Home Blood Pressure Monitor/BP interpretation question?!
Question: I have recently (4 days ago) begun medication for postpartum hypertension. I have a home automatic blood pressure machine. The last several times I have taken it, I took it twice in a row, and got different numbers from the first time, BUT the second number is pretty consistent. My numbers have been
:
1. 119/99, then 123/83 (Yesterday morning)
2. 136/90, then 123/83 (Yesterday afternoon)
3. 130/96, then 123/86 (Yesterday evening)
4. 130/89, then 121/90, then 116/81 (This morning)
So do I pay attention more to the first, or subsequent readings?
The two trials are just a few minutes apart.
Thanks!
Answers: I have recently (4 days ago) begun medication for postpartum hypertension. I have a home automatic blood pressure machine. The last several times I have taken it, I took it twice in a row, and got different numbers from the first time, BUT the second number is pretty consistent. My numbers have been
:
1. 119/99, then 123/83 (Yesterday morning)
2. 136/90, then 123/83 (Yesterday afternoon)
3. 130/96, then 123/86 (Yesterday evening)
4. 130/89, then 121/90, then 116/81 (This morning)
So do I pay attention more to the first, or subsequent readings?
The two trials are just a few minutes apart.
Thanks!
Well, let's make sure we're doing this right. First off, a machine is not accurate as the regular ones that doctors use. So, to minimize error, I recommend you do it 3 times and get the average. Also keep your arm out perpendicular to your body. Remember how old movie zombies look like with their arms out? That arm position. That height is optimal for reading blood pressure. And make sure you always use the left arm, it's a little more accurate.