Question 1

are the blood pressure monitors at grocery/pharmacy stores accurate?

Accepted Answer

BP at the Grocery: Blood pressure monitors need to be calibrated periodically, especially if they get a lot of use.   They should be accurate.  If you have a concern that it might not be, ask when it was last calibrated or have it checked manually.  You could try checking it at more than one store and see if the readings are similar, too.  If not, one of the machines is likely wrong.

Question 2

how accurate are those public blood pressure monitors and can readings be taken with  a shirt or jacket on?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on the size of your arm and if the machine is calibrated. It is going to be the most accurate if your arm’s diameter is “average” size. Small arms will read a little low, and big arms will read a little higher. It won’t read through a jacket, but a thin shirt is OK. It’s also important to sit 5 min before checking, and not be talking or texting etc when the machine is reading your BP.

Question 3

is the irregular heartbeat reading on home blood pressure monitors worrisome? it showed up when i coughed and then went away after a second try.

Accepted Answer

Blood  pressure : Coughing can cause a transient rise of blood pressure

Question 4

have 2 blood pressure monitors.been taking bp regularly for months.both register pretty much same.when doc takes it it's always way higher.confused!

Accepted Answer

White coat htn: Is common and is NOT benign.  Long term out comes of pts with whitecoat htn are not as good as pts with normal bp justifying the basis for medical treatment. Having said that. Its important to check your machine against docs machine and keep a home journal. Daily morning readings to use as basis for medical therapy if needed.  Ambulatory home bp readings are standard of care nowadays.

Question 5

i wanted to know is blood pressure the pressure in the blood or the pressure in the cuff?

Accepted Answer

Neither: It's pressure in the arteries - the cuff is an indirect measurement. (a direct measurement requires placing a gauge directly into the artery).

Question 6

what does it mean if an automatic blood pressure cuff will not register your blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Buy a new one: Most of the time that is because the cuff is not working properly. If your blood pressure were to low for it to register, you probably would not be around to know that. I would replace the batteries and if it still does not register, try taking someone elses blood pressure with it.

Question 7

tomorrow, i am going in for the results of my blood test. always turns out well enough. will i definitely have that darn blood pressure cuff put on?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Its up to your doctor. If you have a history of hypertension, then chances are good you will have your pressure taken. If you pressure is normal then he may just discuss the results with you.

Question 8

i check my bp using a manual cuff a few times a day and it fluctuates a lot. anywhere from 124/79 to 160/90  at random times. what could cause blood pressure to fluctuate so much other than anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Labile bp: Minor fluctuations  in blood pressure on the same day are common, but pronounced fluctuations can be caused by stress and anxiety such as focussing intensely or worrying about your bp excessively. Temperature changes can also affect bp.

Question 9

what is the normal reading for blood pressure on a personal bp cuff?

Accepted Answer

Normal For You: An "average" blood pressure is 120/80 which means 120 mm mercury systolic (full heart pump) and 80 mm mercury diastolic (heart at rest between beats).  Many other factors enter into the number which makes it higher or lower, but normal for you.  Example:  athletes BP is usually lower, the elderly have higher bp's but both are prefectly fine.  Find what is normal for you.  Extremes are bad.

Question 10

what is the proper position for a blood pressure cuff?

Accepted Answer

BP cuff: Most often a blood pressure cuff is placed above the elbow on the upper extremity so that the pulse at the elbow can be heard.  However,  blood pressure can be taken in any extremity.

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Doctor answers about:

Blood pressure monitor without cuff

A member asked:

Are the blood pressure monitors at grocery/pharmacy stores accurate?

A member asked:

How accurate are those public blood pressure monitors and can readings be taken with a shirt or jacket on?

A member asked:

Is the irregular heartbeat reading on home blood pressure monitors worrisome? it showed up when i coughed and then went away after a second try.

A member asked:

Have 2 blood pressure monitors.been taking bp regularly for months.both register pretty much same.when doc takes it it's always way higher.confused!

A member asked:

I wanted to know is blood pressure the pressure in the blood or the pressure in the cuff?

A member asked:

What does it mean if an automatic blood pressure cuff will not register your blood pressure?

A member asked:

Tomorrow, i am going in for the results of my blood test. always turns out well enough. will i definitely have that darn blood pressure cuff put on?

A member asked:

I check my bp using a manual cuff a few times a day and it fluctuates a lot. anywhere from 124/79 to 160/90 at random times. what could cause blood pressure to fluctuate so much other than anxiety?

A member asked:

What is the normal reading for blood pressure on a personal bp cuff?

A member asked:

What is the proper position for a blood pressure cuff?

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