Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Accurate Blood Pressure Readings Be Taken?

I went to the doctor recently and the nurse took it and got 170/80, later the doctor took it and got 150/80, but whenever I do it anywhere else I never get a reading that high, usually it ranges from 124/80 to 135/80 how do i know which reading is right? The same day that next day after I left the doctors office I stopped at a supermarket to use one of thier bp machines and the reading came out to 132/80 and two days later I passed by again it was 124/80...this has me very confused.
Wed, 18 Jan 2017
Report Abuse
Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Difference in BP at home and at hospitals are a very common finding. It occurs because of the anxiety that follows when you go to a health care facility. Still, correct BP measurement is considered when a person is calm and relaxed.

It has to be taken in sitting position with level of machine at heart level (means that the BP machine should be at the level of your chest). If the home BP & BP in relaxed state is fine, we generally consider it to be the true reading.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thanks,
Dr Sameer Maheshwari
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Accurate Blood Pressure Readings Be Taken?

Hi, Difference in BP at home and at hospitals are a very common finding. It occurs because of the anxiety that follows when you go to a health care facility. Still, correct BP measurement is considered when a person is calm and relaxed. It has to be taken in sitting position with level of machine at heart level (means that the BP machine should be at the level of your chest). If the home BP & BP in relaxed state is fine, we generally consider it to be the true reading. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Thanks, Dr Sameer Maheshwari