’t going to give the right reading, mention it. Don’t just casually say, “Oh those electronic cuffs never work for me.” You really need to advocate for yourself and (calmly) insist that a mercury-based cuff is used if that’s what your situation is.
Eliminate the trips to the clinic to check pressure by eliminating high blood pressure using our simple exercises here…
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As noted blood pressure is a personal thing and there are many choices to make that fit your body better. Small Cuff or Large Cuff are very important choices. If you have just arrived at the Dr.’s office you need time to settle down. This can be accomplished by doing some non rapid deep breathing for at least 5 or 10 minutes. Something I just learned is to hold your arm level with your heart. This is accomplished by holding your arm straight (90 degrees) from your torso. I use a pillow under my arm to get right position. My Cardiologist recommended the brand Life Source for the portable blood pressure monitor. I just purchased one and so far I really like it. I have not had much luck with other models and have owned quite a few. As you can see many things effect the outcome of blood pressure readings. Good luck and I hope this comment helps people make more informed decisions about their blood pressure. One thing for certain is it is better to know what your blood pressure is, than not.
Blood pressure also changes…at different times of the day, after certain foods and medication, when you’re very hot, stressed and after exertion. To get a proper reading you need to be relaxed, in a sitting position and with your feet flat on the floor. The cuff should go on the left arm and your arm should be relaxed. So many Drs do not seem to know this. I have had Drs ask me to lean forwards because their blood pressure machine won’t move and then they aim a barrage of questions at me while they’re taking the reading!! There is also a situation known as ‘white coat syndrome’ where a person’s blood pressure rises because they’re not relaxed around Drs. I think it is often best, if your blood pressure is a problem, to invest in a good blood pressure machine and to take your blood pressure at several times of the day and for several days. Most Drs are very interested in the this information.
“most” Drs (may) be interested in home readings… but my experience has been that my Dr will only believe his readings and they are always a long way above my multiple daily routine home readings. But that in its self is not a problem. The problem is that he insists on over medicating me because he has accomplished these ridiculously high readings in his office. And worse yet he gets angry when I refuse to be over medicated.
I am at a point where I am about to ask that he do not take my BP as he is building a patient file on me that is false and could be detrimental to me in certain future situations.
I have always felt that Blood Pressures recorded at Doctors` surgeries not accurate and can cause patients anxiety together with some who suffer from the White-coat Syndrome. The old manual ones using mercury syphmomanometers are definitely more accurate but requires more effort to use than the electronic ones.
Thank you for doing the report on blood pressure measurement. I certainly agree with the report and the comments and the fact that your medical record could end up containing incorrect information.
I like Blue Heron Health News.
I noticed one important issue with mercury units no one mentioned. The pressure readings on the mercury units require a person to watch carefully to get the correct reading. If they are the slightest bit distracted, they will not give an accurate reading. If the nurse or doctor is thinking about their impending divorce,for example, do you actually believe thay are paying enough attention to the mercury collumn? Probably not.
Recently my Dr. took my Blood Pressure 156/86. I relaxed and took my Blood Pressure 126/36. I took my BP without jacket, cardigan and pulover.ron
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